Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

Key results from the job holder

• To be responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of podiatric care to patients with a variety of medical and podiatric problems.
• To deliver specific foot care education and advice to patients, relatives and carers.
• To carry out nail surgery procedures.
• To carry out baseline biomechanical assessments.

Planning and Organisational Duties

• To carry out annual Diabetes assessments in all clinics. This will involve:
  • Use of electronic foot assessment form
  • Detailed foot assessment using appropriate diagnostic equipment
  • Identification of risk factors, categorising patients into specific risk bands following assessment findings.
  • Referral to other services if required e.g. further vascular assessment, District Nursing, GP.
  • Provision of specific foot care advice in order to prevent deterioration / maintain / improve foot health.
• To refer on to other health care professionals when appropriate through agreed pathways, e.g. referrals to podiatry assistant, biomechanics service.
• To have the capability to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation including the drawing up and administration of adrenalin for anaphylactic shock, if required.
• To manufacture and fit chair side appliances e.g. insoles and silicone devices.
• To follow departmental and Trust policies. To assist in the development and implementation of procedures and guidelines.  To follow clinical guidelines but have the discretion to make own clinical diagnosis and decisions within professional boundaries where appropriate.
• To be responsible for the maintenance, rotation and ordering of clinical stock.
• To carry out clerical duties when necessary.
• To carry out other duties as required in line with role banding

Communications and Key Working Relationships

• Using the spoken and written word and being sensitive to those who are vulnerable or do not have English as their first language.
• Assisting in the establishment of communication systems with all staff, patients and relatives to promote understanding and good will.
• Maintaining accurate, timely and legible records.
• Communicate in a manner that is consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
• Maintaining consistency within standards of patient care.
• Knowledge of medical terminology systems.
• To liaise effectively with colleagues, other Health Care Professionals and patients, in order to optimise patient care and promote the reputation of the department. This may involve: requesting, receiving and sharing diagnostic tests and results, clinical reports/letters, clinical arrangements, onward referral and professional advice.
• To maintain accurate treatment records (paper and/or electronic) of all patient consultations and related work carried out at each clinical session.
• Provide statistical information as required, e.g. Contact figures/DNA rates.
• To attend and actively contribute to departmental meetings.
• To ensure that all information relating to clients and staff gained through employment is kept confidential.

Professional Development

• To maintain Registration with Health Professional Council (HCPC)
• To work with the HCPC Code of Conduct, Trust policies and procedures, and adhere to the Patient’s Charter.
• Actively participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to develop new skills and maintain and update existing skills.
• To participate in Individual Performance Reviews with the Podiatry Team Lead.

Responsibility for Finance

• To be responsible for monitoring stock and the security of that stock. Maintenance of clinical equipment and the reporting of any faults to the appropriate department.
• Promote effective utilisation of resources

Responsibility for Human Resources

• To be actively involved in the recruitment and selection of lower grade staff when necessary.
• To participate in the staff appraisal scheme and fulfil appropriate KSF dimensions as identified.
• To comply with the organisational and departmental policies and procedures.
• To maintain own professional development by keeping abreast of any new trends and developments, and incorporate them as necessary into your work.
• Ensure compliance with the Mandatory Training Policy in accordance with Trust Policy.

Responsibility for Health & Safety

• Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – the post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

Responsibility for Teaching

• To influence and prioritise the development of knowledge, ideas and work practice in self and others.
• To encourage others to see advice and solutions to problems.
• To provide and ensure understanding of appropriate health education and clinical information to patients and carers.

Work Circumstances & on-call

• This role will involve working across a Monday to Friday with some evening shifts.