Physiotherapist Assistant Part Time

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

The Physiotherapy Assistant will work under the direction and guidance of the Physiotherapist to support the provision of Physiotherapy Services. The primary role of the Physiotherapy Assistant is to assist the Physiotherapist in the implementation of the treatment programme as determined by the Physiotherapist. The role involves collaborating with the Physiotherapist, while demonstrating knowledge of the practice of the Physiotherapist, and the role of the Physiotherapy Assistant.

The Physiotherapy Assistant will understand and demonstrate skills required to support the patient in all aspects of the physiotherapy intervention. Familiarity with human anatomy and physiology, medical conditions and their clinical features will be present in some degree depending on pre-existing experience and training.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Physiotherapy Assistants are accountable for their actions in the delivery of patient care for which they have been trained and must not undertake any duty for which they are not trained. If the Physiotherapy Assistant feels that certain requests are beyond their capabilities, they should make this known to the person(s) making the request.

The Physiotherapy Assistant will only take instruction in relation to any patient specifically from a Physiotherapist.

Person Specification

Essential

QQI Level 5 Health Care Certification

candidate holding the post must be fully competent, capable and be in the state of health of undertaking the duties outlined.

Desirable:

QQI Level 5 Therapy Assistant Certification

experience of working in a Medical Organisation – Hospital / Clinic / nursing home

Desirable:

Worked as PT assistant/ HCA in physiotherapy department.

Proficient in IT Packages incl. Excel, Microsoft Word

Ability to work on own and under own initiative

Demonstrable good planning and organisational skills

Good verbal and written communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Good time management

Good attention to detail

Flexible

Desirable

Experience of working with Patient Management System

PERSONAL CONDUCT:

The Physiotherapy Assistant must conduct themselves in a manner that conveys respect of the individual and ensures safe patient care. The personal characteristics that indicate these principles include:

Confidentiality

At all times, maintain patient’s confidentiality.

Courtesy

Be courteous in all dealings with patients, colleagues and visitors.

Accountability

Take responsibility for own actions.

Communication

Respond to patients, colleagues and visitors appropriately, record all information accurately and report all relevant information. Be able to work as a team member.

Hygiene Standards

Read and understand the infection control policies. Deliver a high standard of patient care

Dignity and Privacy

All patients are entitled to have their dignity and privacy maintained in the hospital setting.

Health and Safety

Know and understand the Health and Safety regulations and apply them in the workplace.

DUTIES:

The Physiotherapy Assistant role will involve some of the following activities, along with others that may be necessary in the context of specific therapy situations.

Maintaining a Safe Environment: The Physiotherapy Assistant will participate in maintaining a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff, by maintaining vigilance to identify potential hazards and by taking the necessary steps to remove the hazards.

These steps will include:

 Ensure all practices adhere to the Infection Control and Prevention Policy.

 Assist in keeping all relevant practice areas clean and tidy.

 Move or assist in moving equipment and furniture as necessary.

 Tidy and clean each treatment area and change sheets when vacated after patient use.

 Returning equipment to proper storage areas.

 Attending to the hygiene of equipment such as electrotherapy units, hot pack machine, exercise equipment, patient chairs and other department equipment.

 Attend to spillages, when necessary, as quickly as possible to prevent accidents.

 Assist in the disposal of clinical waste according to hospital policy.

 Assist with patient mobility under direction of the Physiotherapist.

 Escort / transport patients within the hospital when necessary.

 Remain with patients who require supervision as directed.

 Prepare treatment areas for the reception of new patients.

 Report broken or unsafe items that need repair.

 Order physiotherapy stock items and maintain stock in room clean and Tidy.

Admin

 Answer phone calls and make phone calls as advised by physiotherapist.

 Admin jobs as advised by physiotherapist.

Communication

Communication skills will be used to provide a caring service to the public in a courteous and effective manner.

The Physiotherapy Assistant has an obligation in relation to maintaining confidentiality. This applies to information accessed through interactions with the patient and their relatives, or through interactions with other hospital staff.

Clinical

 Assist the physiotherapist in the assessment of patients and the implementation of treatment interventions as directed by the Physiotherapist

 Carry out one to one interventions under the direction of the Physiotherapist

 Prepare the patient and the environment for treatment as directed by the Physiotherapist

 Organise and supervise therapeutic activities, with individual patients/groups as directed by the Physiotherapist

 Demonstrate knowledge and training in the application of physiotherapeutic modalities as appropriate e.g. ice, heat, as directed by the Physiotherapist

 Demonstrate knowledge and training in the safe use of physiotherapy equipment during therapeutic interventions as directed by the Physiotherapist

 Observe general behaviour, ability and response of the patient to a therapeutic intervention and reports the observation to the Physiotherapist

 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a patient’s needs to involve and motivate the patient in the physiotherapeutic process

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES;

The Physiotherapy Assistant must report to and work under the supervision and direction of the physiotherapy staff in relation to all duties / tasks.

Physiotherapists will allocate duties in accordance with their professional judgement and the assistant’s competence as determined by the Physiotherapist.

Please submit your application by 26th May 2025

Bon Secours Health System is an equal opportunities employer. Our values of Human Dignity, Compassion, Stewardship, Service and Integrity guide everything we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees have the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, abilities and perspectives, and provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require any assistance, please contact