• Job Description

  Req#: C9318-25-0259?language=en&page=445&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  Therapy Support Worker, Band 3 - MSK Outpatients

  We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Therapy Support Worker to join our dynamic MSK Outpatients Team.

  You will support the operational day-to-day running of the MSK Outpatient departments, through non-clinical duties, to enable ongoing high quality service delivery.

  You will also have the opportunity to work with patients, performing clinical duties through implementing delegated treatment programmes, including in group exercise classes and hydrotherapy. This will include facilitating rehabilitation and promoting independence through exercise, physical modalities and the use of occupation.

  The successful applicant will join our integrated therapy team, working alongside experienced Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Senior Therapy Support Workers.

  We are looking for an individual who is motivated with their development, enthusiastic and flexible in their approach to work. The ability to work well with all members of the team is essential. You will need excellent communication skills, be able to work as part of a team and be able to motivate patients.

  You will work across sites at both Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals and may be required to contribute to the therapy weekend working rota.

  Core working hours Monday - Friday, but you will be expected to work within any shifts in operation, which may include weekends and public holidays.

  Main duties of the job

  To support the Therapy service with administrative, clerical, cleaning and housekeeping duties to ensure the seamless provision of care.

  To undertake operational processes to support the Therapy service deliver ongoing and high quality therapy.

  To use the principles of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy in an integrated and client-centred way, to promote independence and facilitate function in the hydrotherapy pool and on dry land. This will be achieved by implementing delegated treatment plans and facilitating rehabilitation within agreed limitations through exercise, including gym-based exercise classes and hydrotherapy, physical modalities and the use of occupation.

  To assess and manage delegated patients with mobility and functional difficulties, reporting back to the registered practitioner as necessary.

  About us

  The Therapy Service provides Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy to inpatients and outpatients at Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals.

  We are an integrated service providing patient centred care. Our mission is to 'enable people to maximise their potential to live well'.

  Date posted

  04 March 2025

  Pay scheme

  Agenda for change

  Band

  Band 3

  Salary

  £24,071 to £25,674 a year pa pro rata

  Contract

  Permanent

  Working pattern

  Full-time

  Reference number

  318-25-T0194

  Job locations

  Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Gloucestershire Royal/Cheltenham General Hospitals))

  Great Western Road

  Gloucester

  GL1 3NN

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  To work as an integral member of the therapy team using the principles of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy in an integrated and client-centred way, referring back for assessment by a registered practitioner when necessary. The post holder will implement assessments and treatment plans to promote independence and function through the use of occupation, exercise including group classes and hydrotherapy and physical modalities, taking into consideration a persons affect and cognition.

  To implement and progress delegated treatment programmes using clinical reasoning skills to include the teaching of patients on functional exercise, the issuing and fitting of equipment and the practice of activities of daily living. It will also include assessing patients in the safe use of mobility aids and equipment, such as safety on the stairs.

  To instruct and motivate patients in accordance with the treatment plan, in order to achieve the goals, monitoring the patients condition at all times. This will take place in water and on dry land. To implement and progress delegated treatment programmes using clinical reasoning skills in order to promote physical / functional independence.

  To undertake specific unaccompanied work, organise own caseload and prioritise activities to meet the needs of patients, comprising patients with predictable and unpredictable conditions. To monitor and report back to the registered practitioner and/or other members of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) regarding progress and changes in the patients condition or deviation in the expected care pathway, to ensure safety, the achievement of agreed goals and planning safe discharge from the service.

  To use verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients/carers. This may include education, motivation, persuasion, and empowerment. This will include patients/carers who may or may not have barriers to communication through cognitive or physical impairment e.g., hearing or visual impairment, confusion and depression.

  To participate in own continuing professional development (CPD), including supervision, appraisal and training to ensure competency, service quality and meet the clinical governance agenda and organisational goals. Actively participates in learning opportunities to maintain knowledge and inform practice. Actively seeks feedback. Records own learning and personal development. Identifies and articulates areas for self-improvement, including through self-reflection and evaluation of practice. Contributes to colleagues learning, for example by giving and receiving feedback and contributing to learning resources for others, such as students.

  To undertake administrative, cleaning and housekeeping tasks, organising own diary to monitor and maintain stock levels of equipment and consumables in the hydrotherapy and MSK outpatient areas, to ensure seamless provision of therapy and to support the Therapy team to deliver ongoing care and rehabilitation of the patient.

  Undertake operational processes within the Therapy service e.g. booking and scheduling patients, answering queries, cancelling and re-booking patients. To assist with the screening of patients appropriate for Hydrotherapy including contraindications, which will assist in the management of waiting lists. Liaise with senior support worker and senior therapists/clinical leads, regarding appointment availability and waiting list management.

  To prepare the clinical area and the patient, for delivery of safe and effective treatments in a clean environment, complying with health and safety, infection control and water safety standards. This will include daily cleaning and monitoring of the hydrotherapy pool area, changing rooms and equipment, cleaning pool scum line, channels and hoovering pool and checking hydrotherapy emergency trolley, for example.

  Knowledge of health and safety issues in relation to staff and patients in the hydrotherapy pool area and community-based exercise classes including: emergency evacuation procedures, working knowledge of pool sampling processes, reporting variations, reporting equipment malfunction and safe principles of group exercise. Is aware of the therapy and hydrotherapy pool environments and how to maintain safety for themselves and others. Reports any incidents, accidents or complaints in a timely manner, taking appropriate action where necessary.

  Recognises an emergency, summons assistance and acts within parameters of own competence and defined role. In settings where a registered practitioner is not present, initiates immediate first aid whilst awaiting the arrival of appropriately qualified practitioners.

  Understands and gains valid consent prior to action or providing care, and records this appropriately. Understands the importance of adhering to codes of practice, clinical procedures, and professional standards. Keeps complete, clear, accurate, legible and timely records, utilising digital platforms as required. Understands role requirement and the importance of accessing, maintaining and storing documentation relating to care, in accordance with local guidance and legal requirements for maintaining confidentiality and data protection.

  To contribute to measuring the treatment outcomes and audit activity related to the service. To use computer systems related to patient care for purposes of recording information and ordering equipment.

  Able to identify ways to promote dignity and is aware of individuals environments and factors that might cause discomfort, particularly in the hydrotherapy pool environment.

  Understands the aims and principles of health promotion, protection and improvement and importance of relevant interventions for individual patients and their families, including making every contact count. Understands the social, cultural and economic influences, individual circumstances, behaviours, and lifestyle choices that impact on health outcomes for patients and their families, including health inequalities.

  Understand principles of behaviour change and interventions to prevent ill health and effectively apply these to practice, recognising the individuals right to privacy and choice. Understands and demonstrates what it means to provide person-centred care, by providing education and resources to support informed decision making, and of respecting individuals decisions. May provide information to service users.

  Able to work collaboratively with a variety of health staff, social care staff, professional staff and others. Understands and demonstrates the principles of team and partnership working to provide a collaborative assessment and treatment approach, reducing repetition of information and providing a seamless pathway of treatment from assessment through to discharge from the service, with appropriate follow up intervention and signposting.

  To participate in the weekend working rota where applicable, following a period of induction, training and assessment.

  To comply with Trust and Departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, clinical equipment competency, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times. This will include demonstrating compliance with the terms of all safeguarding policies and processes relevant to the safeguarding of adults and children in the care of GHNHSFT and to undergo regular mandatory training concerned with safeguarding matters.

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  To work as an integral member of the therapy team using the principles of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy in an integrated and client-centred way, referring back for assessment by a registered practitioner when necessary. The post holder will implement assessments and treatment plans to promote independence and function through the use of occupation, exercise including group classes and hydrotherapy and physical modalities, taking into consideration a persons affect and cognition.

  To implement and progress delegated treatment programmes using clinical reasoning skills to include the teaching of patients on functional exercise, the issuing and fitting of equipment and the practice of activities of daily living. It will also include assessing patients in the safe use of mobility aids and equipment, such as safety on the stairs.

  To instruct and motivate patients in accordance with the treatment plan, in order to achieve the goals, monitoring the patients condition at all times. This will take place in water and on dry land. To implement and progress delegated treatment programmes using clinical reasoning skills in order to promote physical / functional independence.

  To undertake specific unaccompanied work, organise own caseload and prioritise activities to meet the needs of patients, comprising patients with predictable and unpredictable conditions. To monitor and report back to the registered practitioner and/or other members of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) regarding progress and changes in the patients condition or deviation in the expected care pathway, to ensure safety, the achievement of agreed goals and planning safe discharge from the service.

  To use verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients/carers. This may include education, motivation, persuasion, and empowerment. This will include patients/carers who may or may not have barriers to communication through cognitive or physical impairment e.g., hearing or visual impairment, confusion and depression.

  To participate in own continuing professional development (CPD), including supervision, appraisal and training to ensure competency, service quality and meet the clinical governance agenda and organisational goals. Actively participates in learning opportunities to maintain knowledge and inform practice. Actively seeks feedback. Records own learning and personal development. Identifies and articulates areas for self-improvement, including through self-reflection and evaluation of practice. Contributes to colleagues learning, for example by giving and receiving feedback and contributing to learning resources for others, such as students.

  To undertake administrative, cleaning and housekeeping tasks, organising own diary to monitor and maintain stock levels of equipment and consumables in the hydrotherapy and MSK outpatient areas, to ensure seamless provision of therapy and to support the Therapy team to deliver ongoing care and rehabilitation of the patient.

  Undertake operational processes within the Therapy service e.g. booking and scheduling patients, answering queries, cancelling and re-booking patients. To assist with the screening of patients appropriate for Hydrotherapy including contraindications, which will assist in the management of waiting lists. Liaise with senior support worker and senior therapists/clinical leads, regarding appointment availability and waiting list management.

  To prepare the clinical area and the patient, for delivery of safe and effective treatments in a clean environment, complying with health and safety, infection control and water safety standards. This will include daily cleaning and monitoring of the hydrotherapy pool area, changing rooms and equipment, cleaning pool scum line, channels and hoovering pool and checking hydrotherapy emergency trolley, for example.

  Knowledge of health and safety issues in relation to staff and patients in the hydrotherapy pool area and community-based exercise classes including: emergency evacuation procedures, working knowledge of pool sampling processes, reporting variations, reporting equipment malfunction and safe principles of group exercise. Is aware of the therapy and hydrotherapy pool environments and how to maintain safety for themselves and others. Reports any incidents, accidents or complaints in a timely manner, taking appropriate action where necessary.

  Recognises an emergency, summons assistance and acts within parameters of own competence and defined role. In settings where a registered practitioner is not present, initiates immediate first aid whilst awaiting the arrival of appropriately qualified practitioners.

  Understands and gains valid consent prior to action or providing care, and records this appropriately. Understands the importance of adhering to codes of practice, clinical procedures, and professional standards. Keeps complete, clear, accurate, legible and timely records, utilising digital platforms as required. Understands role requirement and the importance of accessing, maintaining and storing documentation relating to care, in accordance with local guidance and legal requirements for maintaining confidentiality and data protection.

  To contribute to measuring the treatment outcomes and audit activity related to the service. To use computer systems related to patient care for purposes of recording information and ordering equipment.

  Able to identify ways to promote dignity and is aware of individuals environments and factors that might cause discomfort, particularly in the hydrotherapy pool environment.

  Understands the aims and principles of health promotion, protection and improvement and importance of relevant interventions for individual patients and their families, including making every contact count. Understands the social, cultural and economic influences, individual circumstances, behaviours, and lifestyle choices that impact on health outcomes for patients and their families, including health inequalities.

  Understand principles of behaviour change and interventions to prevent ill health and effectively apply these to practice, recognising the individuals right to privacy and choice. Understands and demonstrates what it means to provide person-centred care, by providing education and resources to support informed decision making, and of respecting individuals decisions. May provide information to service users.

  Able to work collaboratively with a variety of health staff, social care staff, professional staff and others. Understands and demonstrates the principles of team and partnership working to provide a collaborative assessment and treatment approach, reducing repetition of information and providing a seamless pathway of treatment from assessment through to discharge from the service, with appropriate follow up intervention and signposting.

  To participate in the weekend working rota where applicable, following a period of induction, training and assessment.

  To comply with Trust and Departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, clinical equipment competency, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times. This will include demonstrating compliance with the terms of all safeguarding policies and processes relevant to the safeguarding of adults and children in the care of GHNHSFT and to undergo regular mandatory training concerned with safeguarding matters.

  Person Specification

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • GCSE level C or equivalent for literacy and numeracy
  • NVQ level 3 or equivalent and experience/skills

  Experience

  Desirable

  • Valid UK Driving License
  • Relevant experience as a physiotherapy or occupational therapy support worker or exercise instructor, working in the NHS or other care setting in the UK

  Skills

  Essential

  • Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and non-verbal and written when interacting with staff, patients, relatives and carers
  • Produce accurate and legible documentation of treatments
  • Form professional relationships with clients who may need motivating and encouraging, in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.
  • Work flexibly in response to the changing demands of the service.
  • Manage appropriately in difficult emotional or physical environments e.g. upset patients/relatives and difficult physical environments e.g. hydrotherapy pool
  • Demonstrate an ability to act on own initiative when working independently in challenging environments.
  • Take a responsibility for abiding by Health and Safety policies and regulations and act in accordance with any risk management policies.
  • Excellent organisation skills, time management and prioritisation skills.
  • Able to swim and submerge under the water.
  • Working knowledge of basic software packages e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook.

  Desirable

  • Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning, with self-awareness of own knowledge and learning needs and ability to seek support appropriately.

  Person Specification

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • GCSE level C or equivalent for literacy and numeracy
  • NVQ level 3 or equivalent and experience/skills

  Experience

  Desirable

  • Valid UK Driving License
  • Relevant experience as a physiotherapy or occupational therapy support worker or exercise instructor, working in the NHS or other care setting in the UK

  Skills

  Essential

  • Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and non-verbal and written when interacting with staff, patients, relatives and carers
  • Produce accurate and legible documentation of treatments
  • Form professional relationships with clients who may need motivating and encouraging, in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.
  • Work flexibly in response to the changing demands of the service.
  • Manage appropriately in difficult emotional or physical environments e.g. upset patients/relatives and difficult physical environments e.g. hydrotherapy pool
  • Demonstrate an ability to act on own initiative when working independently in challenging environments.
  • Take a responsibility for abiding by Health and Safety policies and regulations and act in accordance with any risk management policies.
  • Excellent organisation skills, time management and prioritisation skills.
  • Able to swim and submerge under the water.
  • Working knowledge of basic software packages e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook.

  Desirable

  • Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning, with self-awareness of own knowledge and learning needs and ability to seek support appropriately.

  Disclosure and Barring Service Check

  This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Gloucestershire Royal/Cheltenham General Hospitals))

  Great Western Road

  Gloucester

  GL1 3NN

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Gloucestershire Royal/Cheltenham General Hospitals))

  Great Western Road

  Gloucester

  GL1 3NN

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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