Job summary
Our Physiotherapy Assistant will work under the direction of a physiotherapist but frequently to work without direct supervision.
You will manage a caseload of physiotherapy MSK out patients referred by the physiotherapists within the service and act as first point of contact for MSK physiotherapy referrals made within agreed protocols and pathways.
Main duties of the job
* To assist physiotherapists in the treatment and care of MSK Physiotherapy outpatients.
* To assist specialist physiotherapists in delivery of individuals and groups including performing routine patient monitoring, supporting patient education, and supervising group exercise sessions.
* To support non-clinical activities including organisation and delegation of administration, assisting the maintenance and efficient running of the department and managing the appointment system.
About us
Why Work With Us
Working with us - Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Why join us?
Our people are caring, committed, inclusive and focussed on quality. We focus on solutions and people's strengths. We encourage outside the box thinking and embrace innovation and change wherever it can drive improvement. If you share our values and vision and are passionate about working with people on what matters to them, you could be a real asset to Team Torbay and South Devon.
And if you do join us, you'll be working in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, with a fantastic quality of life. We actively encourage our people to enjoy a good work/life balance and Devon offers everything from city living to a host of outdoor activities. Whether it's the coast that floats your boat, the adrenaline of white-water rafting, trekking across the moors or being mindful in nature, you'll find it all right on your doorstep.
Job responsibilities
Communication and Working Relationships – 80% of workload is clinical; running groups and 1 to 1 session, 20% patient related non-clinical activity and general administration. Some aspects of work will involve delivery of care as part of a multidisciplinary team. To undertake ongoing assessment of patients including those with diverse and complex presentations/multi-pathologies, use basic clinical reasoning skills and manual assessment techniques to provide a basis for effective intervention.
Deliver individualised and group MSK outpatient exercise programmes to adults and paediatrics based on evidence‑based practice and agreed exercise protocols.
Evaluate patients' progress, alter treatment plans within designated protocols, and report back to the referring physiotherapist when a change in treatment or review is required.
Facilitate exercise with MSK out patients on an individual and/or group basis and support health education. Manage clinical risk within own patient caseload. Work within Trust and CSP clinical guidelines, and keep up to date with clinical developments. Responsible for safe and competent assessment, provision and use of physiotherapy equipment, appliances and aids by patients. Develop and maintain links with external exercise providers within Teignbridge and Torbay localities to provide exercise on prescription schemes.
Communication with Patients – Patient communication will include gaining informed consent for all assessment and treatment. Communicate information on a daily basis and adjust treatment verbally and non‑verbally. Manage communication for patients who may have difficulties relating to complex emotional, psychological or physical conditions, including dysphasia, depression, hearing or visual impairment or inability to accept a diagnosis. Apply skills in diffusing anger, motivating, negotiating, counselling, training, empathising and reassuring.
Communication with Colleagues – Maintain accurate, comprehensive and up to date documentation, in line with legal, departmental and CSP standards. Communicate progress to referring physiotherapist and other appropriate staff verbally and in written format. Liaise with colleagues within the physiotherapy team and wider multidisciplinary team. Input data into IHCS datacollection system and any new systems.
Planning and Organisation – Organise own diary and caseload. Be responsible for workload as delegated by the physiotherapist. Monitor maintenance of the department, cleaning, repairs, safety and compliance with CSP standards. Monitor safe use of equipment.
Responsibility and Accountability – Legally accountable for all aspects of work referred by a physiotherapist. Maintain knowledge of evidence-based practice and competency through CPD activities. Compile portfolio reflecting development. Participate in staff appraisal scheme. Maintain in‑service training participation. Contribute to audit and outcome data collection. Supervision includes observation and discussion of management and outcomes.
Policy and Service Responsibility – Contribute to team service development and local implementation of national policy and guidelines.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources – Clean and inspect therapy equipment. No budgetary responsibility.
Information Technology and Administrative Duties – Maintain accurate documentation and communicate progress. Input data into IHCS. Adhere to Information Governance standards.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
* NVQ3 in diagnostic and therapeutic support (including X8, X9, X10) or equivalent.
* Experience of working as part of a team.
* Experience of conducting group exercise and patient information sessions.
* Experience of working with people who can be distressed, or who have communication difficulties.
* Competent IT skills.
Desirable
* Personal trainer qualification, Level 3 or above.
* Undergraduate study in Sports Therapy or Sport and Exercise Sciences.
* Experience of working with MSK conditions.
* Previous experience of working within the NHS.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and, as such, it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Paignton Health and Wellbeing Centre and Brixham Hospital
Church Street
Paignton
TQ3 3AG
Employer's website
https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
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