Physiotherapy Assistant (Weekend Service) (04.015 (2024))

Permanent

Tallaght, County Dublin, Ireland

Not disclosed

Job Details

Job Title: Physiotherapy Assistant (Weekend Service)
Reference No: 04.015 (2024)
Department / Directorate: Physiotherapy Department, COO Directorate
Reports to: Physiotherapist Manager-in-Charge III or Physiotherapist Manager

Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals, adult, psychiatric and age-related healthcare on one site. The Hospital has 450 adult beds with over 3,500 people on staff and more than 60 different nationalities represented. The Hospital is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is a designated trauma unit incorporating the National Pelvic and Acetabular Unit, a regional Urology Centre and the second largest provider of renal dialysis services in the country.   
One of the two main academic teaching hospitals of Trinity College Dublin - TUH specialise in the training and professional development of staff in areas such as Medicine, Nursing, Health and Social Care Professionals. TUH is part of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties. 
The Hospital is an exciting and dynamic place to work, in the midst of implementing a new hospital strategy, the team have already delivered on the opening of a new Renal Dialysis unit, Reeves Day Surgery Centre, a step down facility in the community, a new ICU and the development of a supraregional Endometriosis Service. It is an exciting time to join the TUH team and one of Ireland’s main teaching hospitals with so many plans to enhance patient care. The Hospital believes in investing in their team and offers excellent education and research opportunities.


TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is “People Caring for People to Live Better Lives” through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.
Our TUH CARE values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:
  • Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
  • Achieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
  • Respect – for patients, each other and our environment
  • Equity – for patients and staff
At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every member of the Team is valued equally.  We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.

A full overview of TUH is available on www.tuh.ie/about us

Purpose of the role:
The Physiotherapy Assistant will work under the supervision of a qualified Physiotherapist and carry out those activities as directed by the Physiotherapist, in order to assist in their role and to facilitate the provision of an effective and efficient service. 
This is for a weekend service. Normal working hours are 3 hours Saturday and 3 hours Sunday approximately one weekend in every four-six weekends. The appointee may be required to work more than 3 hours if workload necessitates. The appointee will also attend at such other times as are required for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.  This will be outside “normal” working hours such as at bank holidays.

Overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
  • Patient care is carried out under the direction and supervision of the Physiotherapy Staff. Duties may be carried out jointly with a physiotherapist, independently or in collaboration with other staff as appropriate.
  • Prepare patients and environment for treatment as directed by Physiotherapist.
  • Transport or accompany patients to and from treatment area.
  • Assist with moving and handling of patients for assessment and treatment of patients.
  • Assist patients in self-care activities such as showering, dressing, toileting, drinking, etc. (e.g. as the need arises during the course of the treatment).
  • Deal with emergency situations or accidents by summoning professional help in accordance with hospital/departmental guidelines.
  • Maintain records of interventions and outcomes as appropriate and to communicate same to the supervising Physiotherapist.
  • Comply with departmental protocols regarding documentation and recording of statistical data.
  • Maintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality, ethics and relevant legislation at all times.
  1. GENERAL DUTIES
  • Maintain, clean/decontaminate and tidy up equipment and treatment areas as necessary in accordance with hospital infection control and departmental guidelines.
  • Change linen on in line with department guidelines in treatment areas
  • Assist in regular stock-taking and maintaining supplies in treatment areas.
  • Assist in certain administrative tasks such as answering telephones and recording messages.
  • Familiarise and comply with Trust in Care and Data Protection and any other relevant documents.
  • Perform such other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Physiotherapy Manager or designated clinician.
  1. ADMINISTRATION
  • Keep records appropriate to his/her office as may be required
  • Participate in clinical audit activities to monitor clinical standards
  • Ensure safe working environment for patients and staff and report immediately any accident either staff or patient
  • Read and act upon all issued staff policies
  • Perform such other duties as may be assigned to her/him by the Physiotherapy Manager
Qualifications & Experience required
Essential Criteria:
Each candidate must:
Have been educated to Junior Certificate level.  
or
Have passed an examination of comparable standard at second level
or
Have satisfactory relevant experience, which encompasses demonstrable equivalent skills
Desirable:
  • Certificate in Healthcare Support at FETAC Level 5
  • Recent knowledge and experience of a rehabilitation environment
  • Recent Acute hospital experience
  • Administrative skills
Reward & Recognition
  • Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales October 2023, grade code 6503 (pro rata).
  • The appointment is part-time permanent and pensionable. A panel for future vacancies may be created for full-time/part-time positions.
  • Normal working hours are 3 hours Saturday and 3 hours Sunday approximately one weekend in every four-six weekends. The appointee may be required to work more than 3 hours if workload necessitates. The appointee will also attend at such other times as are required for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.  This will be outside “normal” working hours such as at bank holidays.
  • The annual leave entitlement is 23 working days per year pro rata. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
Application process
Applications can be submitted ‘on-line’ at www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV.  Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application.  Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.
 
Informal Enquiries to: Aine O’Brien, Physiotherapist Manager, Physiotherapy Department, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin 24      
Telephone (01) 4142759 or email aine.obrien@tuh.ie
Closing Date: Before close of business on:  Tuesday 30th April 2024

TUH Core Competencies:
Core AreaCompetencyLevel
Managing the serviceQuality & Safety of Service1
Managing the serviceDelivery of Results1
Managing ChangeProblem Solving & Decision Making1
Managing ChangeCommunications & Influencing 1
Managing YourselfTeam player1
Managing YourselfPlanning and Organising 1
Managing PeoplePeople Management 1
Managing PeopleLeadership 1

Please go to www.tuh/careers for details of the core competencies

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004).
A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day
of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.

Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the  office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital.  Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate.  The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment.  Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.

Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.

Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospital’s discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period.  Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital, in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 - 2001.

Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by one months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.

Sick Leave
  • There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion, subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual, as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
  • In the event of absence from work, you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence, while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
Information Technology & data
  • Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
  • Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.
Pension Arrangements and Retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) 
(b) Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes).  The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.

Health & Safety
  • All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
  • Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
  • Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Hygiene / Infection prevention and control 
  • All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness.  Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
  • All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
  • All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
  • All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.
Quality, safety and risk management
  • Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.
Data Management
  • Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.

Confidentiality
You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular, the right of patients to confidentiality.  To this end, you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records, documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and, in any event, upon the termination of your employment, all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.