Job overview

Physiotherapy Department at University Hospitals Plymouth NHT Trust is looking for a flexible, enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the Neurosurgical physiotherapy team. The post holder will work alongside Physiotherapists and the multidisciplinary team within the inpatient service.

The successful applicant will be part of seven-day service who provide a quality physiotherapy service to the neurosurgical patients. The neurosurgical department is a tertiary centre, receiving trauma and elective patients from all over Devon and Cornwall. It includes an expanding ward as well as neurosurgical intensive care unit.

The post holder will support the Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy teams to provide acute assessment, treatment and discharge planning of a wide range of patients who may have complex and/or chronic presentations, including those having brain and spinal surgery, or experienced traumatic brain and spinal cord injury.

Good organisational and interpersonal skills are essential. The successful candidate will need to have demonstrable experience of working as a Physiotherapy Assistant or equivalent. Professionalism and a positive attitude to their professional development/ willingness and ability to learn are essential.

Main duties of the job

Working under the supervision of a Physiotherapist, to undertake a variety of tasks (clinical and non-clinical), to support the delivery of physiotherapy to patients within the neurosurgical inpatient service over a seven-day period.

To work without direct supervision, but under the direction of Physiotherapy staff in the performance of specific tasks for an individual or group of patients within the neurosurgical inpatient service. To deliver treatment and rehabilitation programmes within protocols and competencies specific to this post. To act as first contact in specific situations. To perform reviews for patients working within a competency framework.

Supervision takes the form of observation of practise, regular formal and informal training.  Access to advice and support from senior physiotherapists is always available, regular checks will be made to ensure workload is managed, clinical work and case notes are routinely evaluated.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Working for our organisation

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.