Senior Physiotherapist - Health of the Older Person

Alfred Health

Alfred Health is a leader in health care delivery, improvement, research and education. We are the main provider of health services to people living in the inner southeast suburbs of Melbourne, from ambulatory to inpatient and home and community-based services.

• Permanent, Full Time at 80 hrs per f/n (with ADO's)
• Flexible hours are available upon negotiation
• Grade 2 Senior Physiotherapist (Health of Older Person), VB1-VB4 
• Rotational position across Alfred and Caulfield hospitals

Department Summary

Alfred Health’s Physiotherapy Department provides acute physiotherapy services to the patients of The Alfred and Sandringham Hospital and subacute physiotherapy services to Caulfield Hospital. The acute physiotherapy service is organised into five functional streams, namely: Intensive Care, Musculoskeletal, Respiratory, PAN (Progressive Illness, Aged Care and Neurosciences), and Sandringham.  The first four streams are located at The Alfred site, with the latter being based at the Sandringham site. The physiotherapy service provides acute clinical services and expertise in the following areas: intensive care, cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery, orthopaedics, trauma, burns, lung transplantation, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary rehabilitation, neurology and neurosurgery, infectious diseases, haematology/oncology, general medicine, haemophilia and emergency.   

The physiotherapy service at Caulfield Hospital provides an extensive range of inpatient and ambulatory services in the areas of rehabilitation, aged care and residential care services. The physiotherapy service provides subacute clinical services and expertise in the following areas: neurology, non-traumatic spinal cord injury, orthopaedics, amputees, burns, complex regional pain, cardiac rehabilitation, aged care, transitional care and aged psychiatry. The physiotherapy department is organised into functional streams: Neurological Rehabilitation, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Health of Older Persons (HOP) and ABI.   

Position Summary

The Grade 2 physiotherapist (HOP) will be responsible for the provision of high quality physiotherapy service across all clinical areas within the Health of Older person services and may be responsible for the day to day management of their ward or unit. They will work with the Grade 3 and 4 physiotherapists to ensure that physiotherapy in these areas is responsive to the changing needs of the community and works within an interdisciplinary framework to optimise care and minimise risk. The Grade 2 physiotherapist will be required to rotate across all areas of the Health of Older Person stream at Alfred Health as required. These rotations include inpatient geriatric rehabilitation ward-based beds, transitional care program and inpatients in a bed- substitution model providing service within patients own homes. They may also be responsible for the supervision and performance management of grade 1 physiotherapists and allied health assistants staff working within the stream and students undertaking clinical placements in the HOP stream. The Grade 2 physiotherapist is a highly valued member of the multidisciplinary team and work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for their patients.  All staff in the Physiotherapy Department are encouraged to contribute to weekend and public holiday services if they possess the necessary skills. HOP Grade 2 Physiotherapists may complete these shifts as overtime, in accordance with the Physiotherapy Weekend Policy. 

Experience of Our Ideal Candidate

• You have a passion to work with the older person and their families to facilitate the best possible outcome for their health and quality of life across the health care continuum
• You have great problem-solving skills and have a broad and solid theoretical knowledge and clinical background in areas including gerontology, cardiorespiratory, orthopaedics and neurological rehabilitation
• You understand and appreciate the complex assessment, management and discharge planning of the older person and preferably have experience working within a multidisciplinary team in the public health setting  
• You are keen to sink your teeth into service improvements, quality projects, or clinical research as you see fit
• You love sharing your skills and experience with Grade 1s, students and AHAs

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Current registration with the relevant professional board of Australia
• Current Drivers License 
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in the provision of physiotherapy services in the relevant areas of physiotherapy
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage a caseload, including the co-ordination of other staff
• Demonstrated ability to undertake quality initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to supervise students and Grade 1 Staff
• Demonstrated communication skills
• Demonstrated time management skills

Staff Benefits

• 5 weeks of annual leave + 13 additional days off (ADO's) per year
• Salary packaging and novated leasing are available via Maxxia to maximise take-home salary
• Access to health and well-being incentives such as the Fitness Passport and discounted health insurance
• Onsite staff gym - a payroll deductible expense
• Onsite childcare services are available (subject to availability)

If you are ready to embark on an inspiring journey, where professional growth and compassionate care intertwine, we encourage you to apply now.   

For more information, call Lucy Bell or Joe Marinelli (HOP Stream Leaders) on 0428879068  

Please note - We may review applications and interview candidates prior to the closing date  

Applications close at 11 pm Thursday, 27th Feb 2025

Alfred Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve.  Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged.

In accordance with the Health Services Amendment (Mandatory Vaccination of Healthcare Workers) Act 2020, health care workers in Category A or B roles (as determined by the department’s risk ratings) are required to be vaccinated against influenza or hold an acceptable medical exemption. 

Website: www.alfredhealth.org.au