Assistant Practitioner

• Has experience working in a health or social care environment.
• Holds an appropriate Assistant Practitioner qualification or equivalent experience.
• Has an understanding of long-term respiratory conditions and the impact they can have on people's physical, psychological and social wellbeing.
• Is confident supporting people with exercise and physical activity.
• Has good communication and interpersonal skills and can build positive relationships with patients and colleagues.
• Can work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team while also managing delegated tasks independently.
• Is able to recognise when a patient's condition or exercise response requires further clinical assessment or escalation.
• Demonstrates a compassionate, person-centred approach to care.
• Is organised, reliable and able to manage competing priorities.
• Is committed to continuing professional development and maintaining clinical competence.

• To work in the community as part of an MDT delivering exercise and education as part of the Pulmonary and Heart Failure Rehabilitation Programme.
• To deliver rehabilitative domiciliary programmes and intervention as required, under the guidance of qualified community therapy staff and progress rehabilitation programmes in line with own competencies.
• To assess for and provide walking aids in the patients own home or clinic setting as required.
• To contribute to the efficient running of the Pulmonary and Heart Failure Rehabilitation Service
• To contribute to the supervision of junior staff and students.
• To follow all Trust standards, policies and procedures, appropriate to the band/position.
• To maintain accurate and up to date electronic data and records using the approved system eg EMIS clinical notes and following national and local standards.
• To participate in staff appraisal and implement personal development plans.
• To work within the limitations of the post and seek help and advice when unsure.Any other duties appropriate to the band/position as directed by senior staff, Team Leader, Operational Lead or Directorate Manager.

We hold a unique position in the Stockport community as the provider of healthcare and we are one of its largest employers.

We believe that the best organisations are those that reflect the communities they serve. We are therefore seeking to improve the diversity of our workforce to make it truly representative of our local population.

We actively encourage applications irrespective of race, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage & civil partnership, or pregnancy or maternity. Recognising those communities that are underrepresented within our workforce, we would particularly welcome applications from you.

If you require support with your application please contact a member of the recruitment team, who can discuss alternative application methods.

We recognise that flexible working is important. We take requests for flexible working seriously, consider any request we receive and try to work with you, so we can explore if your request may fit with the needs of the service.

• Between 27-33 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• NHS pension scheme membership
• Salary sacrifice schemes for lease cars, home electronics and more, to make your salary go further
• NHS Staff discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary finance - for loans, savings, budget planning and tips on managing debt
• Stockport Credit Union- for local financial advice

Essential: - Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (or equivalent qualification or equivalent experience in relevant clinical area); - GCSEs (Grade C or above) in Maths and English Language (or New GCSE Grade 4-9) OR Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English or Equivalent (not entry level 2); - Evidence of Continuing Professional Development

Desirable: - ECDL or equivalent IT qualification

Essential: - Knowledge of respiratory conditions including COPD and Interstitial Lung Disease; - oKnowledge of the evidence-based principles underlying Pulmonary Rehabilitation; - oWorking knowledge of relevant therapy interventions/exercise appropriate to clinical area; - oKnowledge of when to seek advice and escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice; - oAwareness of cultural diversity issues; - oAwareness of dignity and respect issues; - oAwareness of barriers to communication

Desirable: - oWorking knowledge of health-related policies

Essential: - oExperience of working as a therapy assistant or as an Assistant Practitioner in a relevant health/care setting; - oExperience of delivering exercise therapy in 1:1 and/or group settings; - oExperience of working with patients with a wide range of disabilities and complexities; - oExperience of monitoring /interpreting patients' vital signs and ability to take action as appropriate within scope of practice

Desirable: - oExperience of working in a multi-disciplinary setting; - oExperience in staff induction and student education; - oSocial care experience

Essential: - oExcellent verbal and written communications skills; - oExcellent Organisational skills; - oPositive inter-personal skills; - oUnderstanding of professional conduct; - oAbility to work without direct supervision; - oAbility to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities; - oFlexible and adaptable approach; - oGood observational skills; - oHealth, safety and risk awareness; - oGood time management skills; - oAbility to handle sensitive situations; - oCommitment to lifelong learning

Desirable: - oAbility to teach practical skills

Essential: - oAble to work flexibly to meet the needs of the Service; - oDesire to learn and constantly develop knowledge and skills; - oAbility to move and handle patients; - oAbility to travel to different locations transporting equipment as required