Advertised role location: LPCCC
Official document: 55951662 JD Physio Clinical Team Lead CST APP (Lvl 1) oct26 (docx)
Physiotherapy Team Lead
Community Stroke Team

Physiotherapy Team Lead
Community Stroke Team



JOB DESCRIPTION


JOB TITLE Physiotherapy Clinical Team Lead Community Stroke Team



BAND 7

DIRECTORATE Nursing, Primary Care and Older People

INITIAL LOCATION Lisburn Primary Care Centre



REPORTS TO CST Clinical Team Lead



ACCOUNTABLE TO SET Physiotherapy Professional Lead




JOB SUMMARY



The post holder will be responsible for the operational management of Community Stroke Team Physiotherapy Services in the locality above ensuring services meet Trust and regional access targets. They will hold an active caseload and act as a source of expertise, providing an advisory, education and consultative service to members of the team and to other professions.
They will work closely with the Community Stroke team clinical lead and the Trust Professional Lead in delivering an effective, evidence based, patient centred physiotherapy service which meets the standards of the Trust and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Competencies for this post as outlined in the NI Advanced AHP Practice Framework (Advanced Practitioner level 1) include

Leadership and Management
Be responsible for the day to day operational management of physiotherapy services within the Community Stroke Team (CST) in the Down locality.
Work closely with the Clinical lead for CST and the Trust Professional Lead in delivering an effective physiotherapy service which meets the standards of the Trust and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Work corporately to facilitate delivery of physiotherapy services trust wide
Be responsible for ensuring services meet Trust and regional access targets. This will include prioritisation of referrals, organising staff on a daily basis to meet the demands and liaising with the other community and AHP teams trust wide.
Assist in the strategic development of the services and in meeting commissioning targets
Manage change through strategic thinking, use of negotiating skills, self-awareness and effective communication.
Be responsible for the maintenance of work schedules for staff within your remit and ensure information systems are updated and submitted responsively.
Be responsible for authorisation in a timely manner of all processes relating to staff and services.
Inspire and demonstrate leadership qualities through delivery of specialist advice, working with others, and demonstration of personal qualities, continuous service improvement and setting direction.
Act as a role model, leading by example, providing professional leadership in the team and promoting HSC behaviours and high standards of clinical treatment and physiotherapy care, to ensure a quality service
Ensure the provision of an integrated quality service by maintaining effective communication with the multi-disciplinary team and community and acute services as required.
Provide advice based on acquired knowledge and skills, and use this to improve patient/client care and to develop others.
Participate in compiling leave arrangements ensuring appropriate cover.
Delegate appropriately to staff.
Identify and address poor performance and practice and liaise with Principal Physiotherapist and Trust lead.
Ensure staff are aware of and act in accordance with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, protocols and codes of conduct/ statutory bodies.
Promote good staff relationships and morale amongst staff.
Participate in Trust Appraisal conversations and review staff performance in line with the same.
Undertake/facilitate in the supervision, education and assessment of the performance of physiotherapy and support staff, and undergraduate physiotherapy students.
Identify and address poor performance and practice and liaise with Principal Physiotherapist and Trust Professional Lead.
Participate as required in the recruitment, selection, supervision and retention of staff in accordance with Trust policies.
Initiate and/or participate in staff induction as required.
Lead in the delivery of in service training within the clinical areas.
Observe for signs of ill health in colleagues and take appropriate action with staff or management.
Provide cover in the absence of a Team Lead in another sector of the service as required.
Act up in the absence of the line manager as required.
Promote and maintain a high quality service, which demonstrates a sound knowledge of Clinical Governance and Risk Management, as it applies in the work situation.
Ensure effective and economic use of resources and the maintenance of all equipment
Actively input to the development/view and potential change of all relevant protocols and policies.
Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service including evenings and / or weekends if required
Participate in regional development networks as designated by the Trust Physiotherapy Lead.

Direct Clinical Practice

Practice autonomously to undertake the specialist comprehensive assessments and treatment of clients with Stroke and a range of complex needs and multi-pathologies; demonstrating highly specialised skills, advanced clinical reasoning and highly developed analytical skills to determine diagnosis and prognosis.
Using clinical reasoning, utilise a wide range of treatment skills and options to formulate an individualised programme of care.
Develop collaborative treatment plans with patients, their families, carers and colleagues, demonstrating expert clinical reasoning and problem solving techniques to determine agreed outcomes.
Deliver and promote evidence based practice and agreed care pathways.
Contribute to the improvement of person centred care.
Act as a source of Physiotherapy specialist clinical expertise, consultancy and advice, providing clinical professional leadership within your area of expertise, using expert clinical knowledge and advanced practical experience, and to be a source of multi-professional team members and colleagues as required.
Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and work within a legal framework.
Make timely and effective decision regarding physiotherapy recommendations to ensure quality care, including appropriate onward referrals.
Lead by example in the promotion of high standards of clinical treatment and physiotherapy care, to ensure a quality service.
Identify and manage all risks associated with own clinical and professional practice and ensure all staff do likewise
Monitor and record patient’s/client’s progress and maintain contemporaneous records in line with professional standards, and ensure all staff are doing likewise.
Make decisions based on professional knowledge and experience.
Ensure the provision of an integrated quality service by maintaining effective communication with the multi-disciplinary team and community and acute services as required.
Maintain good communication with patients/clients, relatives/carers as appropriate ensuring that their individual needs are met, and address any issues which have been identified.
Maintain professional registration with Health Professions Council.
Ensure personal accountability in accordance with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Standards of Practice

Research and Development

Undertake audit and service evaluation to inform service improvement.
Support and facilitate colleagues in research, clinical audit and clinical trials to improve effectiveness and quality of patient care.
Critically analyse research findings and their implications for practice.
Disseminate evidence based practice and audit findings through local and/or regional presentation to professional groups.
Review recent publications and research to ensure practice is current and evidence based.
Undertake evidence-based audit and research projects to further own and team effectiveness. This may lead to the implementation of specific changes to practice or contribute to the development of service protocols.
Participate in the development and review of service and professional standards.
Deliver and promote evidence based practice and agreed care pathways.
Participate in data collection for use in service audit and research projects and be responsible for auditing and evaluating own practice.

Education

Maintain up-to-date Physiotherapy skills and specialist knowledge in this area by engaging in a range of relevant learning and development activities.
Educate and supervise AHP colleagues and others in the healthcare team.
Take advantage of education and training opportunities in line with Personal Development Plan.
Undertake self – reflection in line with CPD principles.
Ensure personal and professional development in accordance with CSP and HCPC standards.
Provide theoretical/practical education and skills development to members of the multi-disciplinary team regarding the role and function of the physiotherapist within this clinical area.
Undertake supervision, education and assessment of the performance of physiotherapy assistants, junior staff and physiotherapy students.
Be actively involved in professional clinical groups, such as the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), Clinical Interest Groups and other professional development activities.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trust supports and promotes a culture of collective leadership where those who have responsibility for managing other staff:

Establish and promote a supportive, fair and open culture that encourages and enables all parts of the team to have clearly aligned goals and objectives, to meet the required performance standards and to achieve continuous improvement in the services they deliver.

Ensure access to skills and personal development through appropriate training and support.

Promote a culture of openness and honesty to enable shared learning.

Encourage and empower others in their team to achieve their goals and reach their full potential through regular supportive conversation and shared decision making .

Adhere to and promote Trust policy and procedure in all staffing matters, participating as appropriate in a way which underpins Trust values.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will promote and support effective team working, 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 the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust’s Raising Concerns Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

Act in a courteous and respectful manner.

Maintain professional registration with the Health Care Professions Council

Ensure personal accountability in accordance with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Standards of Practice.

Be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through CPD activities and maintaining a portfolio, which reflects personal development.

Demonstrate commitment through regular attendance, efficient completion of duties and participation in department/team work activities.

Comply with Health and Safety Policy and statutory regulations

Contribute to a safe environment within the risk management and clinical governance strategy

Comply with physiotherapy and Trust strategies, policies, procedures, guidelines, protocols and codes of conduct.

Ensure effective and economic use of resources and maintenance of all equipment.

Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service including evenings and weekends.

Carry out any other duties as required.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The post holder will be required to:

Ensure the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.

Co-operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.

Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example:
Smoke Free policy
IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct
standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour

Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.

Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.

All employees of the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the [org name] policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.

Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.

Represent the Trust’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.

This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within the Trust's area, as needs of the service demand.

eHealth
The South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust has invested in eHealth to deliver better, faster, safer care to our community and is committed to supporting staff to utilise associated information systems that directly and indirectly inform care. Trust staff are therefore required to commit sufficient time to ensure that they acquire and/or retain the core technology skills required to support their role.

Personal and Public Involvement (PPI)
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 and 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

























PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE AND BAND Physiotherapy Clinical Team Lead Community Stroke Team

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE Nursing, Primary Care and Older People

SALARY Band 7

HOURS 18.75 hours

Ref No: 55951662 Oct 2026

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 in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 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


SECTION 1: 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
Ideally no more than 6-8 criteria in this section
Method of Assessment

Experience

Minimum of 5 years post-graduate clinical experience to include a minimum of 3 years at Specialist level (Band 6 or above) in the management of stroke.

Evidence of MSc. Level accredited post-graduate training and CPD relevant to the management of patients with a diagnosis of stroke e.g. 3 week basic Bobath course and / or advanced Bobath courses.
Post graduate diploma in Injection therapy or willing to undertake.
Post graduate Certificate in Medicines management or equivalent level training or willing to undertake
Completion of postgraduate training in relation to stroke e.g. Bobath modules 1, 2a, 2b
Evidence of teaching/ training others in the treatment of stroke.
Evidence of participation in audit or research
Experience in staff management e.g. supervision, appraisal, work allocation
Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/ Registration
MSc/ BSc or Diploma in physiotherapy or equivalent allowing registration with the HCPC.

Currently registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Shortlisting by Application Form

Other
Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. These criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.
Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities
Complex decision making in times of competing demands

Experience in staff management e.g. supervision, appraisal, work allocation.

Effective influencing and communication skills.
Interview / Test

Knowledge
Making sound clinical judgements which affect treatment and care of patients.

Working with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders including clinicians and other health and social care professionals to achieve successful outcomes.

Interview / Test

DESIRABLE CRITERIA


SECTION 3: these 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 criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted


Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Experience

N/A
Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications

N/A
Shortlisting by Application Form


As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for The Organisation to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.

To access a copy of the Access NI Code of Practice, please Click here

The South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust has guidance on the Recruitment of People with Criminal Convictions. To access a copy of this guidance, please Click Here

Protecting and using your information
To access a copy of the Trust’s Data Protection Policy Statement Click Here

THE ORGANISATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.  PLEASE CLICK ON LINK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION - Equal Opportunities Employer - HSCNI Jobs

Successful applicants:
may be required to attend for a Health Assessment
can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range  of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post.  Request for recognition of previous service with non-direct NHS/HSC organisations towards starting salary and incremental credit must be made via the Retained Recruitment team within 3 months from commencement of employment. Requests made after 3 months will not be considered.
If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply.
are able to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times
All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times