Physiotherapist (Geriatric Inpatient Consultation Service)

KEY FUNCTION:

Provide specialized assessment, analysis, and treatment for older adults in acute care with multiple complex health needs.

REPORTING:

Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, North East Specialized Geriatric Centre.

DUTIES:

1. Perform a detailed, comprehensive medical history and physical assessment of patients across various acute care areas to establish a plan of care for interdisciplinary specialized geriatric intervention as required.
2. Perform Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment.
3. Analyse and synthesize findings from geriatric assessment into a comprehensive clinical report identifying client’s priority needs and relevant treatment options designed to optimize their independence.
4. Treat patients to optimize functional independence and physical performance promoting optimal mobility, physical activity and overall health and wellness.
5. Perform on-going evaluations to determine when discharge from service is appropriate.
6. Recommend and educate compensatory and remedial strategies, activity modification, and assistive devices to promote safety and maximize functional independence.
7. Manage and prioritize incoming referrals.
8. Provide supervision and direction to the reactivation workers as required in accordance with the standards defined by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (CPO).
9. Document assessment in the patient’s medical chart, clinical impression, and all related intervention and patient outcomes; maintain an accepted standard of documentation for quality assurance as outlined by HSN policies and the CPO.
10. Communicate verbally or through written reports with other health care professionals regarding patient management for clinical problem-solving and program development.
11. Collaborate with clients, families, interprofessional team members, and community partners throughout the therapy process and advocate to ensure client needs are met.
12. Support unit teams in the discharge planning process within the context of complex geriatric patient needs to ensure safe and effective discharges.
13. Perform controlled acts, subject to area of practice.
14. Act as a professional resource for internal health care providers and community partners.
15. Provide theoretical and clinical education/supervision of physiotherapy students, interprofessional students and undergraduate students.
16. Develop and implement self-learning objectives, participate in related postgraduate educational opportunities to improve clinical expertise, and integrate new knowledge to enhance patient care.
17. Participate on patient care teams and other committees, including Professional Council meetings, regarding the development of policies and procedures, forms and audits, and coverage/vacation planning within the professional discipline.
18. Research and incorporate best evidence into clinical practice, and conduct or collaborate in research.
19. Ensure the privacy and confidentiality of personal health information is maintained.
20. Maintain relevant statistical information.
21. Follow service-specific, Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and Infection Prevention and Control practices, including monthly workplace inspections.
22. Evaluate patient care and satisfaction on an ongoing basis and formulate solutions for improvement.
23. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
24. Contribute to learner development by providing academic support, mentorship, preceptorship and supervision as required.
25. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
26. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
27. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.
28. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

1. Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with the CPO.
2. Successful completion of the Geriatric Learning series or equivalent, Core Indigenous Cultural Competency Training Program, and the P.I.E.C.E.S. Training program are required.
3. Certification as an Assistive Devices Program (ADP) authorizer is preferred.
4. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE:

1. Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years’ recent clinical experience working within Specialized Geriatric Services and completing assessment and treatment in acute care guided by the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of the geriatric patient in the acute care context.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of health assessment tools (e.g. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), Cofusion Assesment Method (CAM), Barthel Index, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Clock Drawing Test, Phonemic/Semantic Fluency, Trails Making Test, Kingston Standardized Cognitive Assessment (KSCA), Geriatric Depression Scale, and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia).
3. Demonstrated ability to exercise professional judgment, clinical reasoning, and critical thinking with the ability to apply ethical frameworks and choose the optimal assessment and treatment intervention.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of mobilizing community health resources and enhancing continuum of care.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of education curriculum development, implementation and evaluation.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous and Francophone culture.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
8. Demonstrated knowledge of Specialized Geriatric Services community services and available resources.
9. Demonstrated ability to effectively problem-solve, set priorities, and manage conflict.
10. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
11. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
12. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
13. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
14. Demonstrated strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize.
15. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
16. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:

1. Successful Vulnerable Sector Check is required.
2. Demonstrated ability to meet the cognitive, emotional, and environmental demands of the job.
3. Demonstrated ability to perform with minimal supervision.
4. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
5. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
6. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
7. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.
8. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
9. Valid driver’s license with access to reliable vehicle is required.
10. Willingness to travel to local sites and outreach clinics across Northern Ontario.

Selection Process:  Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
 

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.