Clinical Lead Physiotherapist - Acute Medicine

Overview

Clinical Lead Physiotherapist in Acute Medicine (Band 7) 12 months fixed term Maternity CoverNorthampton General Hospital (University Hospitals of Northamptonshire) seeks a Clinical Lead Physiotherapist with a focus on Acute Medicine to join the Therapy service on a 12-month fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. A secondment would be considered.You will work alongside the Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist to provide senior clinical and professional leadership to the therapy team, manage day-to-day operations, and act as a point of contact for colleagues across the Therapies department. Weekend working and respiratory on-call duties (evenings until 10pm and weekends) are required as part of the 7-day service.For more information about the position, please contact Jakki Gilson or Tarryn Goode (Deputy Head of Therapies).

Main duties and responsibilities

Be the Clinical Lead Physiotherapist for the Acute Medicine Therapy Team.Manage a clinical caseload in area including complex cases.Provide cover to other clinical areas as needed by patient demand.Participate in 7-day working patterns, including Bank Holidays.Participate in a respiratory on-call service covering evenings (until 10pm) and weekends.Provide clinical expertise and leadership to a large team of Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Therapy Support staff within the clinical area.Lead on annual appraisal of allocated staff and support personal development and succession planning.Identify and manage clinical performance issues within therapy staff.Develop guidelines, protocols and practices that enhance patient experience in line with national and Trust policies.Lead on implementation of action plans from national and local strategies, benchmarking standards and clinical audits.Represent therapy services at specialty and trust-wide forums and provide feedback to therapy teams.Deputise for other therapy leads as required.

Additional duties may include:Lead the therapy team on a day-to-day basis, coordinate cover for absence, and address operational issues.Work with the Head and Deputy Head of Therapies on budget, facilities and resources to ensure safe, high-quality, cost-effective service.Lead recruitment of therapy staff with support from the Deputy Head of Therapies.Participate in policy and service development within the directorate, leading delegated projects.Ensure staff are aware of Trust policies and that compliance is maintained.Mentor and assess pre-registration and work-experience students allocated to the team.Provide regular reports to the Deputy Head of Therapies on team management and performance, escalating risks as needed.Facilitate information sharing and forums for staff discussion, planning and development.

Provision of clinical servicesApply high-level understanding of illness, injury and disability and the interaction with health, function, psychology and social factors as appropriate to Physiotherapy.Select, implement and evaluate intervention options balancing risk, safety, patient choice and eligibility; provide expert guidance to junior colleagues.Communicate effectively with patients, carers, clinical teams and other agencies as a representative of Therapy services.Maintain accurate records of clinical interventions in line with legal and organisational requirements.Develop specialist and complex knowledge to ensure fitness to practice as a Physiotherapist.

Improving patient and visitor experiencesBe a point of contact for patients and relatives; develop and share patient information; gather and use patient feedback to improve services.Respect diversity and provide a service sensitive to individual needs.Provide guidance on ethical issues and ensure alignment with Trust policies.

Using audit, evaluation and researchLead on evidence-based practice and audit processes.Work with peers to implement action plans from strategies and clinical audits.Participate in audit and research projects; foster innovation and practice development.

Management and TeamworkPromote safe and effective communication within therapy and multi-professional teams.Support supervision and development of therapy staff; keep leads informed of risk and staffing issues.Contribute to skill mix reviews; deputise for Heads of Therapies when required.Promote the role of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy in the trust; ensure policy compliance and staff development.Oversee annual staff reviews and development plans; monitor resource use and support performance targets.Lead recruitment and handle complaints/adverse incidents with appropriate follow-up.Ensure mandatory training completion and assess staff competencies.Coordinate rotas, service cover and return-to-work processes.Lead on recruitment and selection of therapy staff as appropriate.

Trust wide ResponsibilitiesAct as a resource for multi-disciplinary teams through teaching and training.Model excellent customer service and lead professional meetings when required.

Qualifications and Experience

Education, Training and QualificationsEssential: BSc Honours (or equivalent) in Physiotherapy; HCPC Registration.Desirable: Clinical educator training; involvement in research and clinical audit.

Knowledge and ExperienceEssential: Experience of assessment, goal setting, planning, implementation and review of clinical therapy interventions; NHS experience; multi-disciplinary team involvement; managing a clinical caseload; experience treating patients with complex respiratory conditions.Desirable: Experience leading a team; participate in the on-call Physiotherapy rota.

Skills and AbilitiesEssential: Communication with patients, carers and teams; self-management; ability to lead and motivate a team.

Key Competencies/Personal QualitiesEssential: Flexible, motivated, able to manage workload and caseload; resilience dealing with complex cases.

Disclosures and SponsorshipDisclosure and Barring Service checks apply. Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. UK registration required.

DetailsEmployer: Northampton General Hospital; Location: Northampton; Postcode: NN1 5BD; Band 7; Salary £47,810 to £54,710; Contract: Fixed term; Duration: 12 months; Working pattern: Part-time; Reference: 265-7394721.

Date posted: 10 September ..... full job details .....