Job summaryWould you like to work in a supportive specialist team? We may be the team for you.
This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed person to join the Community COPD Service in West Sussex as a Band 3 Community COPD Rehabilitation Assistant. You will be working as part of a dynamic multi-disciplinary team comprising of nurses, physios, occupational therapist, and community rehabilitation assistants.
The COPD team support chronic respiratory patients in the community. We work to help patients independently manage their lung condition on a day to day basis and to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. The main focus of the role is to assist in pulmonary rehabilitation provision.
It is essential that applicants hold a full UK driving licence and have a car available for work, as the successful applicant will be required to attend clinic settings.
Main duties of the job- Under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, participate in planned treatment activities (such as spirometry, nebuliser provision, inhaler technique, Home exercise programmes) taking into account the fluctuating needs of the patient.
- To implement care plans and follow programmes set up by Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Nurses.
- To observe any changes in a patient's condition, record accurately and report back any changes or concerns to an appropriate clinician.
- To undertake patients physical measurements under the direction of a qualified practitioner.
- To maintain effective documentation in patient records as required by the integrated respiratory service and Sussex community NHS Trust
- To undertake further training to gain skills and knowledge in specific clinical areas as needed eg spirometry
- To assist the qualified practitioner with home assessments if required.
- To assess and instruct in the use of prescribed daily living equipment if necessary and practice its safe use with the patient.
- To report effectively to the team on patient's progress and performance in relation to the patient goals.
- To assist in the induction, training and education of students, volunteers and other staff members.
- To participate in audit and evaluation of the service as requested.
- To assist in the provision of Pulmonary rehabilitation
About usWe are the main provider of NHS community services across East and West Sussex, with 6,000 staff serving 1.3 million people. We deliver essential care to adults and children, helping them manage their health, avoid hospital admissions, and reduce hospital stays.
Our Trust vision is to provide excellent care at the heart of the community. We offer opportunities across medical, clinical, support, and corporate services.
Why work for us?- Positive 2024 NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing
- Varied environments: community hospitals, patients' homes, and bases across Sussex
- Flexible working options: part-time, flexi-time, annualised hours, and flexi-retirement
- Excellent training, development, and research opportunities
- Cost-effective workplace nurseries in Crawley, Hove, and Brighton
- Active EMBRACE, Disability & Wellbeing, LGBTQIA+, and Religion & Belief networks
- Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust
- Beautiful Sussex location near the South Downs and coast
Our valuesCompassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence guide everything we do.
We embrace diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from ethnically diverse, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We aim to create an inclusive environment and support reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
This post may close early if sufficient applications are received.
Job responsibilitiesJob Summary- To contribute to the care provision and review of the respiratory patient, minimising risks and promoting recovery by supporting a multi-disciplinary approach to delivering individualised care, self-management and preventing unplanned hospital admissions.
- To empower clients, adopting a problem solving approach, encouraging and giving clients the confidence and skills to improve the self-management of their chronic respiratory disease.
Qualifications and/or Professional RegistrationEssential- Good standard of education
Desirable- NVQ level 3 in Health Care
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation technician course
- NVQ level 2
ExperienceEssential- Experience of working in a caring environment in health, social or voluntary services
- Relevant experience as physiotherapy / OT assistant / Health Care Assistant
Desirable- Experience of working with adults in the community
- Experience with chronic disease advice
- Knowledge and experience in rehabilitation
Skills and KnowledgeEssential- Ability to work as a team member
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Ability to use initiative and have an empathetic approach
- Willingness to undertake job related training, multidisciplinary competencies and NVQs
- Excellent communication skills and an ability to communicate effectively with patient/families/carers/team members
- Ability to understand work related boundaries and refer matter of importance to a senior colleague
- Ability to follow detailed instruction
- Ability to document efficiently and effectively
- Computer literate
Desirable- Rehabilitation skills
- Venepuncture skills
- Basic knowledge in the use of respiratory equipment used in the community
Other requirementsEssential- Be able to communicate information effectively to patients, carers and relevant staff.
- Ability to manage own caseload
- Good time management skills.
- Car/driver with vehicle available for work purposes (unless under Equality Act)
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. 
