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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. To be professionally and legally accountable and responsible for all aspects of own work including the management of individual caseload, working within accepted codes of professional conduct and clinical guidelines to minimise clinical risk.

2. To be qualified to degree / diploma level in physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy and be HCPC registered. To have completed a series of rotations to include major specialities such as orthopaedics, musculoskeletal out-patients and medicine at basic grade level.

3. To demonstrate sound theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology and clinical reasoning skills to provide specialist rehabilitation for mixed and complex conditions requiring rehabilitation.

4. To undertake comprehensive assessments of  patients presenting with multiple pathologies, using  bio-psychosocial clinical reasoning skills,  knowledge of evidence based practice, and  rehabilitation expertise. To develop accurate diagnoses. Demonstrate awareness of knowledge in the field of pain management. Develop new skills in response to emerging knowledge and techniques.

5. To monitor and reassess therapeutic input and patient status in order to progress and adjust treatments effectively and develop comprehensive discharge plans referring to specialist services as indicated.

6. To have the ability to work within the trusts guidelines and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Guidelines / Royal College of Occupational Therapists and to have a good working knowledge of national standards.

7. To be responsible for the competent use of exercise and gym equipment or capable of being trained in the use of such equipment, and patient appliances as indicated, and to report any defects or malfunctions to the Team Leader.

8. To participate in clinical governance as required.

9. To develop comprehensive discharge plans.

10. To be responsible for writing clinical letters, reports and discharge letters issued to patients and outside agencies.

11. To advise patients, employers and occupational health departments on the appropriate time to return to work, sports and other activities. To issue AHP fit notes.

12. To manage clinical risk within own caseload and within the pain rehabilitation service. To be able to undertake a suicide risk assessment and follow the pathway for suspected cauda equina or refer to an appropriate clinician with the skills to assess for cauda equina. To report safeguarding issues and refer to appropriate teams under the guidance of senior staff.

13. To assess patients attending Optimise Pain Rehabilitation Unit and refer to the most appropriate programme, including assessment for hydrotherapy, psychology and individual sessions. To participate in the running of the Get Back Active and Pain Management programmes. To see patients on an individual basis where appropriate.

14. To decide (in consultation with colleagues) whether to treat, co-manage or refer patients with psychological needs. g. reason referral requirements to crisis team, community mental health or pain clinical psychology. To be aware of the impact of pain and discuss with senior clinicians which ‘blending of  therapies’ are required to address both the psychological and physical effects of pain.

15. To provide post programme reviews for participants.

16. To have knowledge of pain neurophysiology (e.g. pain gate, neuroplasticity, peripheral and central sensitisation, centrally generated and maintained pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).

17. To be aware of a range of psychological approaches used in pain management such as mindfulness, motivational interviewing, ACT, CBT.

18. Demonstrate ability to use activity/exercise sessions as an opportunity for patients to be exposed to difficult thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Ability to facilitate patients in managing these when they arise, in keeping with values and workability. To evaluate, reassess and alter treatment programmes as required.

19. To participate in the evening (if a physiotherapist) and weekend and Bank Holiday on call rota.