Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist

• To perform physiotherapy assessment of patients with neurological presentations on the Stroke and neuro rehabilitation pathways to develop and deliver an individualised treatment program.
• To work as part of a multidisciplinary team to facilitate positive rehab outcomes and timely, co-ordinated discharge planning.
• To fully support initiatives to reduce length of stay, including key working.
• To work flexibly, being willing to provide support on other rehabilitation wards when necessary.
• To hold responsibility for own caseload, working with and without direct supervision.
• Provide support for the clinical supervision for a rotational Band 5 physiotherapist, student physiotherapists and give direction to members of support staff.
• To undertake evidence-based audit and research projects to inform own and general Physiotherapy practice within the unit.
• To participate in a 7-day service covering weekends and bank holiday on a rota basis.

Essential

• Proven ability to assess and treat neurological patients with sound clinical reasoning and understanding of the rehabilitation process.
• Knowledge and experience of using a wide range of therapeutic physiotherapy interventions for the treatment of patients with stroke and neurological conditions.
• Knowledge and experience of using a range of recognized outcome measures and goal setting skills as appropriate to the rehabilitation of patients with a range of neurological conditions.
• Knowledge of barriers to communication and strategies to overcome them, including knowledge of communication difficulties encountered by neurological patients.
• Ability to communicate complex and/or sensitive information requiring empathy and reassurance.
• Good understanding of current NHS issues, professional standards, CPD, clinical governance.
• Able to work as an autonomous practitioner.
• Able to work with individuals and groups.
• Ability to problem solve, prioritize and demonstrate sound clinical reasoning.
• Good communication and report writing skills, in both verbal and written format.
• Basic IT skills - Microsoft Word, Power point, Excel

Desirable

• Experience of neuro-orthotics including splinting/casting.
• Knowledge and experience in FES.
• Ability to use cognitive, behavioral and communication strategies to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and rehabilitation goals are met.
• Supervision of assistant / junior staff
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant, RCP, NICE and CSP guidelines
• Knowledge and understanding of National Service Framework for Older People
• Knowledge and experience in research and audit

Essential

• Degree in Physiotherapy
• Current UK HCPC registration
• Evidence of up-to-date CPD portfolio, aattendance at specialist short courses or equivalent CPD activities within the specialist areas of Neuro Rehabilitation.

Essential

• Previous experience as a qualified physiotherapist, with both theoretical and practical knowledge across a broad range of Band 5 rotations, including Stroke/ Neurology/Neurosciences.
• Experience of carrying out a comprehensive neurological assessment to formulate a comprehensive neurological treatment plan and goals.
• Experience of using a wide range of neuro-physiotherapeutic interventions for the treatment of patients with neurological conditions.

Desirable

• Previous experience at Specialist Neuro Physiotherapist (Band 6) level in Neurology/ Stroke/ Neurosciences.
• Experience of working with patients with complex presentation which may include: Brain Injury, SCI, progressive neurological disorders.
• Experience of supervising and appraising other staff e.g. Band 5, rehabilitation assistants
• Experience of supervising physiotherapy students
• Experience in service development projects.

Essential

• To hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).
• To participate in a 7-day rota and bank holiday