Physiotherapist

Job responsibilities

Key Tasks and Responsibilities of the Post

Clinical

1.Prioritise the day-to-day management of own caseload and that of the team, delegating activities as appropriate

2.Ensure the patient is aware of the role and philosophy of PT and components of the PT treatment programme.

3.To be responsible for the comprehensive assessment, treatment and evaluation of patients including those with complex presentation

4.To use a selection of both standardised (Neuro, Berg, MRC) and non-standardised assessments (functional assessments) to assist and aid diagnosis of cognitive, sensory, perceptual, behavioural, physical, psychosocial and social functioning e.g. to make clinical interpretations resulting from assessments of your own caseload and that of your team.

5.To assess, prescribe and authorise aids and adaptive equipment and make recommendations for minor and major adaptations to increase / enable or compensate for independent function, teaching compensatory techniques as required

6.To assess seating and positioning needs and treat as appropriate including assessment for and prescription of standard wheelchairs and accessories. When accredited referring on to the appropriate wheelchair provider, as required for assessment of complex and specialist mobility and seating needs.

7.Plan and review goal setting and treatment programmes in close liaison with all members of the multi-disciplinary team, patients carers and family in accordance with consent given.

8.To record and report regularly on patients progress and treatment to the multi disciplinary team or in accordance with the policies and procedures laid down in individual clinical areas.

9.Embed an ethos of Reablement and an enabling approach within the care and therapy team.

10.Education of patients and carers regarding the impact of cognitive, perceptual and physical deficits on patient safety and independence in the hospital and home, leisure and workplace. To impart sensitive information and advice to patients and carers which could have life changing consequences

11.To provide an opportunity for patients and carers to express their feelings whilst encouraging acceptance and adjustment to their new circumstances

12.To attend and participate in case conferences and ward meetings appropriate to the clinical setting.

13.To act as a key worker/link therapist to co-ordinate the goal planning process for patients, chair progress meetings and ensure multi disciplinary documentation is completed and available to relevant agencies as appropriate

14.Complex discharge planning, which involves the co-ordination of needs which can be met and the co-ordination of services in the community.

15.Demonstrating to and informing community staff re ongoing patient needs in the community i.e. home carers and reablement assistance.

16.To carry out environmental home assessments, pre discharge home assessments, discharge home visits and follow up as required. The assessment involves reviewing ergonomic layout of the property to maximise patient functional ability within the home, assessment of disabled access, equipment needs, recommendation for minor and major house adaptations, risk and safety review and referring to other agencies as necessary.

17.Liaise with and ensure good communication with statutory and voluntary bodies to establish a comprehensive package to ensure continuation of care in the community

18.Refer to follow up services to ensure treatment programmes are in place to progress functional independence based on identified needs at discharge

19.To provide support and supervision to junior staff other members of the MDT as required

20.To provide written communication with outside agencies and charitable bodies to support the need for services and equipment on discharge or when transferred.

21.Actively contribute to service development

22.To utilise the goal planning process and outcome measures used in the clinical area to review progress of the patient.

23.To use a range of verbal and nonverbal communication methods with patients, who may have difficulty in understanding or communicating and who may be low in mood or lack insight

24.To maintain competence in the use of manual handling techniques and equipment including the prescriptions of manual handling equipment for use in the home, demonstrating the use to carers.

25.To ensure use of risk assessment in all areas of your work are undertaken

26.To demonstrate a high level of understanding of conditions relevant to the diagnostic area and those patients presenting with multi pathology

27.To establish robust communication networks with clients, carers and other health workers and agencies

28.To provide interventions which consider wider areas such as return to employment, education, driving etc.

Departmental and Administrative

1.To maintain an up-to-date record of all patient contact, MDT care plans, PT assessments and reports whilst ensuring confidentiality at all times in line with Professional and Organisational policies and procedures.

2.To take an active role in audit, research and interdisciplinary development within the unit

3.To be responsible for collecting and reporting statistical data in line with Organisational policies and procedures

4.To be responsible for maintaining stock control systems, advising on resources and the responsible management of petty cash.

Professional and people management

1.To take responsibility for ensuring own personal and professional development and statutory training demonstrating the ability to apply increasingly complex skills / knowledge

2.To attend and contribute to staff meetings and attend relevant professional meetings and courses.

3.To review and reflect on own practice through effective use of professional and clinical supervision and line management sessions, in line with Organisational policies and procedures

4.To participate in providing instruction, learning opportunities, work experience and training staff and students from other units / disciplines / schools / colleges and training schemes as agreed with team leader. This includes providing regular fieldwork education for student PTs

5.To participate in the planning, evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within your area

6.Maintain high professional standards at all times as laid down in the College of PT / Health Professional Council Code of conduct

7.To comply with the College of PT/ HCPC Standards of Practice for PT.

8.To undertake the supervision and appraisal of junior staff.

9.To demonstrate leadership skills through the management of designated projects

10.To plan and implement the induction, training and education of other staff

11.To contribute to the Organisations clinical governance arrangements and quality agenda

12.To apply professional, local and national guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care provision

13.To adhere to Organisational policies and procedures including Health and Safety at work

14.To respect the individual values, cultural and religious diversity of patients and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to those needs.

Skills & Competencies

Essential

• Documented evidence of CPD, ongoing education and development
• Knowledge of rehab and recovery, Safeguarding, risk assessment and management
• Knowledge of best practice and evidenced based practice in physiotherapy with a commitment to socially inclusive practice
• Enhanced clinical reasoning and problem solving skills
• Assessment, intervention and evaluation
• Experience of supervising, managing, mentoring or developing staff
• Understanding of the application of outcome measures
• Effective written & oral communication skills
• Ability to reflect & critically appraise own performance
• Delegation to others whilst maintaining overall responsibility for patients care
• Demonstrate skills in professional leadership
• Ability to work autonomously and to manage a caseload and waiting list
• Ability to work as part of a team and collaboratively with partners and colleagues
• Demonstrate skills in service development.
• Computer literate
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills

Desirable

• Psychosocial intervention skills
• Evidence of specialised continued professional training (degree level) in clinical practice
• Understanding and knowledge of the Care Act and social care
• Understanding and knowledge of the role of the voluntary sector to support individual and statutory services

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in physiotherapy
• HCPC registration

Desirable

• Management training.

Experience

Essential

• 3 years relevant experience of working in acute or community hospital settings, intermediate care or prevention.
• Experience of working with individuals in crisis or skills that are transferable

Desirable

• Previous working at senior level.
• Experience of teaching other professions.
• Management experience.
• Post-operative experience.
• Experience of supervision of junior staff and/or assistants.
• Experience of teaching

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).