Therapy Assistant – Adult Cancer Therapy Team
The use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it, then they are required to declare this in their supporting statement.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a set of technology that can perform various tasks that typically required human intelligence. Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role.
We recognise that AI tools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants. However, it’s important that examples and responses genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process.AI must not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey.
Further guidance can be found in the NLPSS Applicant Toolkit https://royalfree.pagetiger.com/cuuomnr/1.
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to fair and transparent recruitment and requires applicants to provide accurate information, as misleading details may affect their application or employment and may be verified in line with the Fraud Act 2006.For further information please visit https://royalfree.pagetiger.com/cuuomnr/1.
Job overview
We are looking for a dynamic, organised and enthusiastic Therapy Assistant to work closely alongside our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists on Oncology. You will be expected to work with patients on the ward to optimise their ability to perform activities of daily living and to maximise independence where possible.There are also non-clinical administrative tasks, which include record keeping, data collection and equipment maintenance.
You will be required to write directly into electronic medical notes and so a good standard of written work is essential. Due to the busy nature of the wards, you will also need to be resilient and organised. You will be required to work flexibly alongside qualified therapy staff, delivering treatment & support to patients with a wide variety of conditions and illnesses.
This is a physically demanding job that requires good communication and interpersonal skills, working with patients with life limiting conditions. Successful applicants will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy and the role of a therapy assistant.
Ideally you will have experience working in a therapy, hospital or care environment. No professional qualifications are required, and appropriate instruction and support will be provided to work through Band 3 Therapy Assistant Competencies.
Main duties of the job- Provide both clinical and administrative support to the Allied Health Professional staff within the adult inpatient oncology team;
- Show initiative, motivation and excellent organisational ability working closely with therapy staff to develop administrative support and systems for the therapy team
- Flexible and innovative in their approach to work and provide cover for other Therapy Assistants and Instructors across the service in periods of leave or absence;
- Post-holder will be expected, after appropriate training, to perform manual handling tasks;
- Demonstrate time management & prioritisation skills;
- Required to work with their team on service development and quality assurance projects;
- Participate in 7-day service rota where appropriate;
- Work closely with all members of the Adult Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Team;
- Form close working relationships within the Adult Cancer Therapies Team along with the wider Acute Therapy Service at UCLH;
- Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients, significant others and carers;
- Communicate to the therapists and other members of the multi-professional team changes in the patient's condition, response to intervention and relevant discharge plans
- Work without direct supervision, but under the direction of a qualified staff member, in the performance of specific tasks for an individual or group/class as part of the treatment & rehabilitation program
Working for our organisation
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas.Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.
We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:
- University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
- Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
- University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
- Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
- University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
- University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street
We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women’s health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.
We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.
Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*- UCLH top trust to work at in England - In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England – for the third year in a row.
To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?
Person specification
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential criteria- Broad General Education
- Knowledge of Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy
- NVQ in Health and / or Social Care
- Associate member of CSP/BAOT
Experience
Essential criteria- Previous experience working with the general public
- Previous experience working with a team(s)
- Previous experience of work supporting health or social service professionals in service delivery
- Previous patient handling skills
- Working in community care
- Admin and or clerical experience
- Working as a therapy assistant
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria- Ability to follow oral and written instructions
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions A good command of both written and spoken English
- Demonstrates good communication skills
- Evidence of ability to process information and pass it on accurately
- Ability to work independently with appropriate guidance
- The ability to demonstrate sensitivity and empathetic communication
Personal & people development
Essential criteria- Ability to prioritise /organise own work
- Interest in developing new knowledge and skills
Values
Essential criteria- Demonstrate ability to meet Trust Values of safety, kindness, teamwork and improving
Health, safety and security
Essential criteria- Ability to carry out manual handling practices
Assessment & treatment planning
Essential criteria- Good numerate skills
- Good computer and keyboard skills
- Experience with ADL and mobility equipment
Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria- Demonstratable understanding of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and/or Knowledge of the NHS obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duties
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria- A flexible approach to service delivery and needs
- Ability to work as a member of a team
- Ability to work flexibly
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria- Physically fit and able to comply with UCLH Trust manual handling guidelines
- Ability to participate in 7-day services as necessary.
- Ability to work at moderate to high levels of physical activity involving the delivery of manual therapy, therapeutic handling and the demonstration of exercise
- Ability to work effectively in a stressful and busy environment at intense levels of concentration during most of the working day
At UCLH, we have a real ‘One Team’ ethos, and our values – safety, kindness, teamwork and improving, are central to the way we work. This is supported by our staff, who voted us as the #1 NHS Acute Trust to work for in the whole of England.
At UCLH we take equality of opportunity seriously and are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer, with a culture that creates a real sense of belonging and trust. It is our fundamental aim, to recruit, retain and promote a diverse mix of people who are representative of our local communities.Applications are encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to support our world class research, innovation and creativity.
UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff and has a dedicated policy which allows staff to apply for flexible working right from the beginning of employment. For more information please go to: https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/work-with-us/why-choose-uclh/flexible-working.
We offer our permanent staff an interest free season ticket loan for travel, all our staff have access to free independent and confidential support, large retail discounts, a staff discount platform, cycle to work scheme and on-site accommodation to name a few.
Additionally, UCLH Arts and Heritage’s staff wellbeing programme, Creative Comfort, offers a variety of ways to engage with the arts as a member of UCLH staff. You can try out the weekly choir, weekly art club and join the Culture Club for exclusive access to free and discounted tickets for opera, exhibitions, theatre and more.
We recognise, reward and thank colleagues by nominating them for our annual Celebrating Excellence Awards, which are funded by UCLH Charity.
We are also members of www.mytrustbenefits.co.uk/ which offers discounts on high street retail stores, offers on travel deals, and also to take advantage of cash back schemes.
This vacancy may close before the current listed closing date. You are advised not to delay submitting your completed application.
Please note that all correspondence regarding your application will be via email. The emails will be sent to you via TRAC.jobs and not via NHS Jobs, we encourage you to check your inbox regularly.
Please note that if you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date of the advert to assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.
The Trust uses electronic new starter forms on Trac to collect personal details. Information collected is securely stored and used to set up the employee record on the ESR HR system.