Senior Physiotherapist (Neurology/Neuro-Rehabilitation)

Would you like to work in a highly innovative day-care neurological (re-) habilitation centre with opportunities to further your professional education and career?

Are you prepared and ready to push boundaries, combine your clinical work with a human rights-based approach, and help us to consolidate our position as an international leader in service delivery for those with a severe Acquired Brain Injury (sABI)?

The An Saol Centre is the first of its kind in Ireland and offers an exciting new opportunity for clinical specialists to shape the long-term (re-) habilitation services for those with a sABI.

Our objective is to translate research into the effective and efficient practice of life-long neurological (re-) habilitation. We collaborate with Irish and international universities and rehabilitation centres. Our programmes are informed by best international practice and provide access to state-of-the-art therapy equipment, including robot-assisted gait training and a TechLab with some of the latest augmented and assisted communication (AAC) tools.

Following a successful international, HSE-lead review of its pilot phase, the Centre is now consolidating and expanding its services.

We are looking for exceptional clinical experts to lead our ambitious, energetic, and highly committed team of physiotherapists. You will need excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills. Initiative, flexibility and adaptability, as well as patience and proven team working skills are essential.

Reporting to the CEO or appointed representative.

Senior Physiotherapist (Neurology/Neuro-Rehabilitation)

As the Senior Physiotherapist you will

• Carry out accurate PT assessments, clinical diagnosis and treatment of clients with complex neurological needs.
• Formulate and execute individual PT programmes to meet service and client needs.
• Provide PT intervention where there may be barriers to understanding, due to speech/hearing/visual impairment and cognitive/perceptual difficulties.
• Provide clinical supervision and facilitate the learning and development of staff grade therapists and therapy assistants.
• Work in close conjunction with other therapists and families to facilitate clients reaching their full potential.
• Organise and contribute to/lead in-service training sessions in conjunction with other therapists.
• Evaluate client progress as well as develop and implement comprehensive discharge plans where appropriate.
• Shape and develop the service offered by the Centre.
• Support senior staff and the general development of the Centre.

Skills and Experience

• PT degree qualification or equivalent.
• Professional PT registration in Ireland.
• Proven experience in neurology and neurological (re-) habilitation.
• Proven experience in leadership and supervision.
• Knowledge and understanding of neurophysiology and a wide range of approaches to the management of neurological patients.
• Good time management and organisational skills with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Relevant experience with different healthcare systems and settings would be advantageous.

Candidates have to be able to demonstrate their suitability for this position according to HSE guidelines (https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/eligibility-criteria/physiotherapist-senior-january-2023.pdf) and HSE guided responsibilities for this position in areas such as professional and clinical leadership, education and training, quality safety and risk, and administration (further details provided on request).

The projected salary will be in line with HSE salary scales and is dependent on experience.

About the An Saol Foundation CLG

In 2016, the then Minister for Health, Simon Harris, T.D., approved funding for the initial national An Saol Pilot Project under a Section 39 Service Arrangement. Following the successful completion of the pilot phase, recognising that

“the An Saol model of service is distinctive and innovative and does not have a direct parallel elsewhere (…) allowing Irish disability services to play a leading role internationally(…)”,

the HSE recommended the continuation and expansion of the An Saol Foundation’s national service delivery.

The An Saol Foundation was originally established in 2014 by the family of Pádraig Schaler to provide adequate and ongoing support to people with a severe Acquired Brain Injury (sABI). It is a registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. The Foundation received its initial funding through a generous donation from the parents of Sara Walsh (V 2015) and has since received financial support from various fundraising activities, donations and funded projects. The Foundation operates from its headquarters in Dublin and delivers its services in Dublin and beyond. To achieve its goals, the Foundation promotes awareness about sABI and neurological (re-) habilitation, supports research, delivers neurological (re-) habilitation services, raises funds, and engages in related support activities.

Please submit your application with a curriculum vitae and cover letter by 15 May 2023 to: [email protected], subject line: Senior Physiotherapy Position.