Job Specification and Terms & Conditions
Job Title & Grade
Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Respiratory
Campaign Reference
RQ1016
Closing Date
Tuesday 9th September 2025
Proposed Interview Date
To be confirmed
Taking Up Appointment
As soon as possible
Informal enquires
or Ph:
Location of Post
Peamount Healthcare, Newcastle, Co. Dublin
Details of Service
Peamount Healthcare is an independent voluntary organisation that provides a range of high-quality health and social care services. We help people return home after a serious illness, we provide safe and homely residential care for those who need it, and we support people to live as independently as possible in the community.
Peamount Healthcare is committed to the following values:
Person centred - seeing each person as unique, giving them a voice and focusing on ability.
Respect - creating a supportive environment where everyone is given courteous and respectful care and support.
Excellence - enabling interdisciplinary teams to deliver high quality integrated care, meaningful outcomes with a focus on continuous improvement.
Team working - fostering an inclusive, healthy working environment where people are valued and recognised for their individual and shared achievements.
Quality improvement - supporting teams to embed continuous improvement methodology as part of everything we do.
Education & Research - partnering with academia to support education, learning, research and evidence-based care
Reporting Relationship
Physiotherapist Manager in Charge III
Purpose of Post
Peamount Healthcare (PH) operates a specialist respiratory rehabilitation service.
The inpatient respiratory rehabilitation service comprises a 25-bed inpatient ward providing expert, multidisciplinary, evidence-based care in respiratory medicine, dedicated to managing and optimising complex chronic lung conditions such as asthma, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and pleural disease. This service offers direct admission and timely access to respiratory intervention and rehabilitation for respiratory patients from acute hospitals thereby reducing length of stay in the acute care setting. The inpatient unit also offers a specialist rehabilitation to scheduled admissions requiring multidisciplinary respiratory disease investigations and interventions.
The Outpatient Respiratory Department runs consultant led specialised clinics in asthma and allergy, sleep, invasive ventilation (NIV) and general respiratory, along with nurse-led infusion clinics and physiotherapy-led clinics including oxygen assessment and review, secretion clearance and pulmonary rehabilitation.
The physiotherapy team provides physiotherapy for the 25-bed respiratory rehabilitation ward and outpatient respiratory services. The team also delivers specialist respiratory physiotherapy care across the organisation, including tracheostomy management, and leads on the development of respiratory competencies for physiotherapists on the weekend respiratory rota.
The physiotherapists work closely with the multidisciplinary respiratory team including respiratory medical team, clinical nurse specialists, advanced nurse practitioners, respiratory physiologists, as well as acute and community partners, to deliver high-quality, integrated care across the respiratory pathway.
The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:
Provide advanced clinical knowledge and expertise in respiratory and will work in collaboration with the Physiotherapist Manager in planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating the services to meet the needs of the service users and the objectives of the organisation.
Be responsible for the provision and delivery of high-quality, evidence based, patient focused physiotherapy inpatient and outpatient services in the designated clinical area(s) and will carry out clinical, educational and administrative duties as required.
Work as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team supporting patients holistically with varying acute and chronic respiratory disease presentations and needs.
In addition, the Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:
Serve as a leader in service improvement and development
Develop and implement clinical evidence-based practice, research, and audit
Provide expert guidance/consultation to other physiotherapists students and healthcare professionals vis education, supervision and training to ensure they have the required skills and knowledge to deliver evidence based, safe and effective practice.
Contribute to the development and delivery of advanced respiratory physiotherapy practice, incorporating high-level clinical assessment, decision-making, and involvement in service design and improvement
Eligibility Criteria Qualifications & Experience
1.Statutory registration, professional qualifications, experience, etc
i. Be registered, or be eligible for registration, on the Physiotherapists Register maintained by the Physiotherapists Registration Board at CORU.
If you are a section 92 candidate, please see note*
ii. Have five years full time (or an aggregate of five years) post registration qualification experience. Of which four years full time (or an aggregate of four years) post registration qualification clinical experience must be in the required area of specialism.
iii. Demonstrate a proven record of clinical excellence in the specialismincluding:
Experience in the assessment, treatment and multidisciplinary rehabilitation of patients in scheduled and unscheduled care pathways with complex presentations
Respiratory experience including managing patients in acute respiratory failure, NIV, tracheostomies, high flow oxygen therapy, acutely deteriorating patients and palliative care
Experience managing patients with varied respiratory and chronic lung disease presentations, including COPD, asthma, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, bronchiectasis, neuromuscular disease, etc.
LTOT assessment and titration
Competence to provide a weekend on-call respiratory service
iv. Candidates must demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the required areaof specialism, in the form of postgraduate qualifications or relevant courses.
v. Candidates must demonstrate achievement in the areas of clinical audit, quality improvement initiatives, practice development, teaching and research.
vi. Provide proof of statutory registration on the Physiotherapists Register maintained by the Physiotherapists Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued.
vii. Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, (including a high standard of suitability, management, leadership and professional ability), for the proper discharge of the duties of the office
2. Annual Registration
i. on appointment practitioners must maintain annual registration on the Physiotherapists Register maintained by the Physiotherapists Registration Board at CORU
and
ii. practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSC by way of the annual patient safety assurance certificate (PSAC)
3. Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
4. Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character
Note*:
Individuals who qualified before 30th of September 2018 and are registered or have applied for registration under Section 91 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005, must hold a physiotherapy qualification approved by CORU in order to be eligible to apply. The list of approved qualifications under the Section 91 route can be accessed on the attached link:
Section 91 candidates are individuals who qualified before the 30th of September 2018 and have been engaged in the practice of the profession in the Republic of Ireland for a minimum of two years full time or an aggregate of two years full time between the 1st of October 2016 and 30th of September 2018 are considered to be Section 91 applicants under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005
Other requirements specific to the post
Desirable:
ABG and/or spirometry skills
Demonstrate excellent flexibility, multidisciplinary teamwork, communication, and organisational skills
Demonstrate ability to develop new initiatives and manage change
Broad knowledge of other clinical areas e.g. older persons rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, prolonged disorders of consciousness
Evidence of experience in training and supervision of junior staff, students and physiotherapy assistant staff
Skills, Competencies and Knowledge
Demonstrate a high-level clinical knowledge and evidence-based practice to carry the out duties and responsibilities of the role across inpatient and planned outpatient services.
Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice
Demonstrate the ability to plan and deliver care in an effective and resourceful manner within a model of person-centred care.
Demonstrate an ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy working environment
Demonstrate the ability to effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions
Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a user centred service
Display effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with colleagues, families, carers, effective report writing skills etc.
Demonstrate effective leadership and team skills
Display awareness and appreciation of the service users and the ability to empathise with and treat others with dignity and respect.
Demonstrate initiative, flexibility and openness to change
Demonstrate ability to utilise supervision effectively
Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development
Demonstrate a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
Clinical / Professional Practice
The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:
* Demonstrate an advanced level of clinical knowledge and skills in the relevant clinical areas including respiratory, rehabilitation and chronic disease management.
* Be able to make specialist clinical decisions following assessment of but not limited to complex cases for service users within the clinical area.
* Be responsible for maintenance of standards of practice of self and physiotherapy staff working with the designated clinical area(s)
* Be responsible for a clinical caseload and support and delegate appropriately to physiotherapy staff within the designated clinical area(s).
* Participate in weekend and bank holiday rotas.
* Be responsible for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of treatment intervention programmes for service uses in accordance with physiotherapy standards
* Ensure a high standard of physiotherapy, treatment and management is provided for service users within the service and ensure that professional standards of practice are adhered to.
* Attend ward rounds, multidisciplinary team meetings and care planning meetings as required.
* Collaborate with service users, other team members, relatives /carers, and external agencies, as required, working in co-operation to ensure co-ordinated intervention.
* Liaise closely with MDT members in the clinical setting to maximise service user outcomes and act as a key worker when required.
* Be responsible for goal setting in partnership with service users, family members and team members as appropriate.
* Ensure the privacy and dignity of the service user is respected at all times.
* Ensure that professional standards are maintained in relation to evidence-based practice, documentation, consent, confidentiality, ethics and legislation.
* Work within the interdisciplinary team ethos and liaise with staff to ensure that effective communication takes place.
* Liaise with the Physiotherapy Manager regarding the needs, interests and views of physiotherapy staff and service users.
* Keep abreast of research and practice developments in relevant clinical areas by attending seminars, conferences and post graduate courses.
* Respect and maintain confidentiality in all matters of information obtained during the course of employment.
* Communicate with other clinical specialists throughout the country and internationally to further develop clinical excellence and research.
* Act as resource in his/her specialist clinical area to physiotherapy and other health care professionals regarding the management of complex cases.
* Serve on and advise such committees that may be set up relevant to this area of clinical specialty.
* Supervision of physiotherapy staff within the designated clinical areas
* Operate within the scope of Irish physiotherapy practice and in accordance with local guidelines.
* Deputise for the Physiotherapy Manager as required.
* Undertake other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned by the physiotherapy Manager/delegate.
Working Practice
The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:
* Demonstrate advanced knowledge of care pathways appropriate to service users availing of the service and proactively work with colleagues to design and implement processes to improve flow for clients.
* Design and implement processes and procedures to ensure the highest standards of practice are met in the physiotherapy service in collaboration with the physiotherapy Manager.
* Foster and lead a culture and practice of evaluating service outcomes appropriate to the specialist area and continually audit and evaluate the service with a view to maximising effectiveness, efficiency and quality.
* Collaborate and effectively communicate with the physiotherapy Manager and multidisciplinary team regarding referral pathways to the specialist area and service user management to ensure a safe, effective and efficient service.
* Promote changes in work practices, procedures, techniques or technology having regard to the development of best practice and advanced practice in physiotherapy.
* Be aware of resource management and contribute to business planning and continuous quality improvement related to the physiotherapy Department and the specialist area.
* Assist in the setting and monitoring of clinical standards, policies and procedures, evaluation of clinical practice, quality control and clinical audit.
* Build and maintain effective relationships with other services in the region and with agencies, both statutory and voluntary.
* Be responsible for the organisation and maintenance of clinical equipment as appropriate to the clinical area.
* Undertake other responsibilities as agreed from time to time with the physiotherapy Manager(s) or other such persons to whom he/she may be accountable to.
* Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to identify, plan and implement interdisciplinary practices.
Communication & Documentation
The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:
* Maintain comprehensive and accurate service user and activity records in line with professional and local documentation standards.
* Document and ensure the quality of all assessments, treatment intervention plans, progress notes, reports, and discharge summaries in accordance with the physiotherapy department and professional standards
* Oversee the upkeep of accurate physiotherapy records in the designated clinical area(s) in line with best clinical governance, organisational requirements and GDPR.
* Keep up to date statistics and other administrative records as required.
* Compile and prepare reports/statistics as requested.
* Comply with advances in technology (patient e-records etc.).
* Communicate oral and written information in a clear concise and well-structured manner appropriate to the target audience.
* Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues at clinical and management levels within the service.
* Promote and foster effective cross discipline communications.
* Work within the interdisciplinary team ethos and liaise with staff to ensure that effective communication takes place.
* Deal constructively with obstacles and conflict to ensure service user focused decision making within the IDT.
* Facilitate and ensure open communication within own service and department
* Build relations and links with community colleagues.
Leadership and Service Development
The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:
* Provide leadership and assist in the setting and monitoring of clinical standards, policies and procedures, evaluation of clinical practice, quality control and clinical audit.
* Recognise when it is appropriate to refer decisions to a higher level of authority and include colleagues in the decision-making process as appropriate.
* Represent the physiotherapy profession and promote the role within the organisation and nationally.
* Work collaboratively with the Physiotherapy Manager and physiotherapy team in providing leadership that will positively influence quality improvements within the physiotherapy service and respective clinical area at an organisational, regional and national level.
* Identify and priorities the requirements of the service within a constantly changing environment.
* Develop guidelines for safe and effective practice in the designated clinical area(s).
* Explore and champion new initiatives, practices, and models of care, in line with best practice, to improve the patient experience and outcome.
* Seek to identify opportunities to assist with and contribute to strategic planning eg development of business cases.
* Develop and implement new service initiatives in collaboration with appropriate stakeholders.
* Foster and lead a culture and practice of evaluating service outcomes and other data collection.
* Develop and implement strategic service and business plans, quality improvement initiatives, audits as appropriate based on up to date evidence based practice and report on outcomes in collaboration with the physiotherapy Manager and all stakeholders.
Evidence Based Practice
The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:
* Maintain knowledge of and critically analyse current literature and available evidence relevant to the clinical area and integrate same into practice.
* Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of interventions through the use of evidence based practice and outcome measures within the service and modify practice accordingly where new evidence emerges.
* Develops and continually revise clinical guidelines for own area of practice in accordance with evidence from National, International and professional body guidelines.
* Put in place evaluating mechanisms appropriate to the specialist area and demonstrate practices of continual audit and evaluation of the service with a view to maximising effectiveness, efficiency and quality.
* To demonstrate evidenced based practice in clinical specialism through the process of clinical reasoning and decision-making allowing knowledge to be applied in the complex/different situations
Act as Clinical Resource
The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:
* Represent the physiotherapy Profession within the respiratory service and across other relevant services within Peamount Healthcare and relevant stakeholders.
* Promote and instigate initiatives that will ensure professional practice and advancement of standards
* Act as a clinical advisor to physiotherapy colleagues, students, and relevant healthcare professionals.
* Act as an expert physiotherapy clinical resource within the rehabilitation teams(s).
* To understand and respect own scope of practice and that of all members of the IDT.
* To know when to ask for support in decisions and refer decisions to others when appropriate.
* Provide clinical expertise on a regional and national basis on their specialist knowledge and skills e.g., membership and contribution to relevant ISCP advisory group(s).
* To provide clinical expertise to wider Peamount Healthcare organisation initiatives/committees or steering groups.
* Disseminate knowledge and evidence-based practice through presentations and publications.
Education
The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:
* Contribute to a structured process for education of physiotherapy staff, students and other disciplines in the specialist area and within the wider organisation context where applicable.
* Contribute to continuing professional development activities in the physiotherapy service e.g., journal clubs, case presentations and attend where possible relevant post graduate courses and lectures.
* Ensure that new physiotherapy staff members within the speciality have adequate induction.
* Co-operate in the provision of safe and productive clinical placements in accordance with the department's commitment to physiotherapy practice education.
* Complete Peamount Healthcare mandatory training programmes
* Have the necessary computer skills with a knowledge of Clinical Systems, Word Excel and PowerPoint.
Continuing Professional Development
The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:
* Identify own personal and professional learning needs and put formal and informal structures in place to meet those needs in collaboration with the physiotherapy Manager.
* Maintain and develop professional expertise and knowledge by actively engaging in CPD e.g., reflective practice, by attending and presenting at in-service events, training courses, conferences, participating in research etc.
* Participate in support /professional supervision with the physiotherapy Manager.
* Provide support/professional supervision to physiotherapy staff in accordance with the physiotherapy departmental policy.
* Engage in personal development planning and performance review for self and others as required.
* Deliver appropriate and effective feedback and be receptive to feedback.
* Identify and avail of formal and informal learning opportunities within physiotherapy and MDT contexts.
* Comply with registration requirements as set out by the Health and Social Care Professional's Council (CORU).
Research
The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will:
* Understand the principles of research and research methodology which underpin an analytical approach to clinical practice.
* Lead and facilitate research projects relevant to the physiotherapy and /or respiratory service.
* Collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in respect of relevant research.
* Lead the dissemination of research findings locally and nationally within physiotherapy
* Explore innovative ways to contribute to research related to the clinical area of specialism.
* Research and report on emerging practices and new evaluation tools for the speciality.
Health and Safety
The Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist will
* Be responsible for the day-to-day security of the physiotherapy department and other work areas to which assigned, with particular awareness of fire regulations and security arrangements.
* Promote a safe working environment in accordance with Health and Safety legislation.
* Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to safety of self and others.
* Be aware of and implement agreed policies, procedures, and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
* Actively participate in risk management issues, identify risks and take appropriate action.
* Advise the physiotherapy Manager regarding any danger/deficiency in the specialist area.
* Document accurately and report any adverse incidents, near misses, hazards/accidents in accordance with organisational guidelines and bring them to the attention of the relevant person(s).
* Be responsible for the safe and competent use of all equipment, aids and appliances both by service users and staff under supervision.
* Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role, for example, National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare, Standards for National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hand Hygiene Standards
The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Campaign Specific Selection Post
A ranking and or short-listing exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your CV. The criteria for ranking and or short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore, it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview depending on the service needs of the organisation
Annual registration
CORU
The reform programme outlined for the Health Service may impact on this role and as structures change the job description may be reviewed.
The job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive or restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
Terms & Conditions of Employment
Peamount Healthcare, Newcastle, Co. Dublin.
Tenure
The current vacancy available is a Permanent post on a full-time basis.
The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at "expression of interest' stage.
Appointment as an employee of Peamount Healthcare is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.
Remuneration
Remuneration is in accordance with the salary scale approved by the Department of Health: Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
Current salary scale with effect from 1st August 2025: €70,698 (point 1) to €82,040 (point 9).
Working Week
The hours allocated to this post are 35 hours per week. The allocation of these hours will be at the discretion of the Department Head and in accordance with the needs of the service.
HSE Circular "Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day/Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016" applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th, 2008, will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016
Annual Leave
As per Health Service Executive (HSE)
Probation
All employees will be subject to a probationary period as per the probation policy. This policy applies to all employees irrespective of the type of contract under which they have been employed. A period of 6 months' probation will be served:
On commencement of employment.
Fixed term to permanent contract.
Permanent employees commencing in promotional posts will also undertake a probationary period relating to their new post.
Pension
Employees of Peamount Healthcare are required to be members of the Hospitals Superannuation Scheme. Deductions at the appropriate rate will be made from your salary payment.
If you are being rehired after drawing down a public service pension your attention is drawn to Section 52 of the Public Services Pension (Single and Other Provisions) Act 2012. The 2012 Act extends the principle of abatement to retired public servants in receipt of a public service pension who secure another public service appointment in any public service body.
Maternity
Maternity leave is granted in accordance with the terms of the Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2001.
Sick Leave
Peamount Healthcare operates a Sickness Absence Management policy in line with the new Public Service Sick Leave Scheme as introduced in 31st March 2014.
Pre-Employment Health Assessment
Prior to commencing in this role a person will be required to complete a form declaring their health status which is reviewed by the hospital's Occupational Health Service and if required undergo a medical assessment with this department. Any person employed by Peamount Healthcare must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Validation of Qualifications & Experience
Any credit given to a candidate at interview, in respect of claims to qualifications, training and experience is provisional and is subject to verification. The recommendation of the interview board is liable to revision if the claimed qualification, training or experience is not proven.
References
Peamount Healthcare will seek up to two written references from current and previous employers, educational institutions or any other organisations with which the candidate has been associated. The hospital also reserves the right to determine the merit, appropriateness and relevance of such references and referees.
Garda Vetting
Peamount Healthcare will carry out Garda vetting on all new employees. An employee will not take up employment with the hospital until the Garda Vetting process has been completed and the hospital is satisfied that such an appointment does not pose a risk to clients, service users and employees.
Character
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Health & Safety
These duties must be performed in accordance with the hospital health and safety policy. In carrying out these duties the employee must ensure that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act. Staff must carry out their duties in a safe and responsible manner in line with the Hospital Policy as set out in the appropriate department's safety statement, which must be read and understood.
Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines, and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards. Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to Peamount. Protection and Care and comply with associated Peamount protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role. To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.
Quality, Risk & Safety Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of all staff to:
* Participate and cooperate with legislative and regulatory requirements with regard to Quality, Risk and Safety.
* Participate and cooperate with external agencies on safety initiatives as required.
* Participate and cooperate with internal and external evaluations of hospital structures, services and processes as required, including but not limited to:
* National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare.
* National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections.
* HSE Standards and Recommended Practices for Healthcare Records Management
* Safety audits and other audits specified by the HSE or other regulatory authorities.
* To initiate, support and implement quality improvement initiatives in their area which are in keeping with the hospital's continuous quality improvement programme.
It is the responsibility of all managers to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for Quality, Safety and Risk within their area/department.
Education and Training
Participate in mandatory training programmes.
Pursue continuous professional development in order to develop professional knowledge and keep updated with current and legislation.
Specific Responsibility for Best Practice in Hygiene
Hygiene in healthcare is defined as "the practice that serves to keep people and the environment clean and prevent infection. It involves preserving one's health, preventing the spread of disease and recognizing, evaluating and controlling health hazards."
It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure compliance with hospital hygiene standards, guidelines and practices.
Department heads/ managers have overall responsibility for best practice in hygiene in their area.
It is mandatory to complete hand hygiene training every 2-years and sharps awareness workshops yearly.