Advertised role location: Craigavon Area Hospital & Daisy Hill Hos
Official document: Job Description / Personnel Specification (docx)
Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner (Level 2) Vestibular Rehabilitation

Band 8A
Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner (Level 2) Vestibular Rehabilitation

Band 8A


JOB DESCRIPTION


JOB TITLE : Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner
(Level 2) in Vestibular Rehabilitation

BAND 8A

DIRECTORATE Surgical & Clinical Services

INITIAL LOCATION Craigavon Area Hospital & Daisy Hill Hospital


REPORTS TO Head of AHP’s

ACCOUNTABLE TO Head of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Clinical Lead for Neuro Rehabilitation

JOB SUMMARY
The post holder will play a lead role in the clinical development, delivery and management of the Physiotherapy Vestibular Rehabilitation Service within the SHSCT. They will be responsible for providing a high-quality, specialist vestibular rehabilitation service as part of the interdisciplinary team in the emergency department and across a range of clinical settings, including outpatient services and community locations.

The post holder will undertake specialist triage of patients in partnership with Consultant colleagues, providing advanced clinical assessment, diagnosis, specialist treatment interventions and medicines management for patients presenting with vestibular disorders. A key aspect of the role will involve the assessment and management of patients presenting acutely to the Emergency Department with dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders, supporting timely diagnosis, treatment and safe discharge where appropriate. The post holder will contribute to the prevention of unnecessary hospital admissions and facilitate admission avoidance pathways through early expert assessment, intervention and shared decision-making.
The post holder will participate as a co-lead in multidisciplinary meetings, contributing to patient-centred care planning and the coordination of seamless patient pathways across acute and community services. They will act as an expert clinical resource, providing specialist advice, education and training to healthcare professionals on the assessment, diagnosis and management of vestibular disorders. The post holder will also support service development, quality improvement initiatives and the implementation of evidence-based practice to enhance patient outcomes and optimise the use of healthcare resources

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate and manage patients across the vestibular pathway, implementing best practice and evidence-based physiotherapy in the vestibular rehabilitation service.

Act in an advisory capacity and as an advanced clinical resource to Physiotherapists, Consultants and the Vestibular Interdisciplinary team in the SHSCT.

Undertake clinical education of Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners, the interdisciplinary team and Physiotherapists working in other MDT’s as appropriate.

Increase awareness of vestibular dysfunction through education to other disciplines.

Participate in research projects as appropriate.

Work with the Head of Physiotherapy in ensuring the co-ordination, development and delivery of a high quality, patient centred Physiotherapy vestibular rehabilitation service.

Provide clinical leadership to develop and deliver highly specialised interventions, meeting the needs of patients referred to the Vestibular rehabilitation service.
Act as an expert clinical Physiotherapy resource with advanced specialist knowledge and skills in the practice of neuro-vestibular rehabilitation.
Work in an extended scope role; to order, interpret and act upon medical investigations, and expedite access to Secondary Care services as required e.g. Medical Imaging/ diagnostics or referral to Secondary Care services.

Have a high degree of autonomy and authority to make clinical decisions.
Be responsible for and manage a highly complex patient caseload - determine independent clinical diagnosis, order appropriate radiological tests, provide the evidenced based Physiotherapy treatment indicated, and maintain clinical records in accordance with professional standards.
Use extensive theoretical knowledge and skills with cases of diverse or complex presentations and to manage and organise this effectively with regard to patient and service needs.

Have advanced clinical competencies in medicines management, ordering and interpreting specialist tests and be prepared to undertake other advanced training as required.

Work with the Head of Physiotherapy Head and Physiotherapy governance lead in planning, delivery and evaluation of the service.

Be involved in the development of interagency and partnership working with community and voluntary sectors to ensure the development of a collaborative service.
Have excellent communication skills to develop and maintain communication systems with a wide range of service users, staff and providers.

Clinical Responsibilities

To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your professional practice including the management of patients in your care.

To work within SHSCT clinical protocols, procedures and guidelines and Professional Standards set by the HCPC and CSP and other professional bodies. To have an excellent working knowledge of national and local standards and monitor own and others quality of practice as appropriate.

To triage and carry out expert assessment of referrals.

To establish a diagnosis, use advanced clinical reasoning to determine a rehabilitation management plan, instigate treatment or make onward referrals in conjunction with Trust Physiotherapy services to primary and secondary care services.

Work autonomously to undertake the specialist comprehensive assessments and treatment of clients with 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.

To work as an expert practitioner and utilize highly specialist theoretical knowledge with cases of diverse or complex presentations and those referred from other health care professionals for a second opinion/advice on further management.

Provide patients with education on their diagnosis and rehabilitation plan while supporting their compliance with their overall management plan.

To communicate effectively with patients, to anticipate barriers and take action to improve them and to ensure patients have an understanding of their condition.

To assess capacity, gain valid informed consent and have the ability to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

Provide a high standard of care using safe effective, evidence-based interventions in accordance with current research and professional standards.

Contribute to the improvement of effective person centred care

Monitor and record patient’s/client’s progress and maintain contemporaneous records in line with CSP and HCPC and local standards of practice, and to ensure all staff are doing likewise within a specified time.

To maintain effective communication ensuring that highly complex information regarding assessment, prognosis, diagnosis etc. is understood by the patient / family and carers ensuring that their individual needs are met, and addressing any issues which have been identified

To work in an extended role providing a non-medical independent prescriber service
to patients.

To identify and manage clinical risk within own caseload. To be aware of the boundaries of own extended practice and to manage the associated risk effectively at all times.

To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients under your management, and support other team members and more junior staff to do likewise.

Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service including evenings and / or weekends if required

Managerial responsibilities both operational and strategic

Be responsible for the maintenance and development of own competency to practice and professional registration.

To develop and implement clinical protocols and guidelines for the management of vestibular dysfunction within a framework of clinical governance, evidenced based medicine and best practice within Primary Care and Secondary Care.

To ensure that health promotion / education is integrated into clinical practice and to integrate use of outside agencies such as voluntary agencies and leisure centres where applicable.
To consult with primary and secondary care medical colleagues, Physiotherapy Leads, Physiotherapy staff, other AHPs, and Head of Profession regarding the development of treatment protocols and promote a team approach to excellence in patient care.

To provide expert and highly authoritative advice, teaching and training to physiotherapy colleagues, colleagues working in other clinical areas, relatives and carers.

Be responsible for information governance within your practice, including standards of record keeping and record safety in line with Trust and Professional guidelines.

Participate in Physiotherapy professional supervision and governance activities and provide feedback to the Clinical Lead Physiotherapist for Neuro Rehabilitation and the Head of Physiotherapy.

Promote good staff relationships and morale amongst staff, delegating appropriately.

Participate as required in the selection, supervision and retention of staff in accordance with trust policies.

Identify and address poor performance and practice and liaise with line manager and Trust Lead.

Observe for signs of ill health in colleagues and take appropriate action with staff or management

Ensure personal and professional development in accordance with CSP & HCPC requirements taking responsibility for ensuring own continuing professional development by attendance at post-graduate training courses and actively supporting the learning needs of peers, students and the wider multi-professional team. This will include maintenance of a CPD portfolio, which reflects development of knowledge, skills and evidence-based practice.
Participate in and review staff performance in line with the Trust Personal Performance & Contribution Review

Initiate and/or participate in staff induction and training as required

To initiate, lead and develop regular research, audit, evaluation and implementation of evidence based practice within the field of vestibular rehabilitation services to support other health and care professionals, and therapy staff within the trust, region and nationally who are undertaking research projects which may lead to the implementation of changes to practice or contribute to policy development, protocols/guidance.

Use validated outcome measures to assist with the input and collection of data for evaluation, monitoring and to quantify impact of the service.

Participate in regional development networks as designated by the Neuro Physiotherapy Clinical Lead.

Review the service on an ongoing basis and proactively lead and manage change within the team.

To be involved with the Head of Physiotherapy and Physiotherapy Clinical Lead for Neuro Rehabilitation in the strategic development of services.

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

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

Identification of appropriate equipment needs and new technologies to enhance patient care and physiotherapy outcomes, demonstrating knowledge of cost efficiencies, training needs, risk management , evidence base and procurement procedures.

Be actively involved in professional clinical groups, CSP Professional Networks, Peer Review Groups and other professional development activities.
To develop a culture that improves quality, supports and implements governance systems and processes

Medicines Management Responsibilities

Preparation of clinical management plans with the patients’ consent.

Ensure that appropriate records are made in the patient’s case notes which identify you as the supplementary / independent prescriber.

Work as an independent non-medical prescriber within areas of work as required, taking responsibility for the clinical assessment of the patient, establishing a diagnosis and the clinical management required, as well as responsibility for prescribing where necessary and the appropriateness of any prescription issued. Independent prescribers will be responsible for prescribing a range of drugs within their competence in accordance with Trust protocols and British National Formulary.

Write prescriptions in accordance with Trust policy, taking full responsibility for the patient as well as for the medicines prescribed.

To take responsibility for ensuring that the Independent/ Supplementary non-medical prescribing is recorded and communicated via the appropriate administration system with the use of HS21 pads assigned to you as a prescriber.

Advise on procedural development and patient information relating to non-medical prescribing in your designated area of practice.

In accordance with the regional HSC requirements, review prescribing activity to facilitate auditing and monitoring of prescribing in your designated area of practice.

Monitor the costs of prescription supply and be involved in future planning of the delivery of the service.

Be responsible for ensuring the security and safe handling of HS21 prescription forms and to report any loss or theft using the agreed processes.

In the event of adverse drug reaction, be accountable for ensuring that the GP/Consultant is advised accordingly and that the incident reporting process is followed.

Ensure that training, CPD and clinical supervision sustains your Non-Medical Prescribing status.

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.

RAISING CONCERNS – 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 Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

The post holder will, in the event of a concern being raised with them, ensure that it is managed correctly under the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and ensure feedback/learning is communicated at individual, team and organisational level.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS


The post holder will be required to:

Assist the organisation in fulfilling its statutory duties under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to promote equality of opportunity and good relations and under the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. Staff are also required to support the organisation in complying with its obligations under Human Rights Legislation.

Ensure the Organisation’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 Organisation'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.

Take responsibility to minimise the Trust’s environmental impact wherever possible. This will include recycling, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use. Helping to reduce paper waste by minimising printing/copying and reducing water usage, reporting faults and heating/cooling concerns promptly and minimising travel.

All employees of the Organisation are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the [org name] 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 Trust 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 Organisation’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.

September 2026


PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE AND BAND: Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner (Level 2) In Vestibular
Rehabilitation.

Band 8A

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE Physiotherapy
Surgery and Clinical Services Directorate

SALARY £55,690 – £62,682

HOURS 37.5

Ref No: <to be inserted by HR>


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

Method of Assessment

Qualifications/ Registration / Training
Degree or Diploma in physiotherapy (or equivalent relevant qualification) and currently registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

7 years post graduate experience to include minimum of 5 years’ experience at specialist Band or above in Neuro rehabilitation.

Evidence of successful completion of a minimum of 2 MSc. Level accredited post-graduate modules or equivalent specific to the field of neuro rehabilitation.
Extensive CPD relevant to the management of patients with vestibular dysfunction that would be judged by the panel to meet the specification of this post.
Post Graduate Certificate in Medicines management (or equivalent level training) enabling registration on the HCPC Independent Prescriber register or willingness to complete training within 2 years of appointment

Shortlisting by Application Form


Shortlisting by Application Form



Shortlisting by Application Form


Shortlisting by Application Form




Shortlisting by Application Form

Skills / Abilities
Evidence of the ability to teach / train /mentor students, Physiotherapists and other members of the Interdisciplinary team.

Evidence of participation in clinical audit and/ or research

A minimum of one years’ experience in staff management e.g. supervision, appraisal, work allocation

Have a minimum of 1 years’ experience in delivering objectives and of working with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders in a role which has contributed to the successful implementation of a significant change initiative.

Member of ACPIVR.
Shortlisting by application Form


Shortlisting by application Form

Shortlisting by application Form


Shortlisting by application Form




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. This 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:





Knowledge
Have an excellent understanding of the assessment and treatment of neurovestibular conditions

Effective Planning & Organisational skills with an ability to prioritise own workload.

Effective Communications skills to meet the needs of the post in full.

Ability to identify solutions to problems and implement them effectively.

Experience in delivering objectives which have led to significant Service Improvement

Interview



Interview

Interview


Interview

Interview


Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role. The competencies concerned are set out in the NHS Healthcare Leadership Model, details of which can be found at http://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/resources/healthcare-leadership-model. Particular attention will be given to the following dimensions:

Inspiring shared purpose
Leading with care
Evaluating information
Connecting our service
Sharing the vision
Engaging the team
Holding to account
Developing capability
Influencing for results.

As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for the Trust to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.
Successful applicants may be required to attend for a Health Assessment

THE TRUST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

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

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