POSITION DESCRIPTION

Physiotherapist – Grade 1

Working at Northeast Health Wangaratta

At Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW), we value our employees. We offer leadership, vision and an
environment with a strong sense of teamwork, integrity, accountability, and respect. We are committed to
providing staff with continuing education, research and professional development opportunities.
This ensures that our people are part of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, delivering exceptional high
quality safe patient care. When you choose to work at NHW, you are committing to aligning everything
you do with our values – Fairness, Excellence, Respect, Kindness, Integrity and Courage.

Position Details:
Position Title: Physiotherapist – Grade 1
Allied Health Professionals (Victorian Public Health Sector) Single Interest
Enterprise Agreement:
Enterprise Agreement 2021 - 2026, or its successors
Position Classification: VA4-VA7
Who does this position report to: Physiotherapy Manager
Does this position manage or
☐ Yes ☒ No
supervise others:
Workplace Location: Green Street Campus
The primary role of the Grade 1 Physiotherapist is to provide high quality client
care through the application of competent clinical skills in assessment,
treatment and management of clients in their designated work area. They will
participate in rotations across the Acute, Sub Acute and Community programs.
Primary purpose of the position: This includes participating in the weekend and public holiday roster.
The Grade 1 Physiotherapist must be familiar with current best practice
guidelines in Physiotherapy and able to work collaboratively with clients, peers
and multidisciplinary staff across all program areas at Northeast Health
Wangaratta and external service providers.
Position Description reviewed: January 2023

Key Accountabilities:
Demonstrate a competent level of clinical reasoning and skills in assessment, intervention and discharge
1.
planning to achieve optimal client care
Be responsible for and appropriately prioritise the clinical care of a caseload as determined by the senior
2.
physiotherapist in designated area
Collaboratively work with other multidisciplinary team members and professionals to identify and achieve client
3.
/ family centered goals
4. Involve clients / carers in the decision making of treatment goals and discharge plans
5. Review and evaluate effectiveness of therapeutic program
6. Utilise validated outcome measures as part of routine physiotherapy practice
7. Provide education to clients / carers appropriate to their needs
8. Identify relevant referrals to other disciplines, services and organisations in a timely manner
9. Attendance at ward rounds / family meetings to ensure effective communication and dissemination
10. Practice within relevant professional and ethical standards

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POSITION DESCRIPTION
Physiotherapist – Grade 1

11. Ensure all documentation is completed in a timely manner, in accordance with NHW policies
12. Participate in departmental and program based quality activities
13. Participate in health promotion activities within NHW and the community
14. Support and promote a workplace culture that is professional, supportive and inclusive
15. Other tasks as directed
Key Relationships:
Internal External
1. All NHW Workforce 1. Patients, Clients and Visitors
Key Selection Criteria:
Recognised degree, or equivalent in Physiotherapy with registration with the Australian Health Practitioner
1.
Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Demonstrated knowledge of clinical theory and practice, with skills in assessment, intervention, case
2.
management and discharge planning
3. Effective verbal and written communication skills
4. Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
5. Sound skills in organisation, time management, planning and priority setting
6. Understanding of and commitment to client and family-centered care
7. Commitment to continued professional development and education
8. Knowledge of and / or experience in Acute, Sub-acute or Community service provision
9. Member of Australian Physiotherapy Association (desirable)
In addition to the above, all staff must have an remain current for continued employment, the following:
1. Current Class C Driver’s Licence
2. A current National Police Check (renewed every 3 years)
3. A current Employer Working with Children Check (renewed every 5 years)
Immunisation:
It is a condition of appointment that all employees comply with our immunisation requirements during employment.
This position is classified as Category A. Covid-19 Vaccination and yearly Flu Vaccination are required.
Diversity:
We encourage you to bring your ‘whole self to work’. NHW is a safe and inclusive workplace. We value the visible and
invisible qualities that make you who you are. We expect our workforce to align with our diversity expectations and
programs. Working at NHW means you are on board with our journey, you will show respect, understanding and
kindness to other regardless of ethnicity, sexuality, identity or any other protected attribute. We particularly
acknowledge the traditional custodians of our land and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.
Mandatory Training:
It is a condition of appointment that all employees complete Mandatory Training and Clinical Competencies as
required upon commencement, annually and in accordance with timelines specified in relevant health service
policies and procedures.

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POSITION DESCRIPTION
Physiotherapist – Grade 1

Performance & Accountability:

A review of performance shall be undertaken within six months following commencement and annually thereafter.
There is an expectation that staff will assume responsibility for completion of any learning requirements advised by
the organisation.
Quality and Risk Management:
In order to help ensure continued employee, patient safety and quality of care:
▪ Understanding individual responsibility for consumer safety, quality and risk and adhere to the relevant policies,
procedures and guidelines at NHW
▪ Comply with requirements of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, Aged Care Quality
Standards and other relevant standards, regulations and legislative requirements.
▪ Contribute to organisational quality and safety initiatives and participate in the development and review of
policies and procedures as appropriate
▪ Minimise the risk of infection to consumers, residents, employees, visitors, contractors and the general public
▪ Maintain a safe working environment at all times
▪ Identify, report and manage risks and ensure actions are taken to prevent and minimise harm to consumers and
our workforce
Staff are required to abide by the Code of Conduct for NHW.
Occupational Health & Safety and Wellbeing:
The safety, health and wellbeing of employees is a priority for NHW and I recognise the importance of an environment
that promotes and nurtures the physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing of all individuals. I commit to:
▪ Comply with instructions given for their own safety and health and that of others, in adhering to safe work
procedures
▪ Take reasonable care to ensure their own safety and health and that of others, and to abide by their duty of care
provided for in the legislation
▪ Reporting through the incident management system any near misses or incidents as they occur
▪ Not place others at risk by any act or omission
▪ Not wilfully or recklessly interfere with safety equipment
▪ Partaking in the promotion of the health and wellbeing of employees
▪ Contributing to an inclusive and health promoting environment
▪ Promoting our values and vision
An organisational culture that promotes positive mental health and wellbeing through supportive leadership,
employee participation and shared decision making.
Policies & Procedures:
Whilst the policies and procedures do not form part of your employment contract it is expected that you will comply
with NHW’s policies, procedures and reasonable instructions at all times during the course of your employment.
Confidentiality:
Confidentiality is a matter of concern for all persons who have access to personal information about patients, clients,
residents or employees of NHW. Staff must understand and accept that in accessing this personal information they
hold a position of trust relative to this information. In recognising these responsibilities staff must agree to preserve
the confidential nature of this information. Failure to comply with this agreement may result in disciplinary action and
may include termination of employment.

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POSITION DESCRIPTION
Physiotherapist – Grade 1

Declaration:
As the incumbent of this position, I acknowledge that I have read this Position Description, understand its contents
and agree to work in accordance with the contents therein. I understand that other duties may be directed from time
to time.
I understand and accept that I must comply with the policies and procedures applicable to NHW. I also agree to strictly
observe the NHW Code of Conduct and policy on confidentiality of commercial and patient information or such
sensitive information that I may come across in the course of my employment.
Name:
Signature:
Date:

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POSITION DESCRIPTION – Jobs Demands Checklist
Physiotherapist – Grade 1

The purpose of this section is to describe the physical and psychological risk factors associated with the job. Applicants must
review this form to ensure they can comply with these requirements and successful applicants will be required to sign an
acknowledgment of their ability to perform the job demands of the position.
Position: Physiotherapist – Grade 1
Department / Unit: Allied Health & Ambulatory Services
Workplace Location: Green Street Campus

Frequency Definitions:
Infrequent - intermittent activity exists for a short time Constant - activity exists for more than 2/3 or the time
I C
on a very infrequent basis when performing the job
Occasional - activity exists up to 1/3 of the time when
O R Repetitive - activity involved repetitive movements
performing the job
Frequent - activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time Not Applicable - activity is not required to perform the
F N
when performing the job job

Frequency
Demands Description
I O F C R N
Physical Demands:
Sitting Remaining in a seated position to perform tasks X
Standing Remaining standing without moving about to perform tasks X
Walking Floor type: even / uneven / slippery, indoors / outdoors, slopes X
Running Floor type: even / uneven / slippery, indoors / outdoors, slopes X
Bend / Lean Forward from
Forward bending from the waist to perform tasks X
Waist
Trunk Twisting Turning from the waist while sitting or standing to perform tasks X
Kneeling Remaining in a kneeling posture to perform tasks X
Squatting / Crouching Adopting a squatting or crouching posture to perform tasks X
Leg / Foot Movement Use of leg and / or foot to operate machinery X
Climbing (stairs / ladders) Ascend / descend stairs, ladders and steps X
Light lifting and carrying (0 - 9 kg) X
Lifting / Carrying Moderate lifting and carrying (10 – 15 kg) X
Heavy lifting and carrying (16 kg and above) X
Reaching Arms fully extended forward or raised above shoulder X
Pushing / Pulling / Using force to hold / restrain or move objects toward or away from
X
Restraining the body
Head / Neck Postures Holding head in a position other than neutral (facing forward) X
Hand & Arm Movements Repetitive movements of hands and arms X
Grasping / Fine
Gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands X
Manipulation
Using ladders, footstools, scaffolding, or other objects to perform
Work At Heights X
work

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POSITION DESCRIPTION – Jobs Demands Checklist
Physiotherapist – Grade 1

Driving Operating any motor powered vehicle X

Sensory Demands:
Use of sight is an integral part of work performance, eg: Viewing of
Sight X
X-Rays, computer screens, etc
Use of hearing is an integral part of work performance, eg:
Hearing X
Telephone enquiries
Use of smell is an integral part of work performance, eg: Working
Smell X
with chemicals
Use of taste is an integral part of work performance, eg: Food
Taste X
preparation
Touch Use of touch is an integral part of work performance X
Psychosocial Demands:
Distressed People Eg: Emergency or grief situations. X
Aggressive &
Eg: Drug / alcohol, dementia, mental illness. X
Uncooperative People
Unpredictable People Eg: Dementia, mental illness, head injuries. X
Environmental Demands:
Dust Exposure to atmospheric dust. X
Working with explosive or flammable gases requiring precautionary
Gases X
measures.
Fumes Exposure to noxious or toxic fumes. X
Working with corrosive, toxic or poisonous liquids or chemicals
Liquids X
requiring PPE.
Hazardous Substances Eg: Dry chemicals, glues. X
Environmental / background noise necessitates people raise their
Noise X
voice to be heard.
Inadequate Lighting Risk of trips, falls or eyestrain. X
Risk or sunburn exists from spending more than 10 minutes per day
Sunlight X
in sunlight.
Slippery or Uneven
Greasy or wet floor surfaces, ramps, uneven ground. X
Surfaces
Inadequate Housekeeping Obstructions to walkways and work areas cause trips and falls. X
Biological Hazards Eg: Exposure to body fluids, bacteria, infectious diseases. X
The area below is for any special comments or notes on significant physical or other demands required to perform this job:

Nil

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