Detailed job description
and main responsibilities
To complete neurological assessments in the patient’s home environment and plan holistic patient-centred neurological therapeutic input which is regularly monitored and updated.
To provide specialist neurological Physiotherapy input to ESD patients in the community, including assessment and rehabilitation input to support recovery in areas such as: physical function, fatigue, pain management, cardiovascular fitness, mood/anxiety/adjustment, prevention and management of complications, provision of basic equipment to support independence, manual handling, activities of daily living, return to work, and driving.
To provide education and support to patients, carers and families.
To assist the Stroke and Neuro inpatient therapists with discharge planning as necessary. This may include attendance at appropriate stroke update meetings (SUM) and through triaging. Collaborative working with in-patient therapists and joint discharge home visits may be required for those more complex patients.
To assist the ESD Team Lead with data collection, SSNAP, audits and reports so that the service can be monitored and developed.
To assist with neurological education to therapy assistants, peers, students on placement, the wider team and external agencies. To be responsible for attaining and maintaining own neurological competencies.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. State Registered (HCPC)
2. BSc (Hons), MSc or equivalent in Physiotherapy
3. Evidence of CPD
Desirable criteria
4. Member of ACPIN
5. Completion of Neuro-therapy specific course
6. Completion of leadership training
Experience
Essential criteria
7. Minimum of 18-24 months of postgraduate experience across core areas Neurology Older Peoples Services Orthopaedics
8. Experience of working within a community rehab service
Desirable criteria
9. Previous experience with supervision of assistants
10. Previous experience in student clinical supervision
11. Experience of working in stroke/neuro setting
12. Involvement in audit and service development
Technical Skills and Competencies
Essential criteria
13. Ability to assess, manage & treat neurological conditions and patients with complex multi pathologies at specialist level
14. Ability to teach & supervise band 5 staff & assistants
15. Skills in goal setting & evaluating outcome measures
16. Problem solving skills and clinical reasoning skills - Reflective practitioner
17. Ability to produce clear written documentation of intervention & reports
18. Therapeutic moving & handling skills at specialist level
19. Ability to prioritise clinical workload
20. Ability to learn and develop own clinical skills with neurological patient group
Desirable criteria
21. Skills in using adjunctive therapies (e.g, CIMT, electrical stimulation, motivational interviewing)
22. Skills in applying movement science intensity programmes
Knowledge
Essential criteria
23. Sound understanding of the pathology of neurological conditions
24. Basic understanding of Neuroplasticity and theoretical rationale behind neurotherapy interventions
25. Understanding of National service frameworks, NICE guidance and National strategy documents.
26. Knowledge of the clinical pathway for neurological patients from acute care to long term management
27. Understanding of Clinical Governance and its relevance to clinical situations.
28. Ability to critique evidence base and apply to clinical practice.
29. Knowledge and understanding of the Discharge to Assess pathways
Desirable criteria
30. Knowledge of equipment options for neurological patients and abilities to assess for these
31. Knowledge of methods to support self-management in patients with long term conditions
32. Knowledge of quality improvement methodology
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential criteria
33. Ability to drive and hold a clean driver's licence and have access to own vehicle
34. Good IT skills with the ability to utilise number of basic computer programmes competently (i.e. outlook, word, excel, databases)
35. Ability to move and handle patients and equipment using approved techniques and work in confined spaces
36. Ability to utilise specialist equipment relevant for patient group and use tools to adjust equipment & furniture.
37. Ability to communicate with individuals with language, behavioural and cognitive problems
Personal Attribues
Essential criteria
38. Self motivated and show initiative
39. Good time management
40. Ability to work under pressure
41. Flexibility to respond to urgent requests, changes to plans etc;
42. Always maintain high level of professional standard
Language Requirement
Essential criteria
43. Able to speak English as necessary to undertake the role