ORLAU Specialist Physiotherapist and Team Lead in Chester

Overview

An opportunity has arisen for a physiotherapist to cover maternity leave on a 12‑month basis. The role combines specialist clinical practice with team‑lead responsibilities, offering opportunities to advance leadership skills and engage in research, teaching and clinical audit.

Responsibilities

• Act as physiotherapy team lead and line manager for physiotherapists and support staff.
• Perform advanced assessment of patients with complex physical and psychological presentations, including gait analysis, 3‑D/ video movement analysis and electromyography.
• Develop and deliver individual treatment programmes, continually reassess progress and adjust interventions.
• Provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to families, carers and other professionals.
• Supervise, educate and assess physiotherapy students and junior staff; coordinate teaching activities with university partners.
• Lead audits, surveys and evidence‑based projects; recommend practice changes and maintain compliance with ISO9001/13485 quality standards.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, presenting patient progress and integrating physiotherapy goals into overall care plans.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive treatment records and prepare reports for referrals and discharge planning.

Organisational Responsibilities

• Member of senior management team, contributing to strategic development of the centre.
• Chair team and project meetings; conduct appraisals, sickness and performance management, and approve annual leave via e‑roster.
• Develop physiotherapy job plans, manage risks through Datix, and coordinate junior staff and student supervision daily.
• Plan and lead clinical audits, using research methodologies and statistical techniques; act as auditor for ISO/quality systems.
• Coordinate research projects, update standard operating procedures, and identify opportunities to improve the physiotherapy service.
• Ensure safe and competent use of rehabilitation engineering equipment and orthotic devices by patients and staff.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Legal and professional responsibility for all aspects of own work and patient management.
• Perform comprehensive assessments of adults and children, using manual assessment, muscle testing, gait evaluation and advanced clinical reasoning.
• Obtain informed consent, work within legal frameworks for patients lacking capacity, and plan and deliver treatment proposals based on evidence‑based practice.
• Reassess and adjust treatment programmes and communicate outcomes to MDT members.
• Provide specialised equipment assessment and provision, including standing frames, orthotic devices and functional electrical stimulation.
• Participate in movement analysis, rehabilitation engineering and physiotherapy service meetings, chairing where necessary.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records in line with CSP Standards and departmental policies.

Professional Responsibilities

• Continuously develop manual dexterity and competency through CPD and maintain an advanced level of knowledge.
• Maintain high personal and professional standards in line with CSP/Trust guidelines, NICE guidance and national frameworks.
• Teach and support student physiotherapists to graduate level, participating in appraisal and personal development planning.
• Engage in staff appraisal schemes, set and review personal development plans, and apply evidence‑based practice to evaluate work.
• Optionally lead training in Health & Safety, CPR or manual handling as requested.

Key Requirements

• Leadership and interpersonal skills for motivating and engaging others.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills for managing workload.
• Effective written and oral communication of complex information.
• Ability to work independently within an MDT, responding to daily service pressures.
• Experience in gait analysis, orthotics, chairing meetings and conducting audits.

Qualifications

• Registered physiotherapist at State level.
• Post‑graduate study to Masters level or equivalent experience.
• Broad clinical experience through rotational and specialist posts.
• Experience supervising junior staff or students.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary team environments.