Job summary
We are seeking an ambitious and driven individual whose goal is to further their skills and knowledge to join Somerset NHS Foundation Trust as a qualified Podiatry Advanced Clinical Practitioner (8A) to work across our acute and community podiatry teams.
The Podiatry Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) is a nationally recognised role, and this post offers an exciting opportunity for a podiatrist with significant high risk foot experience to develop their skills further.
We welcome applications from experienced clinicians who may not yet meet the full essential criteria outlined for our Qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) role at Band 8A.
If you demonstrate strong potential and succeed in the interview process but have yet to complete the required qualifications, we may extend an offer for a Trainee ACP position at Band 7. Candidates in this scenario would be supported through their studies towards an MSc in Advanced Practice, or through the NHSE ePortfolio route.
Main duties of the job
Use collaborative and independent judgment to assess, investigate, diagnose, plan, implement, manage, and evaluate care for patients.
Working collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team to achieve the education, leadership and research pillars.
Be responsible for the assessment, diagnostics, and treatment of individuals within the Podiatry Service using an advanced level of professional accountability, autonomy, and judgement, underpinned by relevant experience.
Plan and manage complete episodes of care, working in collaboration with senior medical colleagues and others when required.
Support the development of clinical standards and take an active role in the service's clinical governance and risk management activities, making recommendations to changes in working clinical practices based on evidence-based practice and leading on the implementation of new working practices, policies and guidelines.
You will demonstrate safe, clinical decision-making and expert care for patients, supporting the delivery of policy and procedures, and providing clinical leadership.
Skills required for this post include the management of highly complex conditions including Acute Diabetic Foot Disease, Inflammatory Arthropathies, Neurological conditions, Vascular Disease, Orthopaedic and Wound Therapy.
About us
In line with our Trust values - Kindness, Respect, Teamwork, Everyone Everyday- staff are encouraged to develop their skills and role within and outside the Trust.
As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, fantastic pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.
The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.
There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers a great benefits package including 27 days annual leave (pro rata) and a competitive pension scheme. We also offer fast track access to in-house MSK Physiotherapy support.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Demonstrate specialist knowledge and skills at an advanced (masters or equivalent) level in the four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP): leadership, clinical, research and education.
- Practice autonomously and within a defined multidisciplinary team in accordance with local guidelines and protocols across both acute and community settings.
- Promote evidence-based practice using the latest research-based guidelines and the development of practice-based research.
- Monitor the effectiveness of their own clinical practice through the quality assurance strategies such as the use of audit and peer review.
- Maintain their professional registration.
- Work within the HCPC Code of Professional Conduct.
- Participate in continuing professional development opportunities to ensure that up-to-date evidence-based knowledge and competence in all aspects of the role is maintained.
- Be or work towards being an Independent Prescriber, prescribing and reviewing medications within their competency and scope of practice for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to patients needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice.
- Provide clinical leadership, support and supervision to the podiatry team.
- Contribute to service improvement/ research
Please see attached JD for further information.
Being a car driver is essential for this post to work in the clinics in the community setting. Please indicate on your application if you have a valid driving licence for the UK and if you have access to a vehicle which can be used for work purposes.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree / diploma in Podiatric Medicine
- Local Analgesia Certificate
- Professional Registration with HCPC
- Evidence of MSc level education
- Non-Medical Prescribing
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
- Leadership/management course or validated portfolio evidence (if not part of MSc level qualification
Knowledge
Essential
- Completed ACP training within relevant clinical field
- Completed ACP training within relevant clinical field. Demonstrate an up to date and detailed knowledge of relevant guidelines and clinical practice in the speciality.
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of working as a registered practitioner in a provider organisation (e.g. acute sector, community provider, third sector, social care or primary care) and within a relevant specialty (suggested 4-5 years minimum)
- Evidence of recent teaching, mentorship and supervision of staff
- Evidence of recent audit and/or research experience
- Evidence of involvement in change management and/or clinical service improvement
- Experience of multi-professional working
Skills
Essential
- Evidence of a good standard of literacy/English language skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders including to service users, clinicians, and senior leadership teams. This will require proven ability and leadership skills demonstrating motivational, visionary, diplomacy, and negotiation skills.
Skills
Essential
- Evidence of theoretical and practical skills allowing autonomous patient management (i.e. patient assessment, diagnosis and management) related to clinical scope of practice
- Understand, encourage and support clinical supervision and mentorship both within and across professional roles.
- Ability to interpret and evaluate national and international guidelines and apply to local protocols and practice as appropriate
Other
Essential
- Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients
- Appropriate level of IT literacy
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website .
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants .
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website .
Employer details
Employer name
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
MPH/YDH
Yeovil
BA21 4AT