Physiotherapist I

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

The Physiotherapist I will report to the Physiotherapist II or the immediate supervisor.

NATURE & SCOPE

The Physiotherapist I is responsible for evidence-based evaluation and treatment of patients referred to Physiotherapy in Outpatient and/or Inpatient settings at Sangre Grande Hospital, who present with limitations to independent physical function as a result of injury, disease, or other processes affecting the musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and neurological systems.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Physiotherapist:

• Reviews referrals for further examination, assessment, and treatment within the scope of practice, education, skill, and experience level of the Physiotherapy Therapeutic (PT) I.
• Conducts and documents subjective and objective examinations of referred patients to Outpatient or Inpatient Physiotherapy.
• Develops, documents, and reviews appropriate physiotherapy goals that align with assessment findings, scientific evidence, and patient interest.
• Develops, implements, and reviews a documented plan of intervention(s) to achieve physiotherapy goals.
• Instructs, monitors, and adjusts the administration of a variety of treatment modalities as indicated, applying sound clinical reasoning and knowledge of contraindications to therapeutic interventions.
• Recommends and implements the most suitable intervention strategies and monitors their effectiveness and patients’ progress.
• Observes and documents subjective and objective outcomes of interventions.
• Plans, executes, and modifies individual patient treatment schedules in collaboration with support staff as necessary.
• Assesses and records patient progress for continuation or discharge from Physiotherapy services to independent care as indicated by the accomplishment of Physiotherapy goals.
• Refers patients in need of services beyond the physiotherapy scope of practice to appropriate sources of care within ERHA, as necessary.
• Manages daily, weekly, and monthly caseload and clinical rotation assignments with guidance from Physiotherapist II.
• Delegates duties to the Physiotherapy Aides.
• Attends and participates in Physiotherapy Department meetings and represents the Department at multidisciplinary meetings when required.
• Represents the ERHA in any capacity within the Physiotherapy scope of practice.
• Performs any other related duties as required.

KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to produce evidence-based clinical reasoning.
• Ability to work under pressure and as a team.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and clients.
• Must possess a genuine interest in the health and well-being of patients.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy or equivalent entry-level professional Physiotherapy Education.
• Registration with the Physiotherapists Board of Trinidad and Tobago.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Physiotherapy Aides.

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

• Medical Director
• Manager-Para Clinical Services
• Physiotherapist II
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Therapist
• Heads of Departments
• Physiotherapy Aide
• Clerk

External:

• Clients
• Healthcare professionals contributing to patient management
• Non-healthcare professionals that contribute to patients’ management