Specialist Physiotherapist

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To have an active role in the assessment of a wide range of Musculo-skeletal, chronic pain and rheumatologically conditions based on advanced theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neuroanatomy, and pathology, often in situations where conflicting evidence and/or complex bio-psychosocial issues are present. To apply advanced clinical reasoning skills to assess and form a diagnosis and ensure progress through the appropriate care pathway.

To recognise the most appropriate pathway for the patient such as when referral to specialist Orthopaedic, Rheumatology or Pain Management is fully appropriate. To use theoretical and practical knowledge to make recommendations for further management of the condition and assist the patient as far as possible in the referral process. This requires knowledge and understanding of the role of other health professionals, (e.g. psychology, occupational therapy, pharmacy, orthopaedics, rheumatology, pain clinic, general practitioner).

To communicate some highly complex patient related information effectively to ensure collaborative working within the MSK, pain and rheumatology services/teams and with multidisciplinary colleagues across health and social care sectors to ensure the delivery of a coordinated multidisciplinary care. Making appropriate recommendations for further management and ensuring that the patient is informed.

To accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regards to clinical priorities and use of time.

To independently or with the Extended Scope Practitioner triage referrals and make onward referrals as appropriate. This will involve the coordination of the patients complex pathway of care between healthcare professionals comprising the multidisciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team consists of Allied Health Professionals, Healthcare Scientists, GPs, Doctors and Consultants in both primary and secondary care and may involve other agencies e.g. social care. Thus the clinician will be expected to refer on beyond their scope of practice.

To undertake comprehensive assessment of patients, including those with complex presentation, using investigative and analytical skills and to formulate individualised management and treatment plans, using clinical reasoning and utilising a wide range of treatment skills and options to formulate a specialised programme of care. There may be conflicting information to make a judgement on the best course of action to be taken for the management of the patients condition.

To develop and maintain skills required to practice at an advanced level and use an extended scope of practice beyond that of Physiotherapy (including referral for and interpretation of imaging, pathology reports, delivery of injection therapy).

To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care. To ensure high standards of clinical care for the patients under your management and support others to do likewise.

Provide advice and support to staff, patients and carers in relation to the general management of the service users condition whilst understanding the broader implications for the individual, family unit and carers.

To provide spontaneous and planned specialist advice, teaching and instruction to patients, relatives, carers and other professions to promote understanding of the aims of clinical triage and Physiotherapy and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care.

To be proactive in encouraging the use of a range of self-management strategies to patients or their carer/relative and in doing so overcome barriers to understanding. This will frequently require negotiation with patients on the return to activities where cognitive, behavioural, and motivational issues may be significant barriers to change.

To maintain accurate, comprehensive, and up to date treatment documentation in line with legal and service requirements, communicating assessments and treatment results to the appropriate disciplines in the form of reports and letters.

To assess capacity, gain valid informed consent and have the ability to work within the legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

Safeguard the confidentiality of all information discussed regarding the medical and social circumstances of the patient and their family.

Professional:

To maintain own clinical professional development and competence (CPD) by keeping abreast of any new trends, research evidence and clinical guidelines and incorporate them as necessary into your work.

To develop, monitor and maintain high standards of practice for Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy within the MSK Assessment and Triage and physiotherapy services.

To make recommendations about and lead on the development of evidence-led clinical initiatives within the Musculoskeletal triage service.

To have a role in the development of ECCHs contribution to the local pathways within the scope of the MSK Assessment and Triage and physiotherapy services.

To take a leading role in the clinical development of Physiotherapy staff within ECCH and their teaching and supervision.

To be an active member of the in-service training programme and provide clinical leadership within the musculoskeletal team by attending and delivering presentations and training sessions at staff meetings, tutorials, training sessions in-house and by attending external courses, practicing reflective practice and performing peer reviews.

To liaise with GPs and other health care professionals to improve communication and quality of referrals and to provide them with training when required.

To participate in the staff appraisal scheme.

To take a lead role for the measurement and evaluation of the MSK Assessment and Triage Team working with the MSK Physiotherapy team were appropriate regarding current practice through the use of audit and outcome measures. To make recommendations for change and implement changes to practice as necessary.

Demonstrate a sound understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management and apply to the work situation.

Organisational:

To be responsible for equipment used in carrying out duties and to adhere to any relevant policies including competence to use equipment and ensure safe use of equipment by others through teaching, training and supervision of practice.

To be aware of Health and Safety and Infection Control aspects of your work and implement any policies, which may be required to improve the safety of your work area, including prompt and appropriate recording and reporting of accidents to and ensuring that equipment use is safe.

Manage personnel (HR) issues in line with ECCH policies e.g.: sickness and performance and take appropriate action when identified as necessary for staff within MSK services in conjunction with the clinical coordinator for MSK services.

To be responsible for the collection of appropriate data and statistics for use in the MSK Assessment and Triage Team and MSK service and to provide reports as necessary to the Clinical Coordinator for MSK services.

To comply with the Organisational and service policies and procedures and to be involved in the reviewing and updating as appropriate.

To ensure that other MSK Assessment and Triage and Physiotherapy staff comply with organisational and service policies when carrying out their work.

To act as a representative of and an ambassador for the Company to ensure it is held in high regard.

To deputise for the Extended Scope Practitioner for the MSK Assessment and Triage Team.

All roles within East Coast Community Healthcare CIC (ECCH) require staff to demonstrate our Values and Signature Behaviours in the care and service they provide to patients, service users, stakeholders and colleagues. All members of staff should consider these as an essential part of their job role.

Our Values outline the core behaviours that we can all achieve and are summarised as an acronym within the word CARE. These stand for: Compassion, Action, Respect and Everyone.

Underpinning our Values are our Signature Behaviours which highlight by taking the right actions we continue to build a strong culture. Our four Signature Behaviours are: Compassion - We Listen, We Learn, We Lead| Action - My Accountability, My Responsibility | Respect - Respect Our Resources: People, Time and Money | Everyone - Work Together, Achieve Together.

Qualifications

Essential

• Diploma / Degree in Physiotherapy.
• Registration with HCPC
• Evidence of relevant post graduate courses / CPD
• Have or working towards relevant MSc or evidence of academic / intellectual level equivalent to MSc level

Desirable

• Membership of clinical special interest group
• Previous experience of requesting imaging and bloods

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Good knowledge of all aspects of Physiotherapy
• Musculoskeletal expertise
• Supervisory skills
• Critical appraisal skills
• Presentation skills
• Forward thinking
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Self-directed learning
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to pass on skills / knowledge to others within both formal and informal environment
• Negotiating skills
• Conflict management skills
• Ability to articulate a vision for MSK Physiotherapy
• Ability to work outside traditional professional boundaries
• Computer literate
• High level problem solving

Desirable

• Research skills and experience of involvement in clinical studies

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Committed to a successful Physiotherapy / MSK team
• Able to work collaboratively within a team
• Able to work independently
• Committed to personal and team development
• Able to work with others and pass on skills and knowledge
• Able to communicate well at all levels
• Able to maintain judgement under pressure
• Able to maintain motivation, drive and enthusiasm
• Confident
• Empathetic
• Sympathetic
• Sensitive
• Assertive
• Flexible working
• Ability to embrace our Culture, Values and Signature Behaviours:
• (Compassion - We Listen, We Learn, We Lead| Action - My Accountability, My Responsibility | Respect - Respect Our Resources: People, Time and Money | Everyone - Work Together, Achieve Together)
• Willingness and ability to work across different sites and travel to alternative sites and across the community as required

Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience in specialist Physiotherapy clinical area
• Experience of service evaluation and development
• Previous experience of teaching / training members of staff
• Completion of audits

Desirable

• Experience of collaborative working within a multidisciplinary team
• Previous experience in a team leadership role

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

UK Registration

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