Advertised role location: ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL
Official document: Band 7 Advanced Practitioner L1 Physiotherapist Critical Care an (doc)
JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Advanced Practitioner L1 Physiotherapist Critical Care and Cardiothoracic services

LOCATION: BCHST ( Primary Site RVH)

BAND: 7

REPORTS TO: Advanced Practitioner Team lead/Assistant Service Manager

RESPONSIBLE TO: Professional Head of Physiotherapy

Job Summary / Main Purpose

Working across Belfast HSC Trust as part of the Physiotherapy team, the post holder will be a key member of the team working within Critical care, and cardiothoracic surgery to develop and provide specialist Physiotherapy services.
The post holder will work within the Physiotherapy team which covers Critical care, Cardiothoracic Surgery and the Major Trauma Unit (MTU) (This is under review) The post holder will have responsibility for maintaining provision of a quality, specialized service within the team and work with relevant managers and clinicians to develop these in line with organizational requirements. They will also be responsible for ensuring the specialist service meets national standards of care.

The remit of this post may be subject to change in light of changing service need.

The post-holder will be required to undertake flexible working including extended working, seven- day working or on call duties as determined by operational requirements.

Main Duties / Responsibilities
Reporting to the Clinical Team Lead Physiotherapist the post holder will be expected to:
Act as an Advanced Practitioner responsible for the clinical management of complex patients in Critical Care, Cardiothoracic Surgery and MTU (This is under review).
Demonstrate a high level of clinical reasoning/diagnostic skills holding an active caseload and offering a range of appropriate rehabilitation treatments to patients with highly complex care needs including Respiratory, Major Trauma, Orthopaedics, Neurological, Burns and Spinal conditions.
Working mainly within the areas of Critical care, Cardiothoracic Surgery and Major Trauma (This is under review), the post holder will be responsible for developing and ensuring all clinical practice is based on current research/evidence and leading on audit and research as appropriate.
Work at a high clinical level within the specialist service, they will be expected to act as a source of clinical expertise and knowledge to physiotherapists and other professionals internal and external to the organization reporting on clinical findings and advising on recommended management.
Assist in the day-to-day management of Physiotherapists within the area reporting to the team lead and Assistant Physiotherapy Service Manager.
Assist in the continuous professional development of clinical staff working in the BHSCT.

Clinical
To act as a highly skilled physiotherapist demonstrating advanced Physiotherapy knowledge/skills and clinical reasoning to deal with complex cases within the field of critical care, cardiothoracic surgery and major trauma.
To carry a clinical caseload providing advice and guidance to other physiotherapy staff on complex cases.
To be recognized as an advanced practitioner within area of specialty using a wide range of highly specialized and effective treatment techniques and modalities.
Provide advice/support to physiotherapy colleagues on clinical practice issues.
To provide a high standard of specialist care, using safe, effective and appropriate interventions in accordance with current research and professional guidelines.
Act as a resource to medical staff and other professionals within Trust to advise and provide support in management of defined patient groups.
To undertake appropriate specialized physiotherapy intervention for clients making relevant referrals to other members of the multidisciplinary team where appropriate.
To work with clinical team lead to develop, monitor and maintain high standards of physiotherapy based on national guidelines, evidence-based practice, clinical audit and attendance at courses.
To work as a member of an interdisciplinary team, to promote the spread of specialist knowledge and expertise across disciplines at local, regional and national levels as appropriate, and to encourage good communication and working relationships within the team.
To contribute to multidisciplinary working by effective integrated clinical practice
In response to continued service development, the postholder will be required to undertake flexible working including extended working , seven day working or on call duties as determined by operational requirements.

Managerial/Operational
Be responsible for managing risk, organizing and planning own caseload and ensure the same is in place for others to meet service and client needs, readjusting plans as situations change/arise.
To work with clinical specialists and promote the maintenance of high clinical standards within the specialist physiotherapy team working in association with other members of the physiotherapy and IDT teams to promote models of best practice.
To assist clinical specialists in the day-to-day management of clinical service delivery including staff management.
To assist in recruitment, selection and induction of physiotherapy staff.
To assist clinical specialist/ in the management of complaints where appropriate at service delivery level reporting information to relevant line manager in a timely manner.
Ensure timely reporting to clinical specialists/ of clinical incidents, occurring within team ensuring outcome and agreed action is implemented in a timely manner.
To ensure clinical governance development and implementation within the defined area assisting clinical specialist in the monitoring of professional standards, leading and undertaking audit within area of working as required.
To provide operational lead for designated team in the absence of clinical specialists.
To have working knowledge of Trust policy, legislation to support operational management of team.

Governance and Service Improvement
To maintain knowledge of and adherence to current Government, Trust and Allied Health Professions legislation, strategies, policies, procedures and guidelines.
To actively maintain and promote a safe environment by following Health and Safety Policies and Procedures and Risk Management.
Collate and provide relevant statistical information as required to inform the development of business cases relating to this service.
Liaise regularly with the Physiotherapy Management and relevant Clinical Specialists within area in order to contribute in an informed way to the planning, development and evaluation and audit of the service. Undertaking benchmarking where required.
Working with management to promote interpretation, communication and dissemination of national evidence-based policies / standards and guidelines relating to the relevant clinical specialized area. Updating polices as required.

Communication
To provide verbal and written reports on clinical issues as required.
To actively liaise with MDT to ensure correct dissemination of information through appropriate channels.
To ensure provision and collation of accurate physiotherapy statistics across specialist team as required.
Communicate regularly with other Health and Social Care professionals, statutory and voluntary agencies, to ensure client information is shared appropriately.
Build networks with relevant professional clinical groups, e.g. Trust Journal Club, CSP Clinical Interest Groups, Peer Review Groups and other professional groups.
To deliver clinical education internally and externally to staff and students using the most appropriate medium.
To maintain effective communication with patients using a variety of mediums to deal with challenging behaviour and patients with complex communication issues.
Actively contribute to regional and national networks to ensure advancement of the service.
To identify and communicate operational / managerial/professional issues to team lead in a timely manner.

Responsibilities for Resources
Practice and promote effective caseload management and efficient/effective use of resources within specialist team.
Provide Assistant Physiotherapy Services Manager with relevant information required to account for utilisation of trust resources.
Be responsible for the safe and effective use of all equipment utilised by self and for the advice given to other staff, patients and carers in relation to suitability and instruction for use.

Education, Training and Research
Be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through CPD activities, and maintaining a portfolio, which reflects personal development (Life Long Learning).
To lead and promote continued professional development within the team.
To provide PCP and supervision for all designated physiotherapy staff using these processes to identify opportunities for service development and the CPD of the respective staff and others.
To advise and deliver in-service training and education at an advanced clinical level to own team and other professionals.
To have a key clinical teaching/ training role for under-graduates.
To identify, co-ordinate and or participate in the development and use of research initiatives for Physiotherapy within clinical area of specialist team.

This job description is not all embracing and the post holder will be required to undertake any other duties and responsibilities as required within the framework of the post.

General Responsibilities

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:
At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
The post holder will promote and support effective teamwork, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.
Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.
Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.
Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Information Governance  

All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails.  All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR

Environmental Cleaning Strategy

The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognises the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control

The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
This includes:
Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);
Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;
Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;
Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);
Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps)  and laundry;
Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;
Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE / BAND: Advanced Practitioner L1 Physiotherapist Critical Care and Cardiothoracic services

DEPT / DIRECTORATE: ACOPS and AHPS

Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.
You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Qualifications /
Registration

HCPC Registration
Degree / graduate diploma in Physiotherapy
Shortlisting by Application Form

Experience
5 years’ postgraduate clinical working with a minimum of 3 years’ postgraduate experience at Band 6 relevant to the post including; critical care, HDU, acute respiratory and neurology or orthopaedics.
At least one years’ experience to include:
The assessment, management and rehabilitation of complex critical care patients including mechanically ventilated patients and the
management of patients in acute rehabilitation and post-operative pathways.
Experience of multidisciplinary and interagency working and teaching
Experience of staff and student supervision /clinical education
Experience of service improvement / clinical audit / research / QI
Shortlisting by Application Form

Application form

Knowledge
Skills
Abilities
High level of interpersonal skills and ability to relay and interpret complex, sensitive or contentious information e.g. to individual and groups of patients, staff and multidisciplinary teams.
Demonstrate awareness of the current developments, best practice, relevant standards/ guidelines and service delivery issues relevant to Critical Care and Cardiothoracic.
Evidence of post-graduate masters/ modules or the equivalent (that would be judged by the panel to meet the specification of this post). The candidate will need to provide assurance that education and training has started within 12 months of taking up the post which will be monitored by the Physiotherapy service to ensure compliance.
A wide range (minimum of 3 courses) of post-graduate education relevant to the specialism that would be judged by the panel to meet the specification of this post.
Provide evidence of a Portfolio of topics delivered as training to others at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Leadership - Evidence of demonstrating leadership within the profession.
Demonstrate evidence of delivering service improvement initiatives and outcomes.
Shortlisting by:
Interview

Interview

Application Form

Application form

Application form

Interview

Application form

Other (e.g. Driving etc.)

Hold a current full driving licence, which is valid for use in the UK, and have access to a car on appointment.

‘Where disability prohibits driving, this criterion will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements.
Shortlisting by Application Form

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Desirable criteria will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Qualifications
Registration
Experience

Membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Shortlisting by Application Form

Other
(e.g. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)
Established links with University or Further Education establishments
Member of a relevant specialist interest group specific to the specialism
Interview

NOTE:
Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful, you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

HSC Values

Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role