Therapy Assistant Practitioner

at  Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Therapy services at Dorset County Hospital are developing. We are excited to be developing a range of band 4 roles, within our integrated Inpatient teams. We are committed to providing acute rehabilitation to maximise independence and reduce deconditioning in hospital. Band 4’s will be able to work autonomously for a defined group of patients developing and working through routine therapy treatment plans. These roles will include weekend working.
The therapy assistant will be working in the Acute Respiratory Team, supporting the therapists on the medical, surgical and critical care unit. As a band 4 the therapy assistant will carry their own non-complex case load and will work alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists and apprentices. Dorset County Hospital is committed to the home first programmes so there will be the opportunity to take patients home and follow them up in their own homes.
A full driving licence is required. All therapy staff are expected to contribute to weekend working rotas within the department.
To be an autonomous practitioner
To determine clinical diagnosis and develop effective treatment plans with the support of relevant senior staff
Once considered competent, to participate in the week-end, bank holiday and extended working rotas where clinically appropriate
Be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through CPD activities and maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development and professional standards.
Participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee and be responsible for complying with agreed personal development plan to meet set competencies.
Be an active member of the In-Service Training Programme by attendance at, and participation in, in-service training programmes, tutorials, individual training sessions, external courses and peer review.
Be responsible for full caseload of patients under direct and indirect supervision of a therapist
Attend Trust mandatory training sessions
To fully participate in weekend working as required by the service
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is a modern District General Hospital with around 350 beds, offering an excellent working environment.
The Therapy department is committed to developing non registered staff, with opportunities for apprenticeships to become registered members of staff.
We offer regular
regular inservice trainings
monthly supervision
departmental meetings
opportunities to work with other teams
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff
Our Mission is to provide outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them, and our vision is Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.​
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
The therapy team are cohesive and supportive to each other and to new members of staff. All staff within the therapy team are supported to further develop their knowledge, skills and abilities.
This post is part-time and days and hours of work can be discussed.
If you would like to work in a busy, friendly and supportive environment then this is the post for you!
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Please contact us at Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment.
For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online