Physiotherapist

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Employed on a two year contract the position holder will work as part of a dynamic and highly motivated team; this involves working across the hospital in a range of wards, outpatient departments and community settings. Main site is at Beit Cure Hospital, however opportunities to work in mobile clinics with the wider multi-disciplinary team is available. 

The purpose of this position is to develop and provide appropriate physiotherapy services for CURE patients using evidence based practice along the care pathways outlined and governed by the medical department.  

JOB SUMMARY:

1. To determine clinical diagnosis using assessment skills, plan and deliver effective treatment programs and maintain associated records for patients with diverse presentation and complex physical and psychological conditions as an autonomous practitioner. 
2. To undertake evidence based projects, including recommendations for change in practice and may participate in departmental research and audit. 
3. To work as an autonomous practitioner within the standards of professional practice laid down by the Medical Council of Malawi. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Clinical

• Assess and provide physiotherapy to patients. 
• Provide treatment to reduce pain, increase mobility and limit secondary functional disability by providing effective and evidence-based rehabilitation. 
• Assess, treat and monitor mobility problems by providing appropriate therapy to patients using walking aids and Assistive Products (Prostheses and Orthoses). 
• Participate in ward rounds to communicate treatment plans and support the medical team in providing holistic patient-centered care. 
• Provide support to the medical multidisciplinary team by providing a physiotherapy-based assessment of patients. 
• Ensure that patient’s needs and progress are communicated to other members of the medical multidisciplinary team as appropriate. 
• Attend medical multidisciplinary team reviews as appropriate. 
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive treatment notes by keeping a clinical record of treatment. 
• Demonstrate ongoing personal development by undertaking relevant training including CME activities as may be organized inside or outside of the hospital. 
• Adhere to established standards of patient care, treatment protocols and documentation. 
• Report any malfunction of equipment to the Senior Physiotherapist as soon as possible. 
• Represent the hospital at physiotherapy related activities as required. 
• Teach and train staff members, visitors and students as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Physiotherapist. 

Management :

• To be responsible for the competent use and maintenance reporting of all medical devices/equipment used by patients under your care. 

Human Resources: 

• To participate in and assist with the supervision, teaching and appraisal of students, technicians, assistants and other health professionals. 

Organization: 

• To be responsible for organizing and planning own caseload as well as assist in student, technicians, assistants timetables to meet service and patient priorities, readjusting plans as situations change/arise. 
• To demonstrate flexibility to provide cross cover in times of staff shortage and work prioritization within the role. 

Communication: 

• To be able to use persuasive and empathetic communication skills to motivate patients so enabling them to progress rehabilitation and treatment programmes with the benefit of verbal and non-verbal skills
• To demonstrate the ability to communicate complex and sensitive information to patients, guardians and other staff including situations where patients may have difficulties in understanding or communicating. 
• To maintain close links, communication and liaison between all staff and people involved in patient care, student supervision, and research or policy development as appropriate. 

Professional: 

• To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through CPD activities and maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development. 
• To undertake activities to ensure continuing professional development including active participation in regular departmental meetings, in-services and post-graduate training courses. 
• To maintain and develop current knowledge of evidence based practice, audits and published research in different areas. 
• To participate in the appraisal review and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development plan to meet set knowledge and competencies

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Degree in Physiotherapy
• Medical Council of Malawi licensure and credentialing.
• 2-5 years work experience.
• Knowledge of protocols for physical rehabilitation therapy of children with disabilities.
• Communication Skills - Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; listen well.
• Integrity - Able to be tactful, maintain confidence, and foster an ethical work environment; prevent inappropriate behavior by co-workers; give proper credit to others; handle all situations honestly.
• Quality - Able to maintain high standards despite pressing deadlines; establish high standards and measures; do work right the first time; test new methods thoroughly; reinforce excellence as a fundamental priority.
• Relationship Management - Able to develop rapport with others and recognize their concerns and feelings; build and maintain long-term associations based on trust; help others.
• Teamwork - Able to share due credit with co-workers; display enthusiasm and promote a friendly group working environment; work closely with other departments as necessary; support group decisions and solicit opinions from co-workers; display team spirit.

OTHER DUTIES
Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the co-worker for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Co-worker must perform other tasks, duties, and projects as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a co-worker encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The co-worker must perform all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a co-worker to perform the essential duties of this position successfully.

1. The co-worker must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.
2. While performing the duties of this position, the co-worker is required to:
   1. Frequently; sit, use fine finger dexterity, talk, and hear.
   2. Frequently; stand, walk, reach with hands and arms.
3. To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  
4. The co-worker must perform all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Beit CURE Children’s Hospital Malawi is an equal opportunity employer that promotes disability inclusion. Qualified individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.