Specialist Learning Disabilities Physiotherapist

We are looking to recruit a Specialist Physiotherapist with expertise in neurology to enhance our stroke and neurology rehabilitation team. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing a high standard of assessment, treatment and evaluation to patients, both in a Rehabilitation Ward setting and in the community as part of the Stroke Early Supported Discharge Team over a 7-day service.


To develop neurological expertise within the team as a member of the Specialist Stroke and Neurological Services Team providing care to patients who have had a recent stroke or are diagnosed with a neurological condition as part of the community specialist inpatient service and Early Supported Discharge (ESD) Team.


To carry out appraisals & clinical supervision for more junior members of the team.


To be a clinical educator to students on placement with the team.


To appropriately manage assistant practitioners and therapy assistants within the team.


To practice in accordance with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy rules of Professional Conduct and Standards of Physiotherapy, and the Health Professions Council's regulations.


***To consolidate prior knowledge and ensure continued development of a broad range of clinical skills in rehabilitation. This will include skills in neurological rehabilitation and management of long term conditions.


To supervise, educate and assess performance of physiotherapy students. This would be to a graduate level and involve working with the universities to ensure the standard of practice and teaching meets the standards set by the degree level qualification
Season Ticket Loans
NHS discounts for staff
Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
Day One Flexible Employer

The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment


Join our Staff bank


What is Staff Bank?


Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times.


All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish.


If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank.
To undertake a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of patients who may have neurological and complex conditions including multi pathology. If the patient does not have the capacity to give consent, to be able to work within the legal framework as appropriate. To be responsible for checking and/or teaching competency of non-qualified staff in using equipment e.g. walking aids, appliances etc.


This may include teaching health care assistants, carers and caregivers.


To plan and undertake discharge of patients from the Rehabilitation Ward or the ESD service when agreed goals have been reached or treatment is no longer appropriate.


To provide specialist evidence based advice to more junior physiotherapists and other professionals working within the field on clinical issues.


To produce timely and accurate electronic patients records and reports in accordance with Health Professions Council and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy regulations.


Using verbal, non-verbal and written communication tools ensure that patients and carers have an understanding of their condition and the role and aims of Physiotherapy in relation to this. The Physiotherapist must effectively amend their communication techniques according to individual needs of the patient (for example the patient may have a learning disability, communication problems, neurological difficulties or may not use English as their first language). In the best interests of the patient, to objectively present clinical information regarding patients to the Multi-disciplinary Team in order to contribute to a high standard of care e.g. handover to another Physiotherapist, update medical and nursing colleagues on a patients condition, liaise with Social services, education or other allied health professionals and to ensure the delivery of a coordinated inter-disciplinary service.


To be confident in their own diagnosis and be able to communicate that effectively to others (including medical doctors, other Allied Health Professionals etc).


To share information in a timely manner with a more senior physiotherapist if there are concerns about a patients safety, condition or progress.


To urgently report and take appropriate action if there are any concerns about staff and/or patient safety to more senior Physiotherapy staff.


To represent the Physiotherapy service in meetings with other professionals with an aim of accurately contributing and reporting back relevant information to their line manager.


The Physiotherapist must be sensitive to patients own cultures, beliefs and emotions, especially if asking them to undress for treatment and during assessments or treatments, which are likely to include the use of hands-on physiotherapy skills. The Physiotherapist must take a holistic view of the patient and their well being considering all factors and not purely focus on a specific medical condition, sign or symptom.


To support and guide non-qualified staff in both clinical and organisational skills.


To deputise for more Senior Physiotherapy staff and delegate duties in a competent and safe way to other members of staff.


To take a lead for specific projects within your own area of work to enhance patient care and service delivery (e.g. develop patient information leaflets).


To exhibit and maintain a high personal standard of professional expertise, attitude and behaviour at all times in accordance with Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and local Trust, PCT and service policies. To be an advocate for the Physiotherapy profession and the Epping Forest PCT Physiotherapy service.


To be an active member of the MDT recognising own responsibilities to and respecting other team members (both within your immediate work group and the service as a whole).


To delegate tasks appropriately to Assistant Practitioners, Therapy Assistants, carers and other professionals considering the complexity of the task and the skills and competence of that person.


This may be in the absence of a more senior member of staff.


Full UK driving license and full access to a car for work purposes


Band 5 experience in stroke/neuro

Band 6 experience in stroke and neuro

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
St Margaret's Hospital