Physiotherapist - Thanet Maternity Cover

Job summary
Pilgrims Hospices is recruiting a Physiotherapist to join the team in Thanet on a fixed term maternity cover basis up to April 2027.

Pilgrims is seeking a part time, well-motivated and forward thinking Physiotherapist to join the multidisciplinary team (MDT), to support our patients in east Kent. The successful candidate will be involved in delivering physiotherapy services across our inpatient unit and outpatient services. You will have an opportunity to develop expert assessment and treatment planning skills within the in patient and outpatient settings.

We provide an extensive range of support to ensure that all staff and volunteers can be successful and receive the development and recognition they deserve, including:

• A supportive and friendly environment. This includes senior support from physiotherapists, as well as strong working relations with other members of the MDT.
• Support for ongoing training and CPD/career development.

This is a part time role 2 or 3 days (15/22.5 hours) per week at our Thanet Hospice.

Main duties of the job
As a member of the wider clinical team, the successful candidate will be involved in delivering physiotherapy services across our inpatient unit and outpatient services.

Key duties include:

• Taking a lead role in advanced assessment and treatment of patients with life limiting illnesses
• Actively contributing in service development
• Being involved in the supervision and education of other health professionals
• Undertaking evidence-based projects and audits, making recommendations for change in practice and development as required.

About us
As an award-winning employer, Pilgrims provides end of life care services to patients and their families across east Kent.

Our commitment is to provide open, compassionate care and expertise for patients and their families both in the community and in-patient units.

Our Vision
Of a community where people with a terminal illness, and their family and friends, are supported and empowered to live well in mind and body until the very last moment of their life.

Other Benefits
As an Employer of Choice, our commitment to supporting our employees and volunteers is a key priority.

Our hospices offer:

• Modern, friendly and highly professional working environments
• Opportunities for professional development through a range of extensive learning
• Alignment with NHS pay rates and continuity in membership of the NHS pension scheme
• A sense of achievement in supporting a worthwhile cause
• A sense of wellbeing
• A good work-life balance
• Locations across well-populated areas of east Kent all providing very good road and rail links
• NHS and financial discounts i.e. Blue Light Card
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Free hospice parking

This advert will be closed once sufficient applications have been received. This can happen quickly, so if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible.

Job responsibilities
The post holder will perform therapeutic assessment and treatment of patients with diverse presentation and complex physical, psychological and cognitive conditions. In addition Physiotherapists will develop and deliver an individualised treatment programme appropriate to the patient's condition and contribute to the discharge planning process.

DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical

• To work independently as part of a multidisciplinary team to diagnose, assess, plan and implement patient specific programmes of care/therapy contributing to the continuous assessment of patients.
• To undertake more complex assessments, using profession specific clinical knowledge and skills.
• To function effectively across a variety of environments (e.g. clinics, care homes and patients' homes etc.) involving changing and demanding conditions.
• To use recognised outcome measures and goal setting measures to motivate challenging clients.
• To use a comprehensive range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients, and their families/carers, the diagnosis and treatment plan, that may be complex and sensitive, to help progress rehabilitation. This will include patients who may have difficulties with understanding or communication.
• To evaluate patient progress and alter treatment programmes as and when appropriate.
• To involve patients in goals and treatment proposals. To gain valid informed consent. To work within the legal framework with patients who lack capacity for informed consent.
• To be responsible for own time management and the prioritisation of caseload.
• To develop comprehensive discharge plans and work with relevant professionals to arrange on-going support as needed.
• To attend clinical meetings, liaise closely both verbally and in writing with the multidisciplinary team, patient and carers across boundaries to ensure continuity and integration of patient's treatment.
• To maintain and update accurate clinical records on Infoflex systems
• To lead or support the clinical education and support of: o Other members of the Team o Other health professionals o Junior and Non-registered staff o Patients and their carers o Students
• To manage clinical risk within own patient caseload.
• To be able to manage stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in an empathetic manner supporting other members of the Team, clients and their families in these situations.
• To develop partnership working with all relevant agencies/services/individuals to support optimum management of the identified client group
• To provide support and guidance to more junior members of the physiotherapy team

Resource Management

• To monitor stock levels of equipment and materials for own clinical area and co-ordinate ordering process as required.
• To check Physiotherapy equipment is in working order within manufacturers' guidelines and reports need for repair if required.
• Ensure clinical services are delivered in line with commissioned activity and planned income

Governance

• Take an active role in clinical governance, quality assurance, audit and evaluation to include collection and reporting of patient data
• Participate in monitoring standards e.g. to be able to produce quarterly activity at the request of business and performance/commissioners, to implement action plan to improve quality of services
• Undertake and assist in research to contribute to the development of innovative practice and policies to improve the delivery of services
• Be flexible in supporting other projects the team are involved in
• Ensure that the highest possible standards of patient care and patient safety are maintained at all times
• To work with others in a professional, positive and supportive manner
• Be responsible for maintaining professional knowledge and development, completing an annual personal development plan in line with changes and innovations in practice
• Adhere to relevant professional code of conduct.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Corporate Governance – The post holder must, at all times, act honestly and openly and comply with relevant corporate governance requirements, employment legislation and standards of business conduct.

Post holders are expected to be familiar with and comply with all polices and procedures published by Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent.

Health and Safety – Under the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974), it is the responsibility of the post holder at every level to take care of his/her own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by his/her acts at work.

Data Protection – Ensure that all data is processed in a fair and lawful way for the specific identified purpose, in line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), national data protection legislation and Pilgrims Hospices' Data Protection Policy. Data must not be disclosed in any manner which is incompatible with the purpose and to any unauthorised persons or organisations.

Flexibility – The post holder is expected to work flexibly to be able to meet the challenges and opportunities of working within Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent.

This Job Description is not exhaustive. This job description is a reflection of the current position and the post holder is expected to view it as a guide rather than an exact description of all duties and responsibilities. It may be subject to variation from time to time. The post holder will be required to undertake any other duties that may be required by the Line Manager, commensurate with the level of the post.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• To have at least 18 months experience in a Physiotherapy post.
• Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team

Qualifications

Essential

• Professional Qualification (Degree or equivalent)
• Professional Registration with HPC

Desirable

• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Understanding and experience of Risk Management
• Good understanding of Clinical Governance
• Understanding of the legal responsibilities of the profession
• Ability to comprehend and work within the Hospice policies of data protection, equal opportunities, Health & Safety and to meet the diverse needs of patients
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills
• IT literacy
• Ability to prioritise effectively
• Evidence of problem solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Experience of supervising other staff
• Ability to carry out moderate to intense physical effort throughout the working day and carry out concurrent activities
• Ability to manage in a stressful working environment and with emotional

Driving and Manual Handling

Essential

• Ability to travel to undertake work and have the capacity to carry equipment relative to your post
• Ability to comply with Manual Handling policies and guide lines
• Valid/clean driving license and own vehicle

Right to Work in the UK

Essential

• All candidates must have the right to work in the UK as Pilgrims Hospices is unable to offer sponsorship. You will need to provide details of your right to work in the UK status/documentations i.e. British Passport; UK Birth Certificate and National Insurance Number; Biometric Residence Permit on application.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).