Therapy Assistant Older Persons (08.018 (2025))
Therapy Assistant Older Persons (08.018 (2025))
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24-08-2025
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Job Description
Job Title: Therapy Assistant for Frail Older Persons (Occupational Therapy Physiotherapy & Speech and Language Therapy)
Permanent Fulltime (39 hrs)
Reference No: 08.018 (2025)
Department / Directorate: Occupational Therapy COO Directorate
Reports to: Occupational Therapy Manager or Deputy
Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is a model 4 voluntary academic teaching hospital partnered with Trinity College and situated in south west Dublin. With a staff of over 4000 people from 63 differentcountries it provides both acute and tertiary care to an increasing population of circa 800000 people and is a provider of local regional and national specialties. It is also a National Urology Centre the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country Pelvic and Acetabulum National Centre and a designated Trauma Unit.
The Hospital is part of the newly established HSE Dublin & Midlands Region which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties and operates under the governance of an independent Board of Directors who give their time on a voluntary basis. TUH is also supported by the Adelaide Health Foundation the Meath Foundation and Tallaght University Hospital Foundation.
TUH recognises the role it plays in our community both as an employer and provider of healthcare and is committed to building a sustainable future for our region both now and into the future with a focus on patient outcomes.
The Hospital is ambitious recognising that healthcare delivery is undergoing seismic change and will be different now and into the future largely due to digital and technological advances along with research continuing to discover and test new treatment options. TUH wants to be a leader in determining that future. It is aHospital without Wallsalways looking to optimise care both within and beyond in line with the Slintecare vision of providing the right care in the right place at the right time whilst empowering our patients and staff.
TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is People Caring for People to Live Better Livesthrough 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.
OurTUH CAREvalues for patients their families our community and staff are:
A full overview of TUH is available on
Purpose of the role:
The Therapy Assistant will assist in the delivery of quality patient care and associated duties under the direction and supervision of the Occupational Therapists Physiotherapists and Speech and Language Therapists.
Overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Must :
Applications can be submitted on-line at 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.
TUH Core Competencies:Core Area Competency Level Managing the service Quality & Safety of Service 1 Managing the service Delivery of Results 1 Managing Change Problem Solving & Decision Making 1 Managing Change Communications & Influencing 1 Managing Yourself Team player 1 Managing Yourself Planning and Organising 1 Managing People People Management 1 Managing People Leadership 1
Please go to 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 dayof 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 Hospitals 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 Managements 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 are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant)
(b) Voluntary 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
You must manage data as per TUH obligations under the Data Protection Acts 2018 and GDPR.
Confidentiality
As an employee of Tallaght University Hospital you acknowledge and agree to maintain the strictest confidentiality regarding all patient data medical records and or other personal and / sensitive data you may encounter in the course of your employment.
As you have access to or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients their families and /or staff or other health service business. Such records and information are strictly confidential and unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer on no account must information concerning staff patients or other health service business be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty.
In addition records must never be left in such a manner unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required. You agree to uphold the highest standards and professional integrity and to exercise discretion and caution in handling all confidential information. By accepting employment with Tallaght University Hospital you affirm your commitment to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of all information entrusted to you.
Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners registered nurses physiotherapists psychologists social workers and others. This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons under the legislation are required to report any knowledge belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault ill-treatment neglect or sexual abuse and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla if requested in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted ill-treated neglected or sexually abused or (b) a childs health development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.
Permanent Fulltime (39 hrs)
Reference No: 08.018 (2025)
Department / Directorate: Occupational Therapy COO Directorate
Reports to: Occupational Therapy Manager or Deputy
Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is a model 4 voluntary academic teaching hospital partnered with Trinity College and situated in south west Dublin. With a staff of over 4000 people from 63 differentcountries it provides both acute and tertiary care to an increasing population of circa 800000 people and is a provider of local regional and national specialties. It is also a National Urology Centre the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country Pelvic and Acetabulum National Centre and a designated Trauma Unit.
The Hospital is part of the newly established HSE Dublin & Midlands Region which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties and operates under the governance of an independent Board of Directors who give their time on a voluntary basis. TUH is also supported by the Adelaide Health Foundation the Meath Foundation and Tallaght University Hospital Foundation.
TUH recognises the role it plays in our community both as an employer and provider of healthcare and is committed to building a sustainable future for our region both now and into the future with a focus on patient outcomes.
The Hospital is ambitious recognising that healthcare delivery is undergoing seismic change and will be different now and into the future largely due to digital and technological advances along with research continuing to discover and test new treatment options. TUH wants to be a leader in determining that future. It is aHospital without Wallsalways looking to optimise care both within and beyond in line with the Slintecare vision of providing the right care in the right place at the right time whilst empowering our patients and staff.
TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is People Caring for People to Live Better Livesthrough 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.
OurTUH CAREvalues 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
A full overview of TUH is available on
Purpose of the role:
The Therapy Assistant will assist in the delivery of quality patient care and associated duties under the direction and supervision of the Occupational Therapists Physiotherapists and Speech and Language Therapists.
Overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist the qualified therapists in delivering an excellent Occupational Therapy Physiotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy services to frail older inpatients as part of the acute hospital service.
- Contribute to the assessment and treatment of patients undertaking therapeutic work and supervising patients in activity relating to their treatment.
- Undertake general departmental duties such as preparation of materials for therapy sessions collation of statistical information and ordering equipment.
- Undertake clerical duties and household tasks to support the clinical service delivery in the relevant areas.
- Report to the Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist/Speech and Language Therapist to whom they are assigned.
- Ultimately accountable to the Head of Discipline (i.e. Occupational Therapy Manager).
- Assist the Therapist(s) in the assessment of clients and the implementation of treatment interventions as directed by the Therapist(s).
- Prepare the client and the environment for assessment and/or treatment as directed by the Therapist(s).
- Carry out interventions under the direction of the Therapist(s).
- Organise and supervise therapeutic activities with individual clients and/or groups as directed by the Therapist(s).
- Use equipment during therapeutic interventions as directed by the therapist(s).
- Progress patient treatment as directed by the Therapist(s) within established protocols and guidelines.
- Observe general behaviour ability and response of the client to a therapeutic intervention and report the observations to the Therapist(s).
- Use knowledge and understanding of clients needs to involve and motivate the client in the therapeutic process.
- Use knowledge of the role of the Occupational Therapy / Physiotherapy / Speech and Language Therapy Assistant and understand the responsibilities and accountability of that role within the team.
- Recognise the importance of a good working relationship with frequent communication between the Assistant and the supervising Therapist(s
- Communicate effectively and appropriately with a range of different service users and provider
- Observe confidentiality when handling the clients/organisations informatio
- Document his/her intervention with the client as outlined by local policy.
- Maintain order cleanliness and tidiness of treatment areas and equipment in accordance with local departmental guidelines
- Clean and maintain therapy equipment and logs of same on a regular basis as directed.
- Carry out departmental stock control ordering and receiving supplies monitoring equipment and reporting faulty equipment as outlined by local departmental policies and procedures.
- Carry out administrative duties (e.g. filing answering telephone recording statistics photocopying) as outlined by local departmental policies and procedures.
- Perform such other duties appropriate to the role as may be assigned by the Occupational Therapy Manager.
- Communicate in an effective way to encourage and motivate patients
- Communicate in a confident and assertive manner in a multidisciplinary team.
- Demonstrate an understanding of social psychological and emotional issues that may impact on patient care and compliance.
- Form therapeutic rapport with clients/patients and their families/carers to effectively communicate in a way that respects users autonomy and culture.
- Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication during delivery of treatment programmes to patients who may have barriers to understanding or communicating in order to maximise rehabilitation potential and ensure understanding of the condition.
- Use skills of listening facilitating persuasion motivation reassurance negotiation and explanation regularly to overcome difficulties encountered which may include loss of hearing visual impairment expressive and receptive communication impairment altered perception cognitive problems diminished mental capacity pain fear language barriers and cultural differences.
- Under the guidance of qualified staff communicate information to patients and carers about provision of equipment and services.
- Accurately record appropriate documentation and departmental statistics.
- Communicate with patients relatives carers equipment services social and health care professionals and other voluntary organisations and statutory bodies to assist the Therapists in ensuring an integrated holistic approach to patient care.
- Commitment to continuous professional development including development of a personal development plan completion of mandatory training and relevant internal training programmes available through our Centre for Learning & Development.
- Maintain throughout the Hospital awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all Hospital activities.
- Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Mission Vision and Values of the Hospital.
Must :
- Have obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (higher ordinary applied or vocational programmes) or equivalent
- Have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework which can be assessed as being of a comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher i.e. Fetac Level 5
- Have satisfactory relevant experience which encompasses demonstrable equivalent skills
- Show evidence of recent knowledge and experience of an acute hospital/nursing home/rehabilitation environment.
- Show evidence of practical experience and use of IT systems / packages
- Have fluent command and understanding of the English language to include spoken and written word
- It is desirable to have a health or social care qualification (e.g. QQI Level 5 award for Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy/ Speech and Language therapy Assistant or other equivalent Health care support worker course).
- Experience working with one or more of the 3 disciplines Speech & Language Therapy Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy and/or in the older persons/rehabilitation setting.
- Minimum of 1 years recent experience in an acute hospital environment
- Recent experience working with older persons/frail elderly
- Experience working with electronic patient record systems
- Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales grade code 6504.
- The appointment is fulltime permanent and pensionable. A panel will be formed for future permanent and temporary full-time and part-time opportunities.
- The annual leave entitlement is 23 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
- Normal (full time) working hours are 39 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.
Applications can be submitted on-line at 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: Ms Phillipa Colby or Ms Niamh Harding
Occupational Therapy Manager in Charge III (Job share)
Phone (00353)or email
Interview Date: Interviews will commence week beginning 15th of September 2025.
Closing Date: Before close of business on: Wednesday 3rd September
Occupational Therapy Manager in Charge III (Job share)
Phone (00353)or email
Interview Date: Interviews will commence week beginning 15th of September 2025.
Closing Date: Before close of business on: Wednesday 3rd September
TUH Core Competencies:
Please go to 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 dayof 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 Hospitals 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 Managements 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.
- 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 Departments activities staffing and expenditure as required.
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant)
(b) Voluntary 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.
- 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.
- Support the delivery of the Quality Safety and Risk Management Programme including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.
You must manage data as per TUH obligations under the Data Protection Acts 2018 and GDPR.
Confidentiality
As an employee of Tallaght University Hospital you acknowledge and agree to maintain the strictest confidentiality regarding all patient data medical records and or other personal and / sensitive data you may encounter in the course of your employment.
As you have access to or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients their families and /or staff or other health service business. Such records and information are strictly confidential and unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer on no account must information concerning staff patients or other health service business be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty.
In addition records must never be left in such a manner unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required. You agree to uphold the highest standards and professional integrity and to exercise discretion and caution in handling all confidential information. By accepting employment with Tallaght University Hospital you affirm your commitment to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of all information entrusted to you.
Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners registered nurses physiotherapists psychologists social workers and others. This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons under the legislation are required to report any knowledge belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault ill-treatment neglect or sexual abuse and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla if requested in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted ill-treated neglected or sexually abused or (b) a childs health development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.
Employment Type
Full-Time
Key Skills
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