Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To communicate effectively with patients with a variety of communication difficulties e.g. blind, deaf, dysphasic, learning difficulties / dementia, and for people who do not have English as their first language. This will involve the effective use of verbal, written, pictorial, tactile and visual communication tools.

Use empathetic, tactful and interpersonal skills to encourage, empower and motivate patients to maximise their rehabilitation potential

To liaise with other team members with regards to day to day running of the MSK Physiotherapy Service

To communicate effectively with all other disciplines involved with an individual’s care

To use effective communication skills with patients who may present with complex needs such as chronic pain.

To consistently maintain accurate and comprehensive records in line with guidelines and ensure confidentiality is maintained. Initiate documentation for assessment, transfer and discharge and be conversant with uni and multi-professional documentation.

Educate patients and relatives on a range of topics covering Physiotherapy techniques, e.g. exercise, mobility activities including using walking aids and indoor and outdoor mobility.

Assist in informative / observational visits, work-shadow sessions and specific areas of induction process e.g. new members of staff and students

To support and participate in appropriate work-related projects as required

To comply with University Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust policies and procedures.

To highlight an discuss any issues with the service with the team lead in a professional manner

To attend and actively participate in relevant in-service and mandatory statutory training e.g. infection control, child protection, data protection, moving and handling, fire safety, resus etc and to ensure that evidence of attendance of self and staff is recorded within the departmental data spreadsheet and updated as appropriate.

To be involved in planning and delivering training to peers as required

To support peers and other more junior members of the team and assist in the induction of new staff. Including demonstrating processes and IT systems

To ensure compliance with the Trust Hand Hygiene Policy and demonstration of this through audit and appraisal.

Maintain personal development through course attendance, participation in Individual Performance Review (IPR), application in practise of skills and speciality competencies.

Contribute to the development and delivery of patient care by participating in team departmental or MDT training e.g. through problem solving discussions.

Involved in the Rehabilitation of patients using knowledge of exercise based therapy

To be able to correctly apply various therapeutic aids as appropriate in discussion with the Physiotherapist, e.g. splints, braces, walking aids, resistance bands, floor pedals, and weights.

To support Physiotherapists by undertaking skilled Physiotherapy techniques e.g. exercise instruction, gait re-education and functional transfers with individuals.

Educate patients, on a range of topics covering Physiotherapy techniques, e.g. exercises, mobility activities including using walking aids and indoor and outdoor mobility and to lead education group sessions.

Working without direct supervision to treat patients individually or in conjunction with other members of the team.

To understand the relevance of the therapeutic potential of equipment within treatment planning.

Be competent to set up and operate therapeutic and gym equipment in line with the Trusts Health & Safety Guidelines e.g. monitoring and maintaining the safety and condition of the equipment.

To assess, measure, label, adjust to size and issue walking aids as appropriate and various standard splints.

To work effectively with 1:1 patient sessions or taking a group of patients

To support patient care poolside