UHWA Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist

**********PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM FULLY, CV'S ARE NOT ACCEPTED***********

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Professional / Clinical

The Clinical specialist Physiotherapist will:

• Work as a core member of an inter-professional team to ensure early identification and assessment of the trauma patient
• Ensure effective communication takes place at all times
• Assess and manage patients as an interdisciplinary member of the team using Rehabilitation Needs Assessment & Rehabilitation Prescription
• Adopt keyworker role within the Inpatient Trauma Rehabilitation Team as appropriate
• Attend Inpatient Trauma Rehabilitation team huddles, ward rounds and MDT meetings as required.
• Carry a clinical caseload appropriate to the post
• Be responsible for client assessment, development and implementation of individualised treatment plans that are client centred and in line with best practice
• Be responsible for goal setting in partnership with client, family and other team members as appropriate
• Be responsible for standards of practice of self and staff appointed to clinical / designated area(s)
• Communicate and work in co-operation with other team members in providing an integrated quality service, taking the lead role as required
• Develop effective communication with and provide instruction, guidance and support to staff, clients, family, carers etc.
• Document client records in accordance with professional standards and departmental policies
• Provide a service in varied locations in line with local policy/guidelines and within appropriate time allocation
• Participate and be a lead clinician as appropriate in review meetings, case conferences, ward rounds etc.
• Develop and promote professional standards of practice
• Work within own scope of professional competence in line with principles of best practice, professional conduct and clinical governance
• Seek advice of relevant personnel when appropriate/as required
• Operate within the scope of practice of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists
• Participate in weekend and bank holiday rotas.

Education & Training

The Clinical specialist physiotherapist will:

• Participate in mandatory training programmes
• Take responsibility for, and keep up to date with Physiotherapy practice by participating in continuing professional development such as reflective practice, in service, self-directed learning, research, clinical audit etc.
• Be responsible for the induction and clinical supervision of staff in the designated area(s)
• Manage, participate and play a key role in the practice education of student therapists. Take part in teaching / training /supervision /evaluation of staff /students and attend practice educator courses as relevant to role and needs
• Engage in personal development planning and performance review for self and others as required

Health & Safety

The Clinical specialist physiotherapist will:

• Develop and monitor implementation of agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards
• Ensure the safety of self and others, and the maintenance of safe environments and equipment used in Physiotherapy in accordance with legislation
• Assess and manage risk in their assigned area(s) of responsibility
• Take the appropriate timely action to manage any incidents or near misses within their assigned area(s)
• Be responsible for the safe and competent use of all equipment, aids and appliances both by clients and staff under their supervision

Administrative

The Clinical specialist physiotherapist will:

• Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of a quality service in line with best practice
• Oversee and monitor the standards of best practice within their Physiotherapy team
• Contribute to the service planning process
• Assist the Physiotherapy Manager in service development encompassing policy development and implementation
• Review and evaluate the Physiotherapy service regularly, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services
• Develop and promote quality standards of work and co-operate with quality assurance programmes
• Collect and evaluate data about the service area as identified in service plans and demonstrate the achievement of the objectives of the service
• Oversee the upkeep of accurate records in line with best practice
• Collate and maintain accurate statistics and render reports as required
• Report on KPIs as relevant to the role
• Represent the department at meetings and conferences as appropriate
• Inform the Physiotherapy Manager of staff issues (needs, interests, views) as appropriate
• Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace
• Participate in the control and ordering of Physiotherapy stock and equipment in conjunction with the Physiotherapy Manager
• Be accountable for the budget, where relevant
• Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health Service
• Engage in IT developments as they apply to clients and service administration
• Perform such other duties appropriate to the role as may be assigned by the Physiotherapy Manager

Communication, Leadership and Team Work

• Work as part of the multidisciplinary team.
• Attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary meetings.
• Lead and develop strong links with Community/Primary Care physiotherapy colleagues, and liaise as necessary to support the safe transition of patient care across Acute & Community/Primary Care services, to facilitate the delivery of integrated care for patients.
• Ensure timely communication and collaboration with the Multi-disciplinary Team, and Physiotherapy Manager.
• Build and maintain good relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively nationally with other Trauma Physiotherapist Clinical Specialists.
• Serve on and advise such committees as appropriate.

Education and Development

• Initiate and participate in own continuous professional development and performance management
• Serve as a resource to contribute to the continuing professional development activities and education programmes of the physiotherapy services at acute, community and regional levels, as appropriate.
• Attend where possible relevant post graduate courses and lectures.
• Co-operate in the provision of safe and productive clinical placements in accordance with the department’s commitment to clinical training programmes.
• Agree and undertake appropriate training to provide advanced practice physiotherapy activities within the trauma pathway based on local service need, cognisant of Physiotherapy scope of practice and Legislation frameworks

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.