Junior Physiotherapist

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical

• To be responsible for delivery of Physiotherapy within the area of general / complex medical conditions, prioritising clinical needs to provide an equitable and effective service.
• To be responsible for managing a caseload of patients with complex / variable needs, within a community setting.
• To plan and implement effective assessment and treatment programmes, using confident decision-making skills.
• To co-ordinate, implement and monitor patient-centred goals, as part of the overall treatment plan, using appropriate recognised assessment tools.
• To respond effectively to changing needs of the patient caseload, evaluating and modifying treatment in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention.
• To apply appropriate understanding of the effect of disability and provide training and advice to patients, carers, members of the voluntary sector and other members of the multi-disciplinary team.
• To empower patients to be actively involved in self-management, through advice, education, coping strategies and therapeutic procedures.
• To seek advice from other relevant professionals to inform analysis and reasoning where appropriate, or when more complex needs or situations become apparent.
• To seek informal / formal support from senior colleagues to alleviate distressing or emotional situations.
• To identify and justify when a patient does not require Physiotherapy intervention, but needs other professional input and referral to other services.
• To make appropriate onward referrals, to ensure identified clinical needs continue to be met after discharge from the service.
• To significantly develop knowledge of aids, adaptations and manual handling skills, to promote maximum independence.
• To evaluate treatment and use reflective practice within supervision to improve patient care and modify as required.
• To develop a good knowledge and application of risk assessment, including carrying out intervention within the community.
• To adhere to the NHS policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Manual Handling and work regulations.
• To have knowledge and experience of the Care Quality Commission and participate in assessments, as required.

Communication

• To communicate effectively with patients, relatives, carers and colleagues, demonstrating highly developed verbal and non-verbal skills to communicate often complex information, managing barriers to communication such as dysphasia, learning difficulties, cognitive or sensory difficulties.
• To provide advice and demonstration to clients and carers in the use of equipment and other techniques to optimise the client’s functional ability, independence and safety.
• To undertake joint visits with other professionals, as required.
• To maintain patient confidentiality in all communications.
• To attend team meetings to ensure effective team communication.
• To liaise with external agencies to assess for and arrange provision of appropriate equipment and adaptations to maximise independence.
• Ensure that feedback and appropriate information is given to clients in a patient-centred manner.

Documentation

• To accurately record all activity data and maintain clinical records, in a timely manner, via our electronic systems. This would include all patient and family/carer contacts as well as time spent on training and travel, etc.
• To ensure that information provided to patients/carers is presented in an easily understood format.
• To participate in developing clinical guidelines for staff, clients and carers, with regards to set up of equipment/aids/splints and treatment.

Professional / Service Development

• To adhere to the HCPC and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• To exercise good practice with time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
• To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of clients and key relationships, and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to those needs.
• To facilitate and encourage the sharing of best practice and regularly evaluate clinical interventions, in line with local and national research & development.
• To apply specialist skills and knowledge, in order to establish professional competence and fitness to practice as a Band 5 Physiotherapist.
• To engage actively in practice development, audit and research activities relevant to Physiotherapy and / or the service area, to promote evidence-based practice.
• To be involved in the identification of service development needs and supporting the Service Manager in changes to service provision, as necessary.
• To work effectively as a member of the team to support the planning and delivery of local & national service objectives, in line with departmental development strategies.
• To work with the management team and Senior Therapist to contribute to the delivery of the Trust’s Development Plan for Intermediate Care Therapy, and the development of clinical governance and quality agenda.
• To be familiar with project developments / initiatives within the department and Trust.
• To report incidents using the Trust incident reporting system.
• To adhere to the Trust’s Uniform Policy.

Training / Supervision & Appraisal

• To maintain up-to-date knowledge and evidence of best practice in relation to Physiotherapy Practice, through formal / informal training, meetings and supervision.
• To demonstrate ability to review and reflect on own practice and performance, through effective use of professional / operational supervision and appraisal, in line with local guidelines.
• To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in external / internal training courses, as agreed, for continual professional development and to meet appraisal objectives, providing feedback for courses attended.
• To participate in the induction and training of students and other staff, in line with the Trust Supervision & Appraisal Policy.

Clinical Governance, Quality & Standards

• To apply and advise, as commensurate with band, on guidelines / legislation relating to Physiotherapy service provision.
• To actively involve and engage patients, carers and members of the public in the development of service provision, through the audit process.
• To comply with professional standards, including quality and Trust clinical governance policies and procedures.