Job overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic, caring physiotherapist to come and join our dynamic physiotherapy team.
The physiotherapy department is extremely supportive of all staff and especially to it's new Band 5's. We expect our Band 5's to show initiative and of course work hard, but alongside that we provide nurture, encouragement, training and support. Departmental training is provided and there is even a training programme for all Band 5's to help you develop your non-clinical skills. Not only is it an excellent place to work, but it's also an excellent place to live as it is very close to the vibrant city of Brighton where many of our staff live and commute from. Worthing is also a nice town and nothing beats going to the beach after work which is only 5 minutes' walk away.
As a Band 5 there are rotations in Respiratory (including intensive care, surgery and medicine), Orthopaedics, MSK Outpatients, Neuro and Department of Medicine for the Elderly. There are also opportunities to work in other areas as you progress as a Band 6. Unlike many large teaching hospital the team is of a size where all staff soon get to know each other which helps provide the friendly, supportive environment that we have here.
Main duties of the job
1. To work as part of a Physiotherapy Team providing a high quality and comprehensive therapy service to patients
2. To work independently and autonomously as well as working as part of a team and seeking support from senior physiotherapists as required
3. To carry out comprehensive and appropriate assessments of patients with a variety of conditions and possible complex conditions
4. To develop treatment plans and carry out treatment of patients with a variety of conditions and complex needs. To evaluate these treatment sessions and modify appropriately
5. To take responsibility for own learning and to actively participate in CPD activities, IST, audit, evidence based projects and other activities aimed at enhancing the development of the individual and the service
6. To rotate working in a variety of clinical settings, usually for a period of 4 months. The areas included in this post are Respiratory Musculoskeletal Outpatients Orthopaedics Front Door Frailty Team Neuro General Medicine
7. To work respiratory on-calls and maintain competence in this area.
8. To be prepared to participate in future 7-day service provision if applicable.
9. UHSFT is a large multisite acute hospital trust providing inpatient and emergency care 365 days a year. As such many of our services are provided across or preparing to move to a seven-day rostered working pattern. As this post includes responsibility for the provision of inpatient care this post will be for a seven-day a week working contract. The post currently supports the physiotherapy service which currently operates a five-day service.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Communication
10. To be able to communicate effectively and adapt approach appropriately considering the person, cultural needs, communication barriers and situation.
11. To communicate effectively with patients, carers, other physiotherapists, and other members of the MDT as necessary to ensure effective patient centred care.
12. To be able to educate patients regarding their condition and self-management in an engaging manner and at a level appropriate for the individual.
13. To be able to work effectively as part of a team and maintain effective, professional relationships.
14. To ensure timely and effective communication with line manager and other appropriate senior staff on all professional matters and be able to raise concerns appropriately.
15. To consistently maintain accurate record keeping in line with guidelines and ensure confidentiality is maintained (includes SMART goals and SOAP notes)
16. To attend any ward rounds, meetings, case conferences as appropriate in order to ensure appropriate and timely management of patients through to discharge.
Service delivery and improvement
17. To comply with the organisational and departmental policies and procedures
18. To discuss with team / colleagues the likely or actual impact of changing policies or procedures
19. To be involved in the evaluation of current practice, discussions, data collection, audit and relevant projects regarding service evaluation and be able to contribute to suggestions for change.
20. To be flexible to enable taking on new work or to work in a different way if required and to support others to do the same.
People management and development
·Responsible for carrying out duties in line with the Trust’s e-rostering processes, including managing rosters, supporting staff allocation, and contributing to effective budget reconciliation and workforce planning
21. To assist in the training of others such as students on clinical placements, physiotherapy assistants / technicians and peers
22. To lead and be proactive in in-service training and be available for training other health care professionals through activities such as study days and on the wards.
23. To be responsible for identifying own learning needs and for own professional development and maintaining record of learning
24. To participate and engage in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee by preparing for the appraisal, evaluating own practice, and identifying learning needs and strategies in order to improve.
25. To ensure regular attendance at statutory and mandatory training as specified by Trust regulations.
26. To be open to feedback regarding own performance and able to provide feedback to others.
Patient care delivery
27. To provide effective physiotherapy care and treatment for patients, including those with complex needs. This will be achieved by using clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and relevant practical experience, seeking guidance as required.
28. To assess the ability of the patient to give valid informed consent, while working within the legal framework with patients who occasionally may lack the capacity to consent to treatment.
29. To use all appropriate information from a variety of sources to ascertain the patients level of priority / urgency within the caseload.
30. To assess the patient appropriately using outcome measures, objective measures, subjective measures, evidence–based practice and awareness of the individual
31. To carry out clinically reasoned, individualised, evidence-based treatments safely and effectively.
32. To risk assess to ensure the treatment plan is safe for the patient and all professionals involved
33. To monitor patients during treatment sessions and be able to detect changes in health and summon assistance if required with the appropriate degree of urgency.
34. To identify progression and regression in patients and adapt treatments accordingly and liaise with MDT regarding this.
35. To take responsibility for electing when to withdraw or withhold physiotherapy intervention from individuals when appropriate based on robust clinical decision making, seeking advice where required.
36. To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your professional activities working within codes or practice and professional guidelines.
37. To keep up to date with clinical developments, analysing current research and discussing and implementing changes in clinical practice.
38. To participate in the on call respiratory rota’s (this involves evening and weekend working.)
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
39. Diploma/Degree in Physiotherapy. Portfolio of learning / documented continuous professional development
40. State registration (HCPC) or applied for
Desirable criteria
41. Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Training and Experience
Essential criteria
42. Basic understanding of Clinical Governance and its implications for the service
43. Ability to comprehend and work within the trusts data protection, health and safety and equality and diversity policies
44. Awareness of own learning needs
45. Experience in an NHS department
46. Ability to keep accurate and legible patients notes
Communication and Relationship
Essential criteria
47. Demonstrates effective communication with patients, staff other professionals
48. To be able to overcome potential barriers to communication
49. Able to present information, written and orally in a clear and logical manner
Desirable criteria
50. Basic presentation skills
Planning and Organisational
Essential criteria
51. Ability to organise, prioritise and delegate
52. Ability to present information in a clear and logical manner (orally or written.)
Ability to present information
Essential criteria
53. Ability to interpret assessment findings and form clinically reasoned treatment plans
54. Ability to create patient centred goals using the assessment findings, patient views and input of the MDT
55. Demonstrate awareness of service developments and the importance of initiatives to improve patient experience and efficiency of the service
Human Resources
Essential criteria
56. Experience of teaching or peer assisted learning in a clinical setting
57. Continued professional development diary including evidence of reflective practice, in-service training and clinical experiences gained
58. Awareness of own learning needs
Research and Development
Essential criteria
59. Remains up to date with current relevant evidence
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
60. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
61. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications