Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist

To provide specialist neurological and complex rehabilitation assessment, treatment and management of patients using the service.

To work as part of the TherapyMatters Team, both within the clinic environment, and also in community environments, such as patients homes, gyms, care facilities.

To contribute to the learning environment within the team, developing yourself and your team colleagues learning and development through joint sessions, reflection and peer discussions, IST, clinical supervision, courses and personal reading.

Team

Directors, Specialist Neurological Physiotherapists, Administration/Therapy Assistant within the TherapyMatters team

Location

TherapyMatters Clinic Aldford House, Bell Meadow Business Park, Cuckoos Nest, Pulford, Chester CH4 9EP

Accountable/Responsible to

Directors and clinical lead

Working closely to support

Other team members, any therapy staff who may have less experience than yourself, Rehabilitation Assistants, administration staff, visiting work experience or clinical students

ORGANISATION CHART

To perform Neurological physiotherapeutic assessment of patients with diverse and complex conditions, to provide clinical hypothesis and develop and deliver an individualised treatment/rehabilitation programme, with the support and clinical supervision of more experienced staff within the team.

Provide specialist advice and referring patients to other agencies when necessary, following communication with clinical support within the team.

To liaise with GPs, District Nurses, Social Care professionals, next of kin and carer / PA teams, and case managers, to ensure safety and best clinical practice.

To identify and prioritise key tasks and manage your own, often busy caseload with support and supervision as required.

To offer a marketing and business supportive role within the context of the business needs, under direction from the Directors and Administrator staff as required.

As a less experienced neurological physiotherapist within the team you will have access to clinical supervision, support and communication with a named mentor and supervisor, as well as other available team members as and when needed. This will happen through an organised clinical supervision process, which will support your professional and clinical development as you move towards more specialist skills within this clinical area. The following components of this job description are descriptive of the tasks that will be included in your role within this clinical supervision framework.

To undertake comprehensive assessment of patients with complex problems, using clinical reasoning skills and using assessment techniques, in order to provide an accurate analysis of the patients problems. To have knowledge of any significant warning signs (red flags) for a variety of conditions and be able to identify those patients who need referral for medical/specialist care.

To plan and deliver an individual physiotherapy treatment programme using sound knowledge of evidence-supported practice and treatment options. The treatment plan to be based on patient agreed goals, taking into account the individuals psychosocial needs.

To obtain patient consent by reviewing and reflecting with the patient their understanding of their problems and treatment options.

To provide specialist advice and education on patient care to other health, social, educational and voluntary sector services. This will involve discussing, sharing and working closely together with other professionals about treatment/care programmes.

Continual evaluation of progression of patients problems and goal achievement with respect to the treatment plan and adjustment of treatment techniques accordingly.

To comply with TherapyMatters Manual Handling Policy at all times.

To regularly work as a lone practitioner within treatment sessions, on home visits or within clinic rooms in the clinic but knowing that the support of the other team members and Clinical Director are always available on request through organisation of the diary and through the clinical supervision programme, or, if needed at the time, through contact with the clinic via telephone or messaging services.

Attend case conferences and use professional judgment/clinical reasoning skills to inform decision making regarding future direction and care planning where complex patient needs exist.

Provide clinical and professional support to the team and ensure that the work of the team is promoted and understood within the wider communities that we come into contact with.

To take part in multi-disciplinary case meetings to discuss individual patients needs and liaise with the teams of staff involved in these.

Ensure that your own practice and that of staff requiring your supervision meet the required professional standards of practice.

To be responsible for organising and planning own caseload to meet service and patient priorities, readjusting plans as situations change / arise.

Promote the learning atmosphere of the team and clinic in the In Service Training Programme and be prepared to teach new techniques and share experiences with colleagues following attendance on external courses.

Be responsible for the production of reports for outside agencies, when required which will always be reviewed by another member of the team before sending out.

To be responsible for monitoring accurate and comprehensive patient records in line with CSPs standards and practice.

Maintain and update theoretical knowledge and clinical skills in line with research developments and evidence-supported practice, via CPD and the maintenance of a reflective portfolio.

Adhere to HCPC standards and Professional Code of Conduct.

Participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee and be responsible for complying with a personal development programme to meet set knowledge and competencies.

To identify own training needs related to personal development plan and attend, where possible, relevant courses, workshops etc. in consultation with Team Leader and retain portfolio of evidence.

To actively contribute to In-service training and peer review, and showing evidence of Continuous Professional Development.

To take an active part in the Clinical Supervision process both when receiving and delivering clinical supervision within the team structure.

Maintain and develop current knowledge of evidence-supported practice, developing specialist knowledge of particular conditions and patient types,

Teach, assess and contribute to the performance assessment and appraisal of assistants and newly qualified physiotherapists when required.

Communication

To use communication skills effectively and sensitively with a flexible approach.

TherapyMatters is a long-established, independent provider, and an NHS provider, of quality specialist neurological and complex rehabilitation physiotherapy services, with an excellent reputation.

We are a friendly and dynamic team, always taking opportunities to work together when possible, always creating a learning environment within the clinic and enjoying the day.

We have a positive and caring atmosphere, that the patients say they can feel as soon as they walk into the building. We get under the skin of our patients and understand their rehabilitation needs, hopes and goals for better function and day to day management of their conditions, as possible.

We enjoy providing quality rehabilitation for all our patients, some of whom travel a distance to access our specialist team (eg Cumbria, Republic of Ireland, Nottinghamshire, USA).

We work hard, in a very rewarding role, and enjoy our patients achieving their potential.

Qualifications

Experience

Skills and Knowledge