Physiotherapist

Job overview

The post holder will provide a high-quality specialist physiotherapy service to adults within forensic inpatient mental health services, delivering assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for individuals with musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions. The role will focus on improving physical function, mobility, respiratory health and overall well-being through evidence-based physiotherapy interventions, while addressing the significant physical health inequalities experienced by people with severe mental illness in secure settings.

As a new role within the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will help bridge the gap between inpatient and community physiotherapy services by developing rehabilitation pathways that promote continuity of care and support safe discharge. The role will contribute to the development of Teir 3 weight management service within forensic services, alongside musculoskeletal rehabilitation, falls prevention and health promotion initiatives.

Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues, the post holder will support the prevention and management of long-term conditions through tailored exercise programs, physical activity promotion and patient education. The post holder will work autonomously, managing a defined caseload of complex patients with diverse physical and mental health needs, demonstrating advanced clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.

Main duties of the job

• To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of own work, ensuring high standards of clinical care for clients under your management.
• To accept clinical responsibility as an autonomous practitioner for a designated caseload, organising workload efficiently according to clinical priorities and available time.
• To assess and clinically diagnose clients using investigative and analytical skills; formulate individual management and treatment programs using advanced clinical reasoning and appropriate treatment options.
• To assess clients’ understanding of treatment proposals and capacity to give informed consent, working within the legal framework where capacity is lacking.
• To continuously assess and evaluate treatment programs, modifying them according to client needs.
• Independently manage a complex caseload, providing specialist physiotherapy to forensic inpatients with mental illness and complex physical, cognitive, psychological, social, sensory and emotional needs, while recognising diversity.
• Establish therapeutic relationships with clients and carers to promote participation.
• Develop specialised treatment, rehabilitation and maintenance programs collaboratively with clients, carers and other agencies, selecting appropriate interventions.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please kindly refer to the job description and person specification attached to this vacancy for further information.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.