Clinical Responsibilities: Assess, diagnose, treat and evaluate abnormalities and diseases related to the foot and lower limb in people of all ages. Provide treatment for high-risk patient groups such as the elderly and those with increased risk of amputation. Give advice and make referrals to other healthcare and social services professionals as appropriate. Use therapeutic and surgical techniques to treat foot and lower leg issues (eg. carrying out nail and soft tissue surgery using local anaesthetic). Prescribe, produce and fit orthotics and other aids and appliances. Deliver foot health education. Understand the mechanics of the body in order to preserve, restore and develop movement. Work with people in sports to address sports-related injuries to legs and feet. Use a range of equipment including surgical instruments, dressings, treatment tables, orthotic (inner sole) materials, lasers, grinders, shaping equipment, x-ray and video gait-analysis equipment (which allows for analysis of patients walking or running problems). Undertake a range of administrative tasks such as ensuring stock levels are maintained and securely stored, and that equipment is kept in good working order. Professional, including training and development responsibilities 1. To maintain own clinical professional development (CPD) by keeping abreast of new trends, practices and developments and incorporate them as necessary into your work and to be an active member of in-house training by the attendance and presentation at staff meetings, tutorials, training sessions, external courses and reflective practice. 2. To fulfil legal requirements and demonstrate clinical reasoning within documentation. 3. Work collaboratively with colleagues directly involved in the delivery of healthcare both in the community as well as in hospital inpatient settings and will develop good working relationships and networks with other community resources and providers of both statutory and non-statutory services. 4. To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with medical, nursing and allied health professional colleagues to ensure delivery of a coordinated multi-disciplinary service. This will include discussion of the profession through teaching and training to other members of the service. 5. To be an active member of in-service training programme at training sessions in-house, tutorials and by attending external courses and practicing reflective practice. 6. To participate in staff appraisal scheme and professional development programme. 7. Understand and apply National, Organisational and Local Service Legislation, Policies, Procedures and Guidance for Health and Social Care and be involved with their development where appropriate. 8. Undertake the measurement and evaluation of your work and current practices using Evidence Based Practice projects, audit and outcome measures, either individually or with more senior therapists. To make recommendations for change as appropriate. 9. Demonstrate a sound understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management and apply to work situation. Training and Development You must maintain your professional standards in respect of education and training and ensure that you are aware of your specific area specialty training and needs analysis. Confidentiality Information relating to patients, employees and business must be treated in strictest confidence. Under no circumstances should such information be discussed with any unauthorised person(s) or organisations. All staff must operate within the requirements of our policies. Safeguarding and Protecting Children Everyone shares responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, irrespective of individual roles. As an employee of the trust you will need to be aware of your responsibility in relation to safeguarding and protecting children. You will need to be aware of our procedures and know how to contact named professionals, within the safeguarding team for advice and support. Health and Safety The Health and Safety at Work Act stipulates that it is the responsibility of each employee to observe all rules governing safety and conduct and as such safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment provided must be used. Infection Control DHPL is committed to protecting the health of all staff, patients and visitors to our premises. As such all staff are personally responsible for compliance with all General Practice infection prevention and control policies. Failure to comply with such policies and associated procedures is likely to lead to disciplinary action. Manual Handling The post holder will be provided with adequate training in correct lifting techniques by a recognised lifting instructor. Quality of Service DHPL is committed in its use of available resources to obtaining the best possible service for patients and staff. The Post holder must share this objective and seek to maintain and improve the quality of service provided. Equal Opportunities DHPL is pledged to equal opportunities for all and is committed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, colour, sexual orientation, creed, nationality, ethnic or national origin or disability. We promote flexible working opportunities wherever possible to enable staff to balance their work with their private lives. Please note your job description is intended only as a guide to the responsibilities that will generally be required of you. You may need to perform other duties that have not been mentioned to accommodate both patient and business needs.