Hand Therapist - Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Hand Therapy Team Based in Crow Thorne Unit at Torbay Hospital.

The interested candidate must have be either an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist with a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in Hand Therapy and have knowledge and experience of:

• Thermoplastic splinting
• Assessment, treatment and review of hands post-surgery and trauma
• Wound management
• Management of Rheumatological conditions
• Working autonomously
• Excellent decision-making skills

• To be responsible for the assessment and treatment of patients with Rheumatology and Orthopaedic hand conditions, including bespoke splinting.
• To have a thorough understanding of hand anatomy, Rheumatology and hand conditions and understand the impact on range of movement, strength and function
• To assess and be able to provide ready-made, static and dynamic, and off-the shelf splints appropriately.
• Using clinical reasoning to assess, plan and implement hand therapy treatment programmes for each patient in order to provide the highest standard of care.
• To be able to manage an ongoing complex patient caseload whilst prioritising new referrals for patients in crisis or in need of urgent assessment
• To use standardised assessments as required.
• To work without direct supervision in a variety of situations e.g. during times of staff sickness/annual leave
• To complete specialised hand assessments, to include ROM, grip strength, sensation, pain, deformities, ADL function and work.
• To have a good knowledge and understanding of ADL problems, equipment and energy conservation and fatigue management techniques.
• To ensure holistic patient assessment including the physical, emotional and psychosocial needs of the individual.

Working for our organisation

• Being part of an expanding, enthusiastic and dynamic team of like minded creative therapists.
• Having the opportunity to develop specialist skills and knowledge within the sphere of hand therapy.
• Using clinical reasoning skills to identify appropriate treatment pathways
• To follow, support and guide patients through their journey continuously re-assessing and adapting the treatment programme.
• In conjunction with Clinical Lead take responsibility for day to day running of hand therapy outpatient services and provide cover as needed.
• To provide clinical supervision for junior staff and students on clinical practice placements.
• To participate in appropriate clinical audits, data collection and comply with professional standards and Clinical Governance.
• Becoming a valued member of the MDT

• To be responsible for the assessment and treatment of patients with Rheumatology and hand conditions, including splinting.
• To have a thorough understanding of hand anatomy, Rheumatology and hand conditions and understand the impact on range of movement, strength and function
• To assess and be able to provide ready-made, static and dynamic, and off-the shelf splints appropriately.
• Using clinical reasoning to assess, plan and implement hand therapy treatment programmes for each patient in order to provide the highest standard of care.
• To be able to manage an ongoing complex patient caseload whilst prioritising new referrals for patients in crisis or in need of urgent assessment
• To use standardised assessments as required.
• To work without direct supervision in a variety of situations e.g. during times of staff sickness/annual leave
• To complete specialised hand assessments, to include ROM, grip strength, sensation, pain, deformities, ADL function and work.
• To have a good knowledge and understanding of ADL problems, equipment and energy conservation and fatigue management techniques.
• To ensure holistic patient assessment including the physical, emotional and psychosocial needs of the individual.

Person specification

Experience

• Minimum 2 years experience of hand therapy

Qualifications and Training

• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy

• Member of BAHT
• Evidence of undertaking a BAHT accredited course

You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, we are proud of our investment in our staff both in terms of developing potential career skills and valuing people.

If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer. We have a ‘Staff Carers’ policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.

• We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Please apply promptly
• Please read the job description and tailor your application to reflect the role
• Correspondence will be via Trac, text and email. Please check your email and Trac account regularly.
• Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band
• If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion
• It is your responsibility to assist us in the timely receipt of appropriate references

If you require support you can obtain this from our Equality Business Forum which has representatives from all protected groups.