Physiotherapist- Grade 2- Calvary Health Care Bethlehem

• Grade 2 Physiotherapist (Victorian Allied Health EBA)
• Casual hours- locum periods available for leave cover or ad-hoc shifts
• Join our vibrant, diverse and skilled Physiotherapy team
• Supervision included along with an extensive professional development program
• Opportunity to develop your clinical expertise in progressive neurology and palliative care
• Opportunity to extend your skills in quality improvement, education and research
• Salary packaging and other benefits
• Supportive and experienced MDT environment
• Opportunities to participate in clinical research and postgraduate study
• Brand new facility: modern office and clinical areas for Allied Health ,including a gym

About the role

Based at Calvary Kooyong in Caulfield South, Calvary Healthcare Bethlehem is a leading provider of specialist services for people living with progressive neurological diseases and those needing palliative care. Services include an inpatient ward, Community Palliative Care Service (CPCS), State Wide Progressive Neurological Diseases Service (SPNDS) and NDIS Provider service.

You will work as a casual in our Physiotherapy team which could include ad-hoc shifts as well as periods of leave cover, depending on your availability. You would work in any of our service streams, depending on the needs of the department and your skillset.

SPNDS provides expert support to people with progressive neurological diseases (including Motor Neurone Disease and Huntington’s Disease) to help them to live well throughout their disease trajectory. Support is provided as part of a wider MDT, either face to face or through telehealth. The SPNDS PT role is crucial in supporting adjustment to diagnosis through education and gentle introduction of equipment and energy conservation strategies, through to supporting people at more advanced disease phases requiring wheelchairs, hoists and other equipment to support their goals. Engaging with external providers and building relationships through providing information and education is a key part of this role.  

The NDIS Provider Service supports people with progressive neurological diseases with their goals through home-based assessment and intervention.

The inpatient setting is a 32 bed subacute ward supporting people with progressive neurological or palliative conditions with assessment, symptom management and end of life care. The inpatient physiotherapist has a key role in support patients with maintaining mobility and independence while staying on the ward, as well as supporting the discharge planning process which includes carer training, organising equipment, liaising with external providers such as community Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, and completing reports.

Within the Community Palliative Care Service, Physios play a vital role in improving the quality of life of patients and assist in preventing avoidable hospital admissions. This is done through provision of equipment and exercise programs, risk mitigation and expert symptom management.

Your main duties will include:

• Supporting the running of the clinical services
• Providing care to patients with progressive neurological and palliative conditions through proficient assessment and intervention, in collaboration with internal and external team members
• Recommending and providing equipment including gait aids, transfer equipment, AFOs, collars, wheelchairs and pressure cushions
• Falls prevention and management
• Respiratory management
• Supporting maintenance of physical function through recommendation of appropriate exercise and stretching regimes
• Providing compassionate care to patients and their families through education and training on aspects of living with their diagnosis, use of equipment and symptom management
• Supporting the MDT with care planning and contribute to reports for NDIS, handover to community providers or residential care as required
• Providing support and supervision to junior Physiotherapists or students in the team as appropriate

About you

• You are an AHPRA registered Physiotherapist with some experience working in a hospital setting and have some established clinical skills in progressive neurology and/or palliative care
• You have a desire to support people living with life-limiting conditions to optimise their quality of life and independence
• You are a person-centred, creative and flexible therapist who is able to work with dignity of risk and respect for individual choice and control
• You have outstanding communication skills
• You are a fast learner and able to be flexible to reprioritise a caseload to respond to the needs of your patients and the service
• Experience in prescription of wheelchairs is desirable but not essential
• You are self-directed, organised, enjoy a balance of team and autonomous tasks
• You are reflective in your clinical practice
• You have a current driving licence (for community visiting)

Please apply through our careers portal. Applications will only be accepted if a CV and a cover letter are included.

Note that suitable applications will be contacted immediately for interview and role will be filled prior to closing date where there are suitable applicants. 

For further information please contact Stephanie Williams, Allied Health Manager, Calvary Health Care Bethlehem. Stephanie.Williams@calvarycare.org.au

 Why work for Calvary?

At Calvary, our staff matter. 

With over 130 years’ experience and 18,000 staff and volunteers, we offer an inclusive and welcoming culture where you are valued, drawing on your own strengths, identity and background alongside a team of professionals who care for our patients, residents and clients.

Your benefits: 

• NFP salary packaging benefits, discounted health insurance and gym memberships 
• Training, development pathways and career opportunities
• Flexible hours that make sense for you

As we serve the community across Home, Virtual and Residential Aged Care, Retirement Living and Hospitals, one thing sets us apart. Care from the heart. If this sounds like you, apply for a role with Calvary today.

 Please note the following:

• As part of the application process, you will be required to complete pre-employment checks which may include, but is not limited to reference checks, work rights, criminal history check, NDIS checks, and a health evaluation to ensure suitability for the role
• You will be required to provide evidence of immunisation as required for your role including COVID-19, influenza, tuberculosis screening, hepatitis, diphtheria, tetanus, varicella .