MSK Outpatient Physiotherapy Assistant

We have an opportunity for a physiotherapy assistant to join our diverse and expanding Outpatient Musculoskeletal physiotherapy team. This post will be based at Leamington Hospital, however there may be requirement to provide cover at other MSK clinics across south Warwickshire and Rugby. The successful applicant is required to partake and support various group based exercise classes offering patients verbal encouragement and instruction. Other responsibilities include undertaking assessments of patients with mobility problems, supervising and developing individual exercise programs for patients with common conditions, conducting housekeeping duties within the department and completing electronic administrative task- all roles are under the mentorship of qualified physiotherapists. South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust's Physiotherapy department is a large and expanding department which possesses a wealth of physiotherapeutic knowledge and expertise. The team covers a '7 day' service and so the successful applicant would be required to assist physiotherapy staff working on inpatient wards at Warwick Hospital on some weekend days. Main duties of the job To support the Physiotherapist in providing a high standard physiotherapy service in community, outpatient and inpatients settings. To assess, treat and progress treatment of patients either individually or within groups according to protocols set by Senior Physiotherapists., To perform basic physiotherapeutic assessment, as set by Physiotherapists, of patients by questioning, observing and measuring patients abilities and needs. To develop and deliver an individualised treatment programme using guidelines set by physiotherapists. To hold responsibility for own caseload within a defined area of the service, at times, working without direct supervision. Support available by bleep / telephone or close vicinity. Support takes the form of regular formal training and feedback sessions. Access to advice and support from qualified physiotherapists is available on a regular basis. To be responsible for the safe & competent use of all electrotherapy equipment, gym equipment, patient appliances and aids used by patients. Ensure that Physiotherapy assistants and Physiotherapy students attain competency prior to use. To maintain a clean, tidy and safe environment and equipment. To carry out clerical duties as directed by Physiotherapists. Clinical To gain informed consent for treatment in accordance with Trust policy. This will frequently be to patients / carers and relatives who have diverse or complex emotional, physical and psychological conditions deafness, dysphasia, depression, chronic pain, etc. and will require expert use of verbal and non-verbal communication tools. To undertake a basic physiotherapy assessment of the patient gaining relevant information by clinical examination, observation, questioning and discussion. Develop and deliver a physiotherapy treatment programme within parameters set by qualified physiotherapists patient education, exercise programmes, passive movements or classes. Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes if necessary. Advice is available from qualified Physiotherapists if required. To be responsible for the safe and competent use of gym equipment and patient appliances by self and patients. eg, splints, mobility aids and hoists. To maintain physiotherapy records / reports and follow guidelines, protocols and procedures in accordance with professional (CSP), legal and departmental standards. Weekend Working To be an active member of the weekend working rota, assisting the Physiotherapists. To maintain own competency to practice as a member of the weekend working. Management Work within Trust policy and Chartered Society of Physiotherapists guidelines and to have a good working knowledge of national and local standards. Monitor own and others quality of practice as appropriate. To set a high personal standard of work and professional attitude and encourage others to do likewise. To assist in facilitating high quality care by contribution towards development of clinical guidelines or pathways, education, standard setting, audit and research. To collect activity and clinical data relevant to the service, as required. To contribute to meeting the requirements of the Trusts Corporate Governance agenda. To supervise other staff within the multidisciplinary team as required assistants, physiotherapy, medical or work experience students. To maintain high morale and sound staff relations within the department. To contribute to the performance assessment of assistants and provide protocol driven advise to physiotherapy students. To contribute towards maintaining tidy and hygienic work and rest areas, specifically the outpatient department and the staff room. To clean and check equipment and work areas as required and report any defects to the Superintendent or other senior staff. To use and apply clinical knowledge and experience to assess and manage clinical risk within the limits of own scope of practice. To order surgical supplies and general stores articles and any other equipment required by the department and the maintenance of adequate stocks of such equipment, liaising with Superintendent for authorisation. To carry out any clerical duties as required data input, typing, filing, provide reception cover etc. as required working collaboratively with clerical staff. To attend any meetings as designated by senior physiotherapists. To identify opportunities to improve the physiotherapy service in order to provide the best patient care within the available resources. To be the first point of contact in dealing with minor complaints from patients in line with trust policy. Educational To undertake clinical and personal updating through means identified during appraisal process. To work towards gaining the Care Certificate. To develop an individual learning plan, maintain continuing personal development records and provide evidence of how learning is applied to practice. To provide clinical supervision / mentorship for physiotherapy assistants. Participate in staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee to be responsible for complying with agreed personal development programmes to meet knowledge and competency. To be responsible, with guidance from Physiotherapist for maintaining own competency to practice through continuing personal development activities, and maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development Be an active member of the in service training programmes by attendance at and participation in, in-service training programmes, tutorials, individual training sessions, external courses (where applicable) and peer review and personal study. Communications and Working Relationships To communicate effectively with patients, carers and relatives on an individual or group basis to maximise rehabilitation potential through verbal and non-verbal methods. This may require explanation, instruction, persuasion, motivation, negotiation and reassurance. To be committed to a team approach in order to provide continuity and efficiency of service provision. To liaise with multidisciplinary team / colleagues / medical nursing staff as required. Take formal handover from wards either verbal / non-verbal and then cascade that information as appropriate to other physiotherapists / students.

Essential

• Education to GCSE level or equivalent
• Evidence of CPD maintained in a portfolio - including certificates from relevant courses or training
• Wiliness to work towards the Care Certificate
Desirable
• Membership of CSP
Experience Essential
• Previous experience as physiotherapy assistant
• Experience of working as part of a team
Desirable
• Experience of working in acute hospital environment
Skills Essential
• Competent IT skills (Word, Email)
• Able to present information, written and orally in an accurate clear and logical manner
• Ability to organise prioritise and delegate
• Experience of supervising other staff
• Ability to comprehend and work within the trust's policies of data protection, equal opportunities and health and safety and meet the differing needs of the patients
• Ability to keep accurate and legible patient notes
• Ability to cope working in a stressful environment and with emotional or aggressive patients and carers
• Ability to problem solve
• Excellent command of the English language
• Good written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills
Personal Qualities Essential
• Able to work as a team member
• Flexible
• Empathetic
• Reliable
Other Essential
• Passes Occupational Health clearance and police checks.
• Able to carry out moderate to intense physical effort throughout the working day and carry out concurrent activities
• Car driver and independent means of transport
• Available to work at weekends on rota system
  
  Come and join a Trust rated Outstanding by the CQC. South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust have been rated as outstanding following our latest inspection by the CQC and we are recruiting new staff to come and help us improve even further.
We provide services across Warwickshire and beyond ranging from Hospitals in Warwick, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Royal Leamington Spa and Shipston-on Stour to Community Services across the county. We are a progressive, expanding organisation with great ambition around improving quality, integrating pathways and delivering high levels of productivity. Our values can be summed up in one sentence. We are 'Trusted to provide safe, effective and compassionate care'. Throughout the recruitment process you will be asked to think about how you demonstrate these values and how they impact on your work. It doesn't matter what role you do, whether it is patient facing or not, we are all working in the same way with our values at the core.