JOB SUMMARY This job description is an outline of the main duties of the post. The post holder will be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as directed. The content of this post will be reviewed in consultation with the post holder when necessary and in line with service developments. KEY RESULT AREAS 1. Job Purpose To work as an integral member of the Physiotherapy and Clinical Teams within the service. To carry out a specialised clinical caseload undertaking specialist assessment, treatment and advice to patients often with complex presentations and formulate a clinical diagnosis and physiotherapy treatment plan as an autonomous practitioner. To be responsible for specialist advice to staff, patients and carers. 2. Job Dimensions Supervision of students, assistant, and band 5 physiotherapist. No direct budget responsibility. 3. Core Duties and Responsibilities CLINICAL To be professionally and legally responsible for all aspects of own work including the management of patients in your care. To perform specialist physiotherapeutic assessment and treatment of patients with diverse presentations, multiple pathologies and complex condition, formulating a diagnosis and treatment plan using specialised clinical reasoning skills and manual assessment techniques, within the clients own home, residential or nursing home. To display specialist problem solving skills to recognise and identify patients requiring further investigations, referring appropriately to other services within and outside the physiotherapy remit. To be aware of and screen for serious pathologies with appropriate management. To hold responsibility for own caseload, working without direct supervision. Access to advice and support is available from more senior colleagues as required. Clinical work is not routinely evaluated. To formulate and deliver individual physiotherapy treatment programmes based on a sound knowledge of evidence based practice and treatment options e.g. patient education, exercise programmes, electrotherapy and other alternative options. To interpret and analyse clinical and non clinical information to form a diagnosis, prognosis and to recommend the best course of intervention, developing comprehensive discharge plans. To assess patients understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and have the capacity to within a legal frame with patients who lack capacity to consent. To communicate effectively with patient and carers, overcoming barriers to communication and understanding in order to progress rehabilitation and treatment programmes. To provide planned and spontaneous advice, teaching and instruction of patients, relatives, carers and other health care professionals to promote the understanding of rehabilitation goals and ensure a consistent approach to patient care. Where necessary to be involved in MDT meetings to ensure the delivery of a co-ordinated service to patients. To work as a lone practitioner when working in a community or clinic setting with telephone support if required. To be responsible for risk assessment of own caseload and working environment and ensure the correct and safe use of all equipment and appliances by patients, and by staff and students through training and supervision of practice. PROFESSIONAL To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through a variety of CPD activities and maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development. To maintain and develop up to date specialist knowledge of Evidence Based Practice within a variety of pathologies experienced in area of work. Undertake measurement and evaluation of specialist treatment and current practice through use of evidence based practice and outcome measures. Recommend change of practice to service manager and to be involved in the implementation of changes to practice and service protocols. Maintain HCPC registration, Trust, CSP and departmental standards, guidelines and policies ensuring quality of service and monitor own Band 5 and assistants quality of practice. To induct and provide clinical education, support and training to Band 5 physiotherapist and assistants assessing and evaluating competence as required. To participate when required in the clinical education of medical professionals in your specialist field of physiotherapy. To partake in the clinical supervision and education of physiotherapy students, whilst maintaining communication links with the universities. To participate in the Trusts appraisal system. Be an active member of the in-service training programme by attendance at and delivery of training sessions, peer review and external courses where appropriate. To ensure accurate, legible and comprehensive treatment records are kept in line with CSP and trust standards of practice. Establish and maintain communication links with other medical specialities in representation of physiotherapy services, to ensure the delivery of a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary approach. To accept responsibility from and delegate to other members of the physiotherapy staff. To be aware of health and safety aspects of your work and implement any policies deemed necessary to improve safety. For full details of the role please see the supporting documents attached.