CHW Physiotherapist, Senior, Community Neuro-rehabilitation Team

Physiotherapist, Senior, Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team,

Community Healthcare West

Job Specification & Terms and Conditions

Job Title, Grade Code

Physiotherapist, Senior, Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team, Community Healthcare West

(Grade Code: 3158)

Remuneration

The salary scale for this post as at 01/06/2024 is:

€61,424 €62,735 €64,085 €65,423 €66,762 €68,172 €69,657 €71,137 €72,325

Salary Scales are updated periodically and the most up to date versions can be found here: https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/benefits-services/pay/pay-scales.html

Campaign Reference

CHW060-PSCNRT-2024

Closing Date

Tuesday 8th October 2024 at 12 noon

Proposed Interview Date (s)

Interviews will be held as soon as possible after the closing date. Candidates will normally be given at least one weeks' notice of interview. The timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.

Taking up Appointment

A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.

Location of Post

Community Healthcare West (Galway, Mayo and Roscommon)

There is currently one permanent whole-time vacancy for Physiotherapist, Senior, available in Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team, Tuam, Co Galway.

A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Physiotherapist, Senior, Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team, Community Healthcare West from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.

Organisational Area

Community Healthcare West (Community Health Organisation 2 – CHO2)

(Galway, Mayo and Roscommon)

Informal Enquiries

Aoife O’Donohue, Interim General Manager Disability Services

Email: gmdschw@hse.ie Phone: 091 775117/ 087-1198334

Details of Service

As part of the 'National Strategy and Policy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland – Implementation Framework 2019-2021, the HSE are developing networks of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services. The overarching aim of the Strategy is the development of Neuro-Rehabilitation services to improve outcomes for people by providing safe, high quality, person-centred Neuro-Rehabilitation at the lowest appropriate level of complexity. This must be integrated across the care pathway and provided as close to home as possible. These services are to be configured into population based Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Networks (MCRNs). The new model would see the introduction of a multi-tiered system, with access to services based on clinically assessed need. This means that instead of people being referred to a single service, they are now referred to a network of services and can access services within the network based on their need. All referrals to the network are received on a standardised referral form and are processed through a single point of entry through the Network Rehabilitation Coordinator role. Services would work together across organisational boundaries with people moving across the continuum of care seamlessly based on their needs. The MCRN model consists of a multi-tiered system of Neuro-Rehabilitation services and the Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team (CNRT) provides a critical link in the care pathway by facilitating early discharge and continuity from both acute and post-acute rehabilitation facilities.

The Community Neuro Rehabilitation Team is an inter-disciplinary therapy team providing a specialised service for adults with a range of progressive or acquired neurological conditions. This is a multi-professional team including a Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, Nursing and Administrative staff. This team will provide assessment and intensive therapy to people in both their own homes and in a clinic based setting for up to a period of 12 weeks. This service will provide people with earlier access to specialist rehabilitation close to home. The team provide a person centred service, improving people’s quality of life and working together to support people with neuro-rehabilitative needs.

As this team is part of the Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network, the newly established Community Neuro-rehabilitation Team will have a significant role to play with respect to evaluation of the service and contributing to further development of the team and the wider Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network.

Reporting Relationship

Operational governance for this post will be through the Operational Team Manager. The professional reporting relationship for clinical governance and clinical supervision will be to the Physiotherapy Manager through the professional line management structure.

Key Working Relationships

The Physiotherapist, Senior will work closely with the rest of the Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team along with the team lead. The Physiotherapist, Senior will link in with in-patient and community therapists as required. They will also connect with the Programme Managers for the National Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy as required.

Purpose of the Post

· The Physiotherapist, Senior will be responsible for the provision and delivery of a high-quality, evidence-based Physiotherapy Service for persons with acquired and progressive neurological conditions in accordance with standards of professional practice.

· To work in conjunction with other team members in co-ordinating and developing the service to meet the needs of the population it serves in line with the objectives of the organisation.

· To work with the Physiotherapist, Manager in ensuring the co-ordination, development and delivery of a quality, client centred physiotherapy service across and between networks in the geographical area.

· To carry out clinical, educational and administrative duties as required.

· The post involves working autonomously and as part of an interdisciplinary team within a community setting.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Physiotherapist, Senior will:

Professional / Clinical

· Be responsible for patient assessment, development and implementation of individualised treatment plans that are patient centred and in line with best practice.

· Delivery of specialist neuro-rehabilitation interventions based on evidence based research and approved clinical guidelines.

· Be responsible for goal setting in partnership with patient, family and other team members as appropriate.

· Be responsible for standards of practice of self and staff appointed to clinical/ designated area(s).

· Be responsible for goal setting in partnership with client, family and other team members as appropriate.

· Provide a service in varied locations in line with local policy / guidelines and within appropriate time allocation (e.g. clinic, home visits).

· Document patient records in accordance with professional standards and departmental policies.

· Develop and promote professional standards of practice.

· Work within own scope of professional competence in line with principles of best practice, professional conduct and clinical governance.

· Seek advice of relevant personnel when appropriate/ as required.

· Operate within the scope of practice of CORU and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists.

Professional Communication

· To attend and contribute to client case reviews and multi-disciplinary meetings.

· To be skilled in communicating with clients with a range of physical, cognitive, and communication difficulties.

· Ensure that feedback and appropriate information is given to clients in a client centred manner.

· Liaise with members of the IDT and work jointly, as appropriate with regard to patient identified goals and treatment plans.

· To provide feedback and advice to care staff and other members of the inter-disciplinary team regarding the assessment and treatment of a client’s physical issues.

· Provide feedback the client and to relatives, carers and external agencies e.g. occupational health and university support staff, as consented by the client or their advocate(s).

· Make referrals to other agencies as required/appropriate.

· To work with clients, families and the interdisciplinary team to identify client centred goals as part of their overall rehabilitation programme.

Education and Training

· Participate in mandatory training programmes.

· Take responsibility for, and keep up to date with Physiotherapy practice by participating in continuing professional development such as reflective practice, in service, self-directed learning, research, clinical audit etc.

· Be responsible for the induction and clinical supervision of staff in the designated area(s).

· Co-ordinate and deliver clinical placements in partnership with universities and clinical educators.

· Manage, participate and play a key role in the practice education of student therapists. Take part in teaching/ training/ supervision/ evaluation of staff/ students and attend practice educator courses as relevant to role and needs.

· Engage in personal development planning and performance review for self and others as required.

Quality Safety and Risk

· Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of a quality service in line with best practice.

· Develop and monitor implementation of agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

· Ensure the safety of self and others, and the maintenance of safe environments and equipment used in Physiotherapy in accordance with legislation.

· Assess and manage risk in their assigned area(s) of responsibility.

· Take the appropriate timely action to manage any incidents or near misses within their assigned area(s).

· Report any deficiency/ danger in any aspect of the service to the team or Physiotherapy Manager as appropriate.

· Be responsible for the safe and competent use of all equipment, aids and appliances both by clients and staff under their supervision.

· Develop and promote quality standards of work and co-operate with quality assurance programmes.

· Have a working Knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) standards as they apply to the role, e.g. Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

Administrative

· Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of a quality service in line with best practice.

· Oversee and monitor the standards of best practice within their Physiotherapy team.

· Contribute to the service planning process.

· Assist in service development encompassing policy development and implementation.

· Review and evaluate the Physiotherapy service regularly, identifying changing needs and opportunities to improve services.

· Develop and promote quality standards of work and co-operate with quality assurance programmes.

· Collect and evaluate data about the service area as identified in service plans and demonstrate the achievement of the objectives of the service.

· Oversee the upkeep of accurate records in line with best practice.

· Collate and maintain accurate statistics and render reports as required.

· Represent the team at meetings and conferences as appropriate.

· Promote a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace.

· Participate in the control and ordering of Physiotherapy stock and equipment in conjunction with the team.

· Be accountable for the budget, where relevant.

· Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health Service.

· Engage in IT developments as they apply to clients and service administration.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must have at the latest date of application:

1.Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

(a) Candidates for appointment must:

(i) Be registered, or be eligible for registration, on the Physiotherapists Register maintained by the Physiotherapists Registration Board at CORU.

And

(ii) Have three years full time (or an aggregate of three years full time) post qualification clinical experience.

And

(iii) Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

And

(iv) Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Physiotherapists Register maintained by the Physiotherapists Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued.

2.Annual Registration

(i) On appointment, practitioners must maintain annual registration on Physiotherapists Register maintained by the Physiotherapists Registration Board at CORU.

And

(ii) Practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).

3.Health

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

4.Character

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Post Specific Requirements

Candidates must:

· Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience of working in a Neuro-rehabilitation setting and/or specialist Neuro-rehabilitation area as relevant to the role. This may include post graduate Neuro-rehabilitation specific training/education.

· Demonstrate experience in service development and/or quality improvements or other relevant improvement initiatives as relevant to the role.

Other requirements specific to the post

Have access to appropriate transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate:

Professional Knowledge and Experience

· Demonstrate clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning skills and evidence based practice appropriate to carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the role in line with relevant legislation and standards.

· Demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of the Physiotherapy process, the underpinning theory and its application to the role.

· Demonstrate a knowledge/understanding of neuroplasticity and motor recovery.

· Demonstrate evidence of having applied / used appropriate assessment tools and treatments and a knowledge of the implications of outcomes to service users.

· Demonstrates the knowledge, abilities and technical skills required to provide safe, efficient and effective service for those with neuro-rehabilitative needs.

· Demonstrate knowledge of motor and sensory impairment & experience in assessment/treatment interventions for same. E.g. Bobath/NDT, upper limb rehabilitation programmes.

· Demonstrate a willingness to engage and develop IT skills relevant to the role.

Planning and Managing Resources

· Demonstrates the ability to plan activities and co-ordinate resources to ensure value for money and maximum benefit for the organisation.

· Demonstrates ability to prioritise the most important tasks on an ongoing basis.

· Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in response to workforce demands.

· Demonstrate ability to take initiative and to be appropriately self-directed.

Managing and Developing (Self and Others)

· Demonstrates ability to lead by example and adapts leadership style to suit the demands of the situation and the people involved.

· Demonstrate an ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy working environment.

· Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as part of a team, collaborates well with others.

· Demonstrates the ability to react constructively to setbacks and to both give direction / feedback, and take direction / feedback, from others.

· Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development and knowledge sharing.

Commitment to providing a Quality Service

· Demonstrate a commitment to and the ability to lead on the delivery of a high quality, person centred service.

· Demonstrates innovation in the provision of person-centred care and in overcoming resource limitations.

· Ensures that all service users are treated with dignity and respect and ensures that the welfare of the service user is a key consideration at all times.

· Works at an operational level to build alliances and learn how to best position service delivery to meet the needs of its service users.

· Is open to change and supports the implementation of change.

Evaluating Information and Judging Situations

· Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information and make effective decisions in relation to service user care.

· Explains the rationale behind decisions confidently when faced with opposing or competing demands. Is objective but also aware of sensitivities in their approach.

· Regularly quantifies and evaluates activities against service plans and takes timely action to correct potential difficulties. Recognises how service constraints impact on service delivery.

Communications and Interpersonal Skills

· Display effective communication skills (verbal & written).

· Tailors the communication method and the message to match the needs of the audience; demonstrates active listening skills.

· Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate in partnership with others.

· Demonstrates sensitivity, diplomacy and tact when dealing with others; is patient and tolerant when dealing with conflict situations.

· Demonstrates strong negotiation skills; remains firm but flexible when putting forward a point of view.

Campaign Specific Selection Process

Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview

A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.

Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.

Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.

The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.

The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long term health condition.

For further information on the HSE commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, please visit the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion web page at https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/diversity/

Code of Practice

The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).

The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles that should be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice. The Code outlines the standards that should be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process.

The CPSA Code of Practice can be accessed via https://www.cpsa.ie/.

The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the Job Specification may be reviewed.

This Job Specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.

Physiotherapist, Senior

Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team, Community Healthcare West

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Tenure

The current vacancy available is permanent and whole time.

The posts are pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Remuneration

The salary scale for this post as at 01/06/2024 is:

€61,424 €62,735 €64,085 €65,423 €66,762 €68,172 €69,657 €71,137 €72,325

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Working Week

The standard working week applying to the post is to be confirmed at Job Offer stage.

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004

Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26 week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26 week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Probation

Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.

Protection of Children Guidance and Legislation

The welfare and protection of children is the responsibility of all HSE staff. You must be aware of and understand your specific responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015, the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 in accordance with Section 2, Children First National Guidance and other relevant child safeguarding legislation and policies.

Some staff have additional responsibilities such as Line Managers, Designated Officers and Mandated Persons. You should check if you are a Designated Officer and / or a Mandated Person and be familiar with the related roles and legal responsibilities.

For further information, guidance and resources please visit: HSE Children First webpage.

Infection Control

Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

Health & Safety

It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).

Key responsibilities include:

· Developing a SSSS for the department/service[1], as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.

· Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained, and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.

· Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.

· Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.

· Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures[2].

· Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.

· Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.

Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.

[1] A template SSSS and guidelines are available on the National Health and Safety Function, here: https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/health-and-safety/safety-statement/

2 See link on health and safety web-pages to latest Incident Management Policy