Physiotherapy Technical Instructor (Neurosurgery)

Physiotherapy Department at University Hospitals Plymouth NHT Trust is looking for a flexible, enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the Neurosurgical physiotherapy team. The post holder will work alongside Physiotherapists and the multidisciplinary team within the inpatient service.

The successful applicant will be part of seven-day service who provide a quality physiotherapy service to the neurosurgical patients. The neurosurgical department is a tertiary centre, receiving trauma and elective patients from all over Devon and Cornwall. It includes an expanding ward as well as neurosurgical intensive care unit.

The post holder will support the Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy teams to provide acute assessment, treatment and discharge planning of a wide range of patients who may have complex and/or chronic presentations, including those having brain and spinal surgery, or experienced traumatic brain and spinal cord injury.

Good organisational and interpersonal skills are essential. The successful candidate will need to have demonstrable experience of working as a Physiotherapy Assistant or equivalent. Professionalism and a positive attitude to their professional development/ willingness and ability to learn are essential.

Working under the supervision of a Physiotherapist, to undertake a variety of tasks (clinical and non-clinical), to support the delivery of physiotherapy to patients within the neurosurgical inpatient service over a seven-day period.

To work without direct supervision, but under the direction of Physiotherapy staffin the performance of specific tasks for an individual or group of patients within the neurosurgical inpatient service. To deliver treatment and rehabilitation programmes within protocols and competencies specific to this post. To act as first contact in specific situations. To perform reviews for patients working within a competency framework.

Supervision takes the form of observation of practise, regular formal and informal training. Access to advice and support from senior physiotherapists is always available, regular checks will be made to ensure workload is managed, clinical work and case notes are routinely evaluated.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Clinical

1. To work without direct supervision, but under the direction of Physiotherapistin the performance of specific tasks for an individual or group of patients, as part of their treatment and rehabilitation programmes.

Duties may include:

Implementation of treatment plans delegated by Physiotherapist

Progress patients within specific pathways

Recognising patients deviating from pathway and manage appropriately

Teaching use of walking aids

Carrying own caseload of non-complex patients

2. To maintain confidentiality at all times in relation to patients and their treatment.

3. To be involved in the training, development and supervision needs of Physiotherapy Assistants.

4. To assistant Physiotherapist in the treatment of heavily dependent patients, this includes the use of hoists, patient handling equipment, etc.

5. To update patient records in a concise, accurate and timely manner in line with departmental standards.

6. To be aware at all times of the needs of patients during illness or disability and to promote and encourage independence and restoration of function.

7. To undertake any clerical duties as necessary. This may include maintaining stock levels,registration of patients, reception duties, filing, dealing with telephone calls, cleaning.

8. Communicate with the physiotherapists, and other members of the multi-professional team, regarding changes in the patient's condition or any other useful information.

9. To communicate effectively with patients and carers. Communication skills of persuasion, motivation and explanation will be needed. Barriers to communication may include loss of hearing, altered perception, pain, fear.

10. To work as part of team rota to provide weekend service to in-patient wards.

See the attached job description for the role, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description.

• Demonstrable experience of working as a Physiotherapy assistant or therapy assistant or equivalent
• Broad demonstrable experience working with patients within inpatient within healthcare setting. Knowledge of the conditions relevant to this post.
• Involvement in assistant network and membership of a professional body.
• Previous demonstrable experience working with physiotherapists in Neurosurgery and an acute healthcare setting.

• GCSEs Grade A-C/4-9 in Maths and English or Functional Skills level 2 in Maths and English Plus NVQ level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care or equivalent in therapy/exercise rehabilitation or equivalent proven knowledge acquired through demonstrable experience to diploma equivalent level.
• Up to date proven evidence of CPD and proactive attitude.
• Care certificate training
• Proven evidence of having completed band 3 competencies
• Teaching demonstrable experience

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.