Job Description

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority ( Island Health), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Coordinator and working without general supervision, and as a part of the interdisciplinary Seniors & Spiritual Health program, the Seniors Health physiotherapist supports prevention, provides assessment, and treatment of injury, pain, disease and/or disorders that impacts the clients’ movement, function and health status, for the target population (clients generally over 75 with cognitive impairment and and/or other indicators of frailty).  Within the Seniors & Spiritual Health secondary level consultation service model, the physiotherapist contributes to the program’s interdisciplinary comprehensive geriatric screen and focused assessment through evidence-informed practice by:

• Demonstrating knowledge in function and mobility and provides team leadership in the promotion, improvement, and maintenance of the mobility, health, and well-being of seniors.
• Collecting and reviewing information related to the client’s prior functional abilities, physical performance, and participation.
• Assessment:  may include examination of joint integrity and mobility, gait and balance, muscle performance, motor function, cardiorespiratory function, pain, neuromotor and sensorimotor development, posture, cardiovascular and work capacity, cognition and mental status, skin condition, accessibility and environmental review.
• Identifying the personal and environmental factors affecting client’s functional abilities, physical performance, and participation.
• Delivering physiotherapy services in a safe physical environment for self, other team members, and staff.
• Performing physiotherapy interventions in accordance with client consent and in a safe and effective manner.
• Physiotherapy Interventions: may include education and consultation, therapeutic exercise, soft tissue and manual therapy techniques including manipulation, electro-physical agents and mechanical modalities, functional activity training, cardio-respiratory and neuromotor techniques, and prescribing aids and devices.
• Determining the client’s need for supervision and implements appropriate monitoring during specific physiotherapy interventions.
• Providing information/education to the client about health promotion, self-management, and relevant services with respect to his/her unique condition.