Physiotherapist – Residential Aged Care

Harbison Overview

Harbison is a charitable, community-owned, not-for-profit organisation that provides residential and non-residential care and support services for aged or disabled people, including a range of support services and systems to assist aged and disabled people to achieve maximum independence and integration within a residential or community setting, education and training of professionals and other care providers, and activities which are incidental or conducive to these objectives.

Currently, Harbison is an approved aged care provider, registered NDIS provider, approved childcare provider, retirement village owner, and one of the largest employers in the Southern Highlands. Harbison is governed by

a Board of Directors which appoints a Chief Executive Officer who is delegated with day-to-day responsibility

for the organisation.

Primary purpose of the role

The Physiotherapist is responsible for the provision of quality physiotherapy services to optimise, improve and maintain independence, mobility, and function for Harbison residents. This role includes a combination of gerontological functional assessment, acute rehabilitation, falls prevention management to meet clinical indicators to benefit the residents of Harbison. 

Key accountabilities

• Complete a comprehensive assessment of all residents on admission and evaluate the need for physiotherapy interventions consistent with a person-centered approach.  

• Develop, implement, and evaluate pain management techniques that improves the resident's wellbeing.  

• Support residents in developing goals and apply suitable interventions to facilitate achievement of goals.

• Communication with family members and care partners regarding the residents care needs and plan.

• Trial and prescribe equipment relevant to residents needs and goals. Including but not limited to; mobility aids, seating, pressure area care, assistive devices, splints, braces and supports.  

• Work collaboratively with other multidisciplinary team members to achieve best resident outcomes.  

• Evaluate effectiveness of interventions using appropriate tools and outcome measures.  

• Identify area for improvement and participate in continuous improvement projects.  

• Maintain accurate resident documentation including physiotherapy assessments, pain assessments, fall reviews, treatment records and progress notes  

• Provide relevant clinical data and reports to support service monitoring and planning.

• Ensure detailed knowledge of the AN-ACC, particularly in relation to the complex health care domain and the requirements of maintaining chronic pain management claims.  

• Ensure efficient time management and maintain an appropriate number of residents on pain management claims as per Australian Health Professionals management directives.  

• Maintain continual professional development requirements as per AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registration.  

• Deliver education sessions for all employees as required, in terms of chronic and acute injuries and annual training requirements.  This includes manual handling education and regular team in-services.

• The use of treatment techniques to relieve and manage main, restore movement and function and to prevent and reduce further chronic pain.   

• Provide tailored programs for Harbison residents to help retrain posture, strengthen muscles, and improve overall fitness.   

• Participation in case conferencing with families and regularly report and document the changes in the resident's condition via PCS.   

• Carry out any other reasonable duties within the overall function of the role.  

Equal work opportunities

At Harbison, we do not discriminate against, a person's cultural background, heritage, disability, age, gender, or sexuality. Harbison believes in equal work opportunity for all workers and candidates.

Requirements

Essential   

• Degree in Physiotherapy or Degree in Occupational Therapy  

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and current registration with AHPRA.  

• A minimum of 2 years' experience in a clinical setting.  

• Demonstrated skills in the planning and implementation of programs and activities.  

• Demonstrated sound knowledge of AN-ACC, accreditation and the aged care regulatory environment.  

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.   

• Strong relationship building skills and customer centric approach.  

• Proactive 'can do' approach and attitude and a Positive attitude to providing clinical expertise within the aged care setting  

• Knowledge and skills in clinical assessment, geriatric rehabilitation and equipment prescription  

• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a multidisciplinary team  

• Experience in planning and implementing innovative physiotherapy programs including group exercise therapy and individualised treatment programs  

Desirable   

• Minimum 2 years postgraduate clinical experience  

• Current Australian drivers' license  

• Experience working with the elderly in an acute, sub-acute and/or residential setting  

• Ongoing/previous professional development in gerontology  

• Desire to forge a career in the aged care sector  

• Experience in providing manual handling education sessions to health service employees and staff  

Benefits

• Salary packaging includes up to $15,900 in pre-tax earnings plus $2,650 to contribute towards entertainment benefits each year.

• Access to in-house and online training programs.

• Career progression opportunities.

• Supportive, positive team environment.

Please note the current Influenza & COVID-19 vaccination requirements of employment at Harbison.