Specialist Physiotherapist in Learning Disabilities

The post holder will provide a specialist community based physiotherapy service to adults who have a learning disability. They will play an active role in collaborating with the MDT and wider community & third party organizations to ensure delivery of a high quality of Physiotherapy intervention. Clinical: To carry out a full and comprehensive physiotherapy assessment. This may include assessment of but not limited to mobility, Posture, core stability, muscle tone, strength, and day to day activity, signposting and promoting Physical Education and Physical activity. Bespoke assessments are needed for complex presentations withadaptation of intervention and reasonable adjustments to service user needs. To assist clients to set realistic and achievable goals which are measurable and appropriate to their current needs making reasonable adaptations to intervention. Be able to offer choice of treatment options for example, dry land exerciseprescription, hydrotherapy, postural management, specialist equipment assessment and prescription. For example, Specialist seating, standing frames, sleep systems and be able to apply evidence-based practice. To plan physiotherapy treatment plans which reflect the clients goals in collaboration with the MDT, families, advocates, next of kin and third-party organisations as may be required to ensure holistic and bespoke interventions To develop and implement individualized physiotherapy programmes for adults with a learning disability and to offer advice and guidance to families / support workers / care staff, arrange demonstration sessions in various settings. To deliver hydrotherapy assessment, risk management and intervention, including allocation of administrative tasks in line with Hydrotherapy policy. To provide advice and support to staff, patients, and carers in order to provide quality of care and ensure smooth transition from hospital to home. Ensure that feedback is obtained, and appropriate information is given to the clients and use of appropriate escalation of matters of concerns via manager and trust processes. Assess, provide, and fit appropriate equipment in a patients home to maximise function, independence, and quality of life. To evaluate treatment and modify it appropriately. Manage a varied and at times complicated, unpredictable workload, handling sensitive and emotive complex situations including handling of clients with behaviours that challenge. Use reflective practice to improve patient care Provide inreach to hospitals, where clients with LD are admitted to provide advice and support to staff, patients, and carers in order to provide quality of care and ensure smooth transition from hospital to home. Be involved in assisting to develop and implement local and national treatment guidelines making reference to evidenced based practice and any standards of LD Physiotherapy practice. Arrange and attend relevant clinical meetings i.e., case conference and patient review meetings. Promote health activities in accessible community settings, including identifying access to facilities to promote physical activity such as signposting to warm water sessions ensuring smooth transition from Hydrotherapy to communal swimming. Communications To be up to date with changes nationally and locally and share new information with colleagues. To be skilled in communicating with adults who have a range of physical, cognitive, and psychological barriers to understanding interventions. Responsibilities for Teaching and Training To help supervise physiotherapy students on clinical placement with ALD services To contribute to the development of relevant interdisciplinary training at both qualified and unqualified level. To contribute to the teams objectives in relation to Clinical Governance. Attend relevant courses highlighted at appraisal and feedback information to the team. To contribute to the development of ALD i.e., local standards, policies, procedures, and outcome measures. To contribute to the development and running of education programmes for relatives and carers (including other professionals) of people with a learning disability. Attend mandatory training.Responsibilities for data and information resources To keep accurate and contemporaneous records of assessments and treatments in accordance with Trust and professional standards including the production of reports to other Health Professionals, Social Care, and other agencies. To maintain patient information confidentiality in accordance with the Data Protection Act and GDPR requirements. Physical Skills and Effort To work in a range of settings, including the community. To be able to transport therapyand assessment materials, (mobility equipment, case notes, laptop). Through working with clients with severe behavioural or emotional difficulties the therapist may be exposed to aggressive or inappropriate behaviours. They must be able to apply lone worker policy and undertake risk assessments for lone worker visits and discuss with manager any areas of concern. Travelling around the community will entail time spent out of doors and in inclement weather, e.g., awaiting access to homes or community settings. Frequently move, lift, without the use of mechanical aids, equipment for therapy intervention, equipment for home and educational settings such as bath aids and seating. Maintain joint ranges of movement through therapeutic means, administering and maintaining postural programs and specialist intervention plans using specialist equipment such as sleep systems, standing frames and complex seating with clear care plans and review. Frequently drive between or use public transport if you are not a driver to reach different work areas and locations, e.g., when visiting educational establishments, homes, and Trust premises Emotional Effort Be involved in Adult Protection issues including identifying a vulnerable adult at risk and being involved in adult Protection procedures. Be regularly exposed to distressing situations including behaviours that challenge. To deal with difficult and demanding situations including receiving complaints and positive feedback. Work with people who are terminally ill, or have life limiting conditions and long-term disability and challenging behaviours. Be involved in the sharing of stressful news. Regularly be involved with families and carers experiencing difficult circumstances. This job description is not exhaustive, but is intended to give an overall picture of the role. Other duties within the general scope of the post may be required from time to time. The duties of the post and job description can be reviewed through the agreed process Equality and Diversity & Equal Opportunities The post holder must carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post inaccordance with the Trusts Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies, avoiding unlawful discriminatory behaviour and actions when dealing with colleagues, service users, members of the public and all other stakeholders The post holder must promote awareness of and respect for equality anddiversity in accordance with Trust policies and procedures Please see the Job description and Person Specification for full details

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