Location
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Fulham Road, London

Hours
Full time (hours not specified)

Salary
£31,554 per annum

About the Role
The Therapy Assistant will carry out procedures and tasks delegated by the therapist with the appropriate level of competency. Responsibilities include mobilising and transferring patients, assisting with functional tasks, supporting cognitive rehabilitation programmes, undertaking home visits, assisting with groups, carrying and installing equipment, and supervising exercise programmes. The role involves providing patients and carers with guidance on rehabilitation activities to encourage independence.

The post holder will support therapists in treatment programmes which may require manual handling of patients with significant physical disabilities. Tasks include kneeling, sitting on heels, moving inert limbs, transferring patients, pushing wheelchairs, using hoists, measuring and cutting sticks, and installing equipment such as bath seats, frames, and commodes.

Additional duties include setting up equipment for therapy sessions or home use, advising on safe equipment use, maintaining and cleaning therapy equipment, and ensuring treatment areas comply with health and safety policies. The role may involve covering for absent staff and supporting other therapy sections as needed.

Confidentiality must be maintained at all times in accordance with Trust policy. The Therapy Assistant will attend and actively participate in training, staff meetings, and supervision sessions. Travel between hospital sites and patient homes is required, using own, hospital, or public transport, with responsibility for patient and equipment safety during visits.

Administrative duties include making appointments, telephone calls, clerical tasks, maintaining records (written and electronic), assisting with departmental statistics, managing stock levels, arranging patient transport, directing patients within the Trust, and booking interpreters.

Effective communication with patients of all ages, including those with communication difficulties, is essential. The role requires liaising with therapists, multidisciplinary teams, carers, external agencies, and dealing sensitively with patients and relatives, including those experiencing high anxiety or aggression.

The post holder will frequently concentrate during sessions and manage communication barriers such as visual, cognitive, hearing, or speech impairments. Exposure to verbal or physical aggression may occur.

Working conditions include confined spaces in patients' homes or hospital environments, exposure to body fluids and hazardous substances, and contact with patients with infectious conditions. The role requires compliance with the Trust manual handling policy and the ability to manage frequent interruptions from staff, patients, relatives, and telephone calls.

Experience
Previous experience in a healthcare or therapy support role is advantageous but not explicitly required. Competency and confidence in delegated tasks must be demonstrated in collaboration with supervising therapists.

About you
You should be compassionate, patient, and able to work effectively with patients who have physical disabilities, communication difficulties, or emotional stress. Good communication skills are essential, including the ability to liaise with multidisciplinary teams and handle sensitive situations professionally. You must be physically capable of manual handling tasks and comfortable working in varied environments including patients' homes.

Reliability, confidentiality, and a willingness to participate in ongoing training and supervision are essential. You should be able to manage multiple demands and maintain focus during therapy sessions.

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are stated as mandatory; however, relevant healthcare or therapy assistant qualifications would be beneficial. Commitment to professional development and adherence to Trust policies is required.