Senior Physiotherapist Education Tutor (0.5 WTE) & Elective Orthopaedics (0.5 WTE)

 1.      Qualifications, Experience & Personal Specification

 2.      Accountability  

 3.      Outline of Duties & Responsibilities  

 4.      Particulars of Office  

 5.      General Information  

 1.         Qualifications, Experience & Person Specification

 Each candidate must:

Qualifications obtained outside the Republic of Ireland will require validation by CORU (Health & Social Care Professionals Regulatory Body).

·                  Must have at least three years full time (or equivalent) post graduate clinical experience with a minimum of 18 months in clinical Orthopaedic settings. Experience in in-patient and out-patient settings (acute hospital, primary care and or private practice) will be considered. 

·                  Have previous experience as a Practice Tutor and/or practice educator.

·                  Demonstrate evidence of formal continuing professional development relevant to the required clinical area of elective orthopaedics in the form of post graduate qualifications or relevant courses.

·                  Experience in the following areas desirable – Orthogeriatric Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation for Older Persons, Neurological and Amputee Rehabilitation.

·                  Ensure a person-centred approach to the assessment, treatment and management of all patients.

·                  Understand the total healthcare delivery system.

·                  Promote and ensure quality improvement in all areas of the role including, clinical practice, practice education and local service delivery.

·                  Behave in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with professional codes of practice.

·                  Have excellent interpersonal skills and proven written and verbal communication abilities.

·                  Have proven organisational skills.

·                  Be computer literate

·                  Can work on their own initiative, prioritise and manage several issues simultaneously and demonstrate attention to detail.

·                  Have the ability to work on own initiative, prioritise and manage a number of issues simultaneously and demonstrate attention to detail.

·                  Be able to identify potential difficulties and formulate solutions, making timely decisions relative to quality service delivery and recognise the importance of collaboration in effective patient care.

·                  Have the ability to work as part of a highly effective team.

·                  Have strong leadership and excellent interpersonal skills.

·                  Demonstrate appropriate professional autonomy and accountability for the role.

·                  Be of good character.

2.         Accountability

 The position reports to and is accountable to the Therapy Services Manager in all matters relating to the job and in their absence reports to the Assistant Therapy Services Manager.  The post holder will actively participate in and promote continuing education, professional and personal development and research activities consistent with this role. 

3.         Outline of Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Physiotherapist is an enthusiastic and competent professional with sound academic ability who is keen to develop the role of practice tutor at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC) in addition to developing their clinical skills.

 The role of the Practice Tutor includes but is not limited to:

·                     To support and develop the capacity and quality of the practice education programme at NOHC.

·                     Liaise with UCD, RCSI and other educational establishments in negotiating and co-ordinating clinical placements at Cappagh.

·                     To work with and support all practice educators in the planning and preparation of practice education schedules.

·                     To orientate and induct all student physiotherapists who are assigned to NOHC on clinical placement.  This includes working with the Human Resources Department with regards to ensuring compliance with all local policies and procedures. It is the responsibility of the Practice Tutor (PT) to liaise with students and their representative higher education institutions in obtaining all relevant documentation required to support successful practice education placements at NOHC.

·                     Establishment of and agreeing with students their learning objectives/placement goals at the start of each placement and facilitate students to achieve these goals. The PT will collaborate with the student and the practice educators in devising suitable and achievable objectives relevant to the area of clinical practice.

·                     Supervision of practice education of students in collaboration with senior and staff grade physiotherapists working in Elective adult and paediatric Orthopaedics and adult Rehabilitation.

·                     Organisation of a planned programme of relevant tutorials, group and peer learning activities for students while on placement.

·                     Provision of ongoing feedback to students about their performance in conjunction with the supervising physiotherapists/practice educators.

·                     Assessment of student performance and awarding of grades in accordance with the University guidelines in conjunction with the supervising physiotherapists.

·                     Provision of support to senior and staff grade physiotherapists involved in clinical education in terms of mentoring and organisation of CPD activities related to education and evidence-based practice.

·                     Regular audits and evaluation of clinical placements.

·                     Reporting issues relating to professionalism to the Therapy Services Manager and relevant Clinical Placement coordinator and working alongside higher education institutions in maintaining high standards of professionalism and a positive learning environment for students and educators. 

·                     Working in collaboration with other sites and clinical tutors as the opportunity arises and utilising available resources to assist and inform the practice education programme at NOHC.

·                     Contributing to and attending at practice education workshops and training days organised by the various Universities.

·                     Acting as a professional resource to physiotherapy colleagues and students during all clinical placements.

·                     Sharing information., learning resources and educational opportunities relevant to practice education and teaching among educators and therapy colleagues at NOHC.

Professional & Clinical Responsibilities:

·                     Assisting in the provision of an effective, efficient, equitable, high quality Orthopaedic Physiotherapy service.

·                     Set and maintain a high standard of clinical practice in the field of orthopaedic physiotherapy.

·                     Undertake appropriate assessments, individualised treatment plans and provide effective intervention to all patients attending either as in-patients or out-patients to the elective Orthopaedic Service

·                     Ensuring that a high standard of person-centred, evidence-based Physiotherapy is provided for all patients in his/her care.

·                     Ensuring that the privacy and dignity of the patient is respected at all times.

·                     Keeping accurate patient records in accordance with best practice and local policy and providing relevant statistics as required.

·                     Liaise with patients, carers and other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.

·                     Liaising with staff of other disciplines and ensuring that effective communication and reporting takes place at all times.

·                     Identifying areas for improvement as well as contributing to service planning and development in collaboration with the Therapy Services Manager and Assistant Therapy Services Manager.

·                     Develop good working relationships with relevant Consultants and other healthcare providers to enable participation in relevant research.

·                     Participating in the staff performance management process.

·                     Ensuring a safe working environment for patients and staff at all times and reporting any incidents immediately.

·                     Keeping abreast of current advances in clinical practice in Orthopaedics by attending appropriate post graduate courses and seminars and reading published articles.

·                     Participating in the Saturday Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Service on a rota basis.

·                     Ensuring that all policies and procedures identified by the hospital as being relevant to the post, have been read, acknowledged, implemented and adhered to. 

·                     Participating in the development of and implementation of quality improvement initiatives.

·                     Reporting concerns for the safety and welfare of patients.

·                     To carry out such duties appropriate to the office as may be assigned by the Therapy Services Manager, Assistant Therapy Services Manager or Hospital Management.

Education & Training:

Being involved in relevant research, audit, risk assessments and implementation of change as required.

Participation in the development of staff working within the Orthopaedic Service providing structured supervision, mentoring, support and guidance for all junior members of staff and therapy assistants.

Organise, lead and participate in peer teaching sessions as well as facilitating education for other professional and ancillary staff as the opportunity arises.

Keeping up to date in trends and changing practices in the area of Orthopaedic Physiotherapy/Orthopaedic Medicine.

To participate in and lead out on the organisation and development of the Saturday Orthopaedic Service including weekend competency training for all participating staff including bank staff.

Participating in the development of quality assurance initiatives and their implementation.

Organisational Responsibilities:

To be professionally accountable to the Therapy Services Manager.

Ensure all documentation with regards to patient care is in accordance with physiotherapy professional standards and departmental policies. 

Ensure all policies and procedures identified by the hospital as being relevant to the post have been read, acknowledged, implemented and adhered to.  Ensure participation of all mandatory training programmes.

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 required/as required.

Have the ability and motivation to review service delivery and adapt/develop/implement quality improvement initiatives as required.

Gather and analyse statistics and participate in audits as directed by the Therapy Services Manager. 

 The post holder is responsible for their continuous professional and personal self-development.

The successful candidate will be required to update their knowledge and skills to fit the changing requirements of the post.  Therefore, this Job Description is an outline of the current broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing.  It will be reviewed and updated in line with future needs.

4.         Particulars of Office

 Duration

The appointment is full time, permanent and pensionable  

 Duties

The Physiotherapist will perform the duties of the post as outlined in Part 3 of this Job Description.

The person appointed will be required to be flexible in this position and must be prepared to undertake other duties as assigned to them from time to time by the Therapy Services Manager.  Such duties can be outside the normal area of work.

Quality & Patient Care

Patient satisfaction must be to the forefront of your concern. Every patient is to be treated as an individual and provided with a high-quality service in terms of courtesy, kindness, interest and efficiency.

Ensuring compliance with National and International Standards and Codes of Practice relevant to your position and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh.

Ensuring that all policies and procedures identified by the hospital as being relevant to your post have been approved, read, acknowledged, implemented and are adhered to.

Maintaining throughout the hospital an awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities and maintain a clear understanding of the importance of providing a quality and safe service to all patients.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding (or safety and welfare) of all patients must be a priority. Every patient is entitled to be treated equally, with dignity, respect and understanding of their wishes and preferences.

Mandatory Training/ Professional Development

This person will be required to update their knowledge and skills to fit the changing requirements of the post.

 Hours of Work

Normal working hours are 35 hours worked over a 5-day spread, but the appointee will attend at such other times as are required for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.  The appointee will be required to record their attendance electronically or manually as instructed. 

In order to comply with Section 33, of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 which limits the maximum number of hours an employee is permitted to work in a given period, all employees are obliged to notify the Hospital if they engage in any employment in addition to

Remuneration

Remuneration is in accordance with the salary scale approved by the Department of Health and Children.

Current salary scale is in line with the Physiotherapist scale - €63,279 to €74,509 per annum (9 points).  Salary is paid by Credit Transfer on the 28th day of the month.

 Periodical increases in salary shall not take effect until the Human Resources Manager or designated officer certifies that the service of the person concerned has been satisfactory during the year immediately preceding the date of such increments.

Probation

The successful candidate will be required to serve a probation period of 6 months from the date of taking up employment before becoming permanent.  During this period the candidate’s progress will be monitored and National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh, may at its discretion, extend the probationary period, in which case the reason for the extension will be made known to the candidate.  During the probationary period progress or otherwise will be monitored and at the end of the probationary period the service will (a) be certified as satisfactory and confirmed in writing or (b) if not satisfactory, the probationary period may be extended or certified, with stated reasons, that the service has not been satisfactory in which case the post holder will cease to hold the post.  If National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh should fail to certify in accordance with (a) or (b) above, the appointment shall be deemed to take effect on a permanent basis.  In the event of it being determined at any stage during the candidate’s probationary period that his/her employment is unsatisfactory, then his/her employment may be terminated before the probation period expires. 

 Medical Examination

 The appointment is subject to a successful medical examination and this will be arranged by the hospital.  There may be a fee charged for the examination.

 Superannuation

The terms of the Voluntary Hospitals Superannuation Scheme or Single Public Service Pension Scheme will apply to this position (dependant on public sector entrance date). 

 Annual Leave

 The Annual leave entitlement is in accordance with Health Service Executive circulars.

 Sick Leave

 Granting of payment of salary during illness is discretionary and conditional on the employee complying with the conditions laid down in the sick leave policy and will be in accordance with Department of Health and Children regulations.

 Termination of Office

 The employment may be terminated at any time by one months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/77.  The Hospital Management hopes it will not be necessary to exercise their right under this paragraph.  However, in circumstances where Management conclude that the post holder has failed to perform their duties to a standard consistent with their responsibilities, or where their conduct in relation to the post or otherwise would render them unfit to hold the post, the Management right will be exercised.

Confidentiality

 In the course of employment, the successful candidate may have access to, or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients and/or staff, or other health services business.  Such records and information are strictly confidential and, unless acting on the instruction of an authorised officer, on no account must information concerning staff, patients or other health service business be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. 

Data protection

 Successful candidates should comply with the GDPR, Data Protection Legislation and the Hospital data protection policy and procedures (PP-COR-21) in the performance of their roles.  Personal data should never be accessed until authorised to do so.  Personal data should be processed in a secure manner in accordance with Hospital policy and procedures thus preventing unauthorised access, unauthorised disclosure, unauthorised loss or loss of availability, of personal data.   In the event of a suspected or actual data breach the Data Protection Officer should be notified promptly.

Working Together

 In working together employees are expected to display a positive, helpful and caring attitude in the way they conduct themselves encouraging the confidence of patients, colleagues and others.

General

1.            The Hospital will not be responsible for the loss or theft of personal belongings.

2.            Fire orders must be observed and staff must attend fire lectures periodically.

3.            All accidents within any Department must be reported immediately.

4.            In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare Act 2005 all staff must comply with all safety regulations.

5.         General Information

National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh will not be liable for travelling or other expenses incurred by candidates who may be required to attend for interview.

Interview Panel                       To be notifies

Interview Date                        

Interview Venue                      National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh

Four copies of your application including Curriculum Vitae together with the names and address of three referees should be submitted in writing to:

                                     Head of Human Resources

National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh

Finglas

Dublin 11

Applicants must include their present employer or past employer (if not currently employed) as one of their referees.

The Hospital will assume permission to contact referees at any time and without further notification unless the Applicant has clearly stated otherwise.

Applications must be received by 5.00 p.m. on  Friday 27th June 2025. 

Candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.

Short Listing will take place.