Detailed job description and main responsibilities

·         As a highly skilled support worker, assist the Physiotherapists in the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of patients in order to maximise their potential.

·         To hold delegated responsibility for the therapy management of a discrete area of the service, specifically named musculo-skeletal outpatients.

·         To carry out individual and group treatment programmes as established and delegated in broad terms by the Therapist, having the ability to teach and demonstrate specific exercises and techniques to patients and assist the patient in regaining independence in respect to activities of daily living.

·         To obtain reports of current and new patients within the designated areas from the appropriate source. To screen and prioritise new referrals for discussion with the Therapists.  To screen and prioritise daily case load as necessary.

·         Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals and gain valid informed consent.

·         Monitor and analyse the patient’s condition during and following treatment. This necessitates the ability to record, understand and interpret clinical observations.

·         To use clinical reasoning skills to alter / progress treatment within the post holder’s scope of competence and within treatment parameters agreed by the Physiotherapist.

·         Where required, conduct functional assessments, analysing and reporting findings to the Therapists.

·         To attend and actively participate at meetings.

·         Maintain up to date, comprehensive and accurate patient treatment records. In accordance with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) standards and departmental policies.

·         To conduct clinical treatment with respect to individual patient’s dignity, privacy and cultural needs at all times.

·         To have a sound working knowledge of the musculo-skeletal team and the availability of follow-up rehabilitation and treatment services.

·         Use a wide range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients and all team members.  This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or in communicating.  For example, patients may be depressed, confused, or do not have English as a first language.

·         Able to persuade, negotiate and motivate patients to co-operate with their exercise programmes both on an individual and group basis.  Use tact and reassurance when dealing with patients, relatives and carers. 

·         Provide and receive complex and/or sensitive information including information regarding prognosis, limitation to function and/or mobility and changes in social function. To communicate this information in an appropriate and sensitive manner to other therapy staff and MDT members.

·         To establish effective working relationships through use of sound communication skills with patients and other colleagues both within the trust and outside agencies.

·         To plan and prioritise own daily activities (clinical and administrative) in liaison with the team Therapists.  Respond appropriately to changing circumstances that impact the delegated caseload and report back any difficulties to the Therapists on a timely basis.

·         To remain flexible and respond to changing situations and priorities within area and department.

·         To delegate work appropriately to a named Therapy Assistant colleague within their scope of competence and to inform the Therapist responsible for the patient of this.

·         To ensure that supplies of paperwork (e.g. for patient notes, information leaflets) are stocked well and maintained in appropriate locations.

·         To participate actively in the hospital induction programme and in the departmental “on the job” training.

·         To be an active member of the in-service training programme by attending and participating in department in-service training sessions, tutorials, individual training sessions, external courses and peer review.

·         To attend any Trust mandatory training sessions annually and ensure that all e-learning modules are updated as required

·         To work within Trust-wide clinical guidelines, policies and procedures and also those locally agreed within the physiotherapy department.  Adhere to the CSP professional standards and guidelines. 

·         To undertake, as directed, the collection of data for use in service audit and research projects.

·         To undertake the measurement and evaluation of work and current practices through the use of evidence based practice projects, audit and outcome measures, as directed by the Occupational Therapist & Physiotherapist

·         To assist, through discussions and comments, in the development of appropriate standards, protocols and operational policies.

·         To work within the bounds of own competencies and recognise limitations

·         To participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee and be responsible for complying with the agreed personal development programmes in order to meet set knowledge and competencies.