Therapy Assistant

We are currently recruiting for a Full Time Therapy Assistant for Clondalkin Lodge, New Road, Clondalkin Village, Dublin 22 D22 R9Y7

Purpose of the Post

The Therapy Assistant works under the direction of the Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist to support therapy services at Clondalkin Lodge. The Therapy Assistant is part of the interdisciplinary team and supports assessment, rehabilitation and ongoing patient care under therapist supervision.

Principal Roles and Responsibilities

• Assist therapists with assessment, rehabilitation and ongoing patient care.


• Support patient participation in transfers, mobility, positioning and prescribed therapeutic exercise programmes.


• Monitor and report patients’ progress, responses and functional abilities to support treatment planning.


• Document therapy interventions and patient activities accurately and promptly in line with standards.


• Prepare, maintain and safely use therapy equipment and treatment areas.


• Participate in team meetings, training and service development while maintaining confidentiality, safety and patient\-centred care.

Eligibility Criteria

Essential:

• Hold a relevant QQI Level 5 health skills qualification, including the Level 5 minor awards in Physiotherapy Assistant Theory and Practice or Occupational Therapy Assistant Theory and Practice.


• Hold a relevant healthcare qualification at QQI Level 5 or higher and undertake to complete the relevant approved QQI Level 5 therapy assistant minor awards within one year of taking up duty.


• Have at least one year’s experience as a Physiotherapy Assistant, Healthcare Assistant, Care Assistant, Attendant, Multi\-Task Attendant or comparable role, and undertake to obtain an appropriate QQI Level 5 healthcare major award, including the relevant therapy assistant minor awards, within one year of taking up post.


• Have completed the relevant QQI Level 5 minor awards in Physiotherapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant or Speech and Language Assistant Theory and Practice, and commit to completing a QQI Level 5 major award within one year of taking up post.


• Hold an equivalent qualification from another jurisdiction.

Candidates must also have the clinical, leadership, managerial and administrative knowledge and ability required to properly discharge the duties of the role and be eligible to work in the State.

Desirable:

• Experience working in a therapy department.


• Experience working with older adults.

Essential Skills, Competencies and Knowledge

• Assist Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists with assessment, treatment and rehabilitation within agreed protocols and supervision.


• Support prescribed rehabilitation programmes including mobility, strengthening, balance, walking and daily living activities, individually and in groups.


• Assist with transfers, positioning, moving and handling to support safe assessment and treatment.


• Carry out and document delegated therapy interventions, including exercise, passive range of motion and mobility activities.


• Observe, monitor and report patients’ progress, abilities and responses, escalating concerns to the supervising therapist as appropriate.


• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential patient records in line with professional, legal and organisational requirements.


• Communicate effectively with patients, families, therapists and the multidisciplinary team to support patient\-centred rehabilitation.


• Promote consent, confidentiality, infection prevention and control, health and safety, and professional practice.


• Participate in meetings, mandatory training, review processes and continuing professional development.


• Knowledge of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy including aids and equipment.


• Ability to assess individual patient needs.


• Competent in maintaining patient records through documentation of contacts/interventions.


• Knowledge of a range of therapeutic methods and techniques used in assessment and intervention.


• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection prevention and control standards.


• Ability to fit adaptive devices and instruct patients, staff and families in their use and care.


• Ability to observe, assess, and record contacts, interventions, and progress.

Communication, Education \& Training

• Recognise the importance of clear communication between the assistant and supervising therapist(s).


• Build therapeutic rapport and communicate in a way that respects patient autonomy and culture.


• Communicate effectively to encourage and motivate patients.


• Use effective verbal and non\-verbal communication with patients who have communication or understanding barriers.


• Document contacts and interventions accurately in the Electronic Health Record as advised by the therapist.


• Share treatment results and recommendations with the therapy team and relevant staff in line with policy.


• Maintain confidentiality when handling client and organisational information.


• Complete mandatory training programmes and participate in staff and team meetings as required.


• Use training and learning opportunities to develop skills and improve care.


• Engage in review processes and personal development planning with the supervising senior therapist.

Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services \& Health and Safety

• Identify, assess, manage and monitor risk within the area of responsibility.


• Demonstrate understanding of infection prevention and control, including hand hygiene, PPE and standard precautions.


• Clean shared therapy equipment and environments safely, recognise signs of infection and report concerns in line with policy.


• Apply safe patient handling, respiratory hygiene, waste management and therapy safety practices.


• Work safely with due care for self and others, applying Health and Safety principles.


• Follow policies, procedures and guidelines in line with legislation, regulations and standards.


• Identify potential hazards and emergency situations and follow local procedures to manage them appropriately.


• Report any adverse incidents or near misses.

Role Requirements

• To be proficient with the Infection, Prevention \& Control and Hand Hygiene policies and procedures and follow protocols.


• Wear enclosed, non\-slip, clean shoes and clean clothing/uniform at all times while on duty.


• Wear minimal make\-up and fragrance. Long hair must be tied back, worn up and/or covered.


• Do not wear jewellery, except for a plain wedding band with no stones.


• Report any illness or symptoms of illness immediately to the line manager to safeguard the health of others.


• Ensure any cuts or broken skin are covered with blue, waterproof dressings.


• Ensure thorough and frequent handwashing.


• Adhere strictly to hygiene requirements before and after using the toilet facilities.

Benefits:

• HSF Health Plan


• Education Support


• Employee Assistant Programme


• Length of Service Reward


• Birthday Reward


• Subsidised Meals


• Bike to Work Scheme

Email hr@bartrahealthcare.ie to request Full Job Description.

Job Type: Full\-time

Pay: From €15\.00 per hour

Education:

• Bachelor's (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• CORU CERTIFICATE (preferred) (required)

Work authorisation:

• Ireland (required)

Work Location: In person

This listing is from Indeed. View original listing ↗