Front Door Therapist

Posting date:	17 July 2025
Salary:	£38,682.00 to £46,580.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£38682.00 - £46580.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	31 July 2025
Location:	Worthing, BN11 2DH
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	C9279-25-1361

Summary

Main Duties and Responsibilities To independently manage a caseload of patients with complex and variable needs. To plan and implement effective individualised assessment and treatment programmes using confident decision-making skills to rapidly determine suitable discharge destination or admission. To undertake comprehensive and timely assessments of a variety of patients utilising advanced clinical reasoning, theoretical knowledge and analytical skills, responding rapidly to changes in patients clinical needs, functional needs and mental health status. To interpret and analyse clinical and non-clinical facts to inform accurate diagnoses and prognoses in a wide range of clinical conditions, to recommend the best course of intervention and to develop comprehensive goals and discharge plans. To carry out a wide range of interventions and treatment approaches in A&E, the Emergency Floor and urgent treatment areas. To take the lead in recommending and carrying out best course of action to develop goals and discharge plans, taking the A&E 4-hour wait target into consideration To undertake assessments and interventions such as mobility assessments, prescription of mobility aids, stair assessments and identify any barriers to discharge. To determine potential equipment needs (e.g. bed rails/raised toilet seats) that will aid patients to be independent and safe in their home environment To use persuasive skills to empower patients to engage rapidly in self-management through advice, education, coping strategies and therapy in order to facilitate discharge from the hospital. To use advanced analytical skills to monitor, evaluate and modify treatment in order to identify changes in patients medical status which is liable to change /deteriorate rapidly in both hospital and community settings. To develop effective therapeutic relationships with patients who may have complex cognitive, perceptual and behavioural needs demonstrating empathy and sensitivity to issues which may arise in hostile and emotive situations. To apply a robust understanding of the effect of disability and provide training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to patient environments to prevent recurrent admissions On very rare occasion to conduct access visits or same day follow-up home visits to facilitate safe discharge and prevent readmissions, this may include lone working. To provide advice and demonstration to patients and carers in the use of equipment and other techniques to optimise patients functional ability, independence and safety. To identify and justify when a patient does not require Therapy intervention but needs other multi-disciplinary input or referrals to other services. To refer to the Falls Service, Adult Social Care, Community services and other out of area schemes as appropriate, to provide short-term inpatient and community rehabilitation/carer input to address ongoing needs on discharge and manage risks at home. Communication To assess capacity to give consent, gain informed consent and have the ability to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment such as patients who have dementia, learning difficulties or who are acutely confused To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date documentation, in line with legal and departmental requirements, and communicate assessment and treatment results to the appropriate disciplines. To communicate effectively with patients, relatives, carers and colleagues, demonstrating highly developed verbal and non-verbal skills to communicate often complex information, managing barriers to communication such as dysphasia, learning difficulties, cognitive or sensory difficulties, different languages, etc. To persuade, motivate, reassure, empathise, explain and encourage patients in undertaking their treatment programme, ensure understanding of their condition and communicate effectively with patients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential. To clearly communicate sensitive information to staff, patients and carers. This may include explaining prognoses about long-term disabilities, where an educational and counselling role is required. To be able to diffuse potentially hostile and antagonistic situations with staff, patients, and relatives using negotiation and interpersonal skills. To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with medical, nursing and other colleagues to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service. This may include attending case conferences, ward rounds and multidisciplinary meetings. Ensure timely communication with the team leader on all professional matters. Service Delivery and Improvement To identify and implement opportunities for service development within the team in conjunction with other FDTT colleagues/ Team Leads To maintain appropriate patient/service records and statistics adhering to Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)/ Royal College of Occupational Therapist (RCOT) and departmental standards To be familiar with project developments/initiatives and cascade to team members if appropriate To participate in quality assurance service audit and outcome measures. To be responsible for the equipment used in carrying out duties, and to adhere to departmental equipment policy and Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards. To ensure the safe use of equipment and reporting of faults by self and others including patients, carers and other health professionals. To demonstrate effective time management skills, including planning and prioritising tasks/responsibilities for example training, supervision, patient care and meetings daily. To attend formal meetings supporting Clinical Governance relating to the Service and professional role of the post. To report and record any complaint, accident or untoward incident to Team Lead in line with the Trust Policy Up-to-date knowledge of any Medical Devise Alerts and the necessary actions required. To demonstrate a sound understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management, apply this to work situations and attend formal meetings where appropriate. People Management and Development To support the Team Leads by providing leadership in the FDTT and to be responsible for the operational management of the clinical team in the absence of the Team Leads. To participate in departmental meetings including staff, team and grade meetings as required. To maintain professional competence to practice, develop professional skills and carry out Standards of Practice as set out by the CSP/RCOT. To take part in the educational and training activities to develop individual expertise through ongoing continuing professional development (CPD). To attend study days, external training and in-service education as agreed with the Professional Lead and FDTT Team Lead. To review and reflect upon own practice and performance through effective use of professional supervision in line with the department supervision policy. To seek informal and formal support from experienced senior colleagues to alleviate distressing or emotional situations, e.g. palliative care, complex physical and environmental issues and chronic conditions. To contribute to an effective supervision framework for staff and participate in the Trusts appraisal process. To assist with the allocation and co-ordination of work to other team members as appropriate. To supervise junior staff and assistants formulating PDPs To supervise undergraduate students on clinical placements as required. To participate in the induction, training and education of students, new staff and members of the MDT and other external agencies, including formal presentations when appropriate.