Physiotherapy Assistant – Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability

Department: Physiotherapy - Continuing Care Services / Brain Injury Service

Responsible to: Therapy Manager via Line Manager

Salary range:  £23,992 to £25,609 per annum (dependent on experience)
Incremental reviews take place on an annual basis

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

Contract type(s): Permanent

Location: Putney, Southwest London

Benefits:

• Generous Annual Leave entitlement
• Pension scheme
• Free parking & the RHN is situated outside the ULEZ and Congestion Zones
• Blue Light Card and Discounts
• On-site cafeteria
• RHN Wellbeing Programme and EAP service
• RHN Volunteering opportunities

Candidates applying for a role at the Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and Influenza.

Summary of positions and the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability

We are seeking self-motivated individuals with an interest in the treatment of patients with neuro-disability.  The ideal candidates will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, and have relevant experience of working with people with disabilities. Logical problem solving skills and the ability to cope effectively in difficult situations is essential. Good self-organisational and time management skills, together with an understanding of the purpose of care and rehabilitation are key requirements of the role.

Working closely with Physiotherapy and MDT team members, your role will involve assisting within allocated clinical activities and administrative tasks as directed. As a Physiotherapy assistant you may have the opportunity to flexibly work across the different specialist areas of the RHN.

We offer you the opportunity to contribute to the continuing development of our services for individuals with complex disabilities. Self-development is encouraged through supportive teamwork, training opportunities and regular supervision.

Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability (RHN) is one of the oldest independent hospitals and medical charities in the UK. Our vision for the future is that we will be the national centre of excellence for neuro-disability. Our mission is to provide outstanding care and empowering individuals with neuro-disability, enabling them to live their lives to their fullest potential in accordance with their wishes.

We provide person-centred care that focuses on enhancing dignity, independence and quality of life for our patients and residents. Our services span the entire care pathway from post-acute rehabilitation services to end of life care, for people with complex Neuro-disability and their families, underpinned by a strong research and education programme. We are very pleased to have been given an overall rating of ‘Good’ by our regulator, the CQC, in 2021. 

Main Objectives of the Roles

The permanent Physiotherapy Assistant roles will be rotational giving the employee the opportunity to work across our Brain Injury Services and Continuing Care Services.  All roles will involve working as part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as working alongside other services across RHN.

• Demonstrate an awareness of RHN’s objectives and contribute to achieving them appropriately.
• Strive to improve efficiency in all areas of your work.
• To demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with peers and supervisors, to maintain own knowledge base and to identify own areas for development.
• Assist Unit Physiotherapy team and MDT where applicable, to provide specialist therapeutic treatment with allocated patients in variety of mediums and situations.
• Work under the supervision of a qualified physiotherapist or MDT member. 

 

Key Responsibilities

1. Be a full member of the MDT, carrying out activities as trained by the physiotherapists, and other professionals within the team.
2. Assist the physiotherapists to undertake the assessment of patients, and provide the appropriate physical management / treatment of patients.
3. The post holder will work in a therapy area (land based sessions and water based therapy sessions) as directed by the physiotherapist.              
4. To maintain appropriate, accurate and up to date patient records in line with policies and standards in both written and electronic format.
5. Undertake regular health & safety checks of designated area. The post holder will be expected to support the physiotherapy teams by monitoring the equipment available to be used in the therapy areas, reporting any damage, and ensuring equipment is readily available and safe to use.
6. Promote hygiene and infection control through washing and cleaning of equipment, maintaining a tidy and safe area, and managing stocks of linen, etc, and cleaning agents. They will be expected to note shortages of stocks of cleaning agents and order as required.
7. Will undertake unit and departmental administrative tasks to assist in the smooth running of the physiotherapy service.
8. Take responsibility for own timetabling, liaising with the physiotherapy team and relevant MDT members for the designated area ensuring equality of time for all patients.
9. To work collaboratively and assist the wider ward MDT in the delivery of direct care to patients, as directed by the patient’s care plan and behaviour support plan and in support of the patient centred goals. This may include aspects of personal care including toileting, showering and feeding.
10. To incorporate safe manual and therapeutic handling skills within your practice, requesting clarification and teaching where necessary.

 

Qualifications & Knowledge

Essential

• English GCSE or equivalent.
• Basic understanding of communication difficulties in brain injury and stroke and the impact upon the patient.
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Evidence of ability to cope effectively in difficult situations
• Ability to work flexibly and manage time effectively and independently.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with patient, multi-disciplinary team and with other professionals.
• A degree of physical fitness. 
• Competent IT skills.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with adults with a disability either in health, social or educational setting.
• Previous experience as a Physiotherapy or rehabilitation assistant.

Desirable

• Evidence of being able to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams.
• ECDL qualification.
• Attended any relevant training courses for adults with communication disabilities.

 

Interested in applying and hearing from us?

Apply now and please send a cover letter separately to recruitment@rhn.org.uk. Your cover letter should be no more than one page, clearly explaining how you have demonstrated the above skills and responsibilities in your current or previous role(s). Please refer to the job description and person specification or email the Recruitment team to obtain a copy. You can also email recruitment@rhn.org.uk for informal enquiries.

RHN is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer that respects and values the differences of our people to achieve their full potential.