Advanced Practice Physiotherapist

Come work as an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Relocation Assistance may be available. 

This exciting new Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) role is part of a new VCH program called "Hip and Knee ASAP" (Arthritis Surgical Assessment Program), working closely with the orthopedic surgeons.

The APP will triage and assess the referred patient, then direct the referral to a surgeon, or remove a non-surgical patient from the waitlist and assist in directing the patient to existing education programs and other resources for osteoarthritis management. This is the first APP surgical triage program for Hip and Knee patients in the province and strives to be a leading model of care for this population. Apply today to join our team

As an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist you will:

• Act as the first point of contact for consultation and assessment of patients referred to the Hip and Knee, Arthritis Surgical Assessment Program (ASAP) at Vancouver Coastal Health.
• Be part of an interdisciplinary team with orthopaedic surgeons and other medical practitioners to address the needs of patients with hip and knee pain issues.
• Be the first and primary point of contact for the consultation and physical assessment of patients with hip and knee pain.
• Through the utilization of decision support tools to assist in the triage of referred patients, provide patients with timely access to assessment and a shared-care management plan that emphasizes patient education and referral to community resources for self-management strategies. These plans are developed in collaboration with other members of the care team.

The Patient Population

As a Physiotherapist with the Hip and Knee, Arthritis Surgical Assessment Program (ASAP) team you will triage and prioritize patients for surgery with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the hip or knee who have been referred to the Arthritis Surgical Assessment Program (ASAP).

The Nature of your Work

The nature of your support/assistance/treatment to your clients could include:

• First point of contact for consultation and assessment for the defined population
• Comprehensive physical assessment and triage patient for surgical consult or refer to non surgical chronic disease management services
• Independently removes non surgical patients from surgical consult waitlist one
• Teaches pre-operative hip and knee classes
• Full integration with local orthopedic surgeons and post consult communication with the primary care provider.

Education & Experience

• Degree in Physiotherapy.
• Current full registration as a Physiotherapist with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC).
• Five (5) years' clinical experience including three (3) years' clinical experience in the musculoskeletal area of practice.
• Successful completion of a relevant diagnostic imaging course.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of physiotherapy theory, and practice within a client and family centred model.
• Demonstrated knowledge of hip and knee conditions, including osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD) and other comorbid conditions
• Demonstrates clinical reasoning and decision making to determine appropriate triage for joint replacement.
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based physiotherapy practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the standards and guidelines established by the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislation as pertaining to physiotherapy practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable VCH clinical practice guidelines, policies, procedures, and standards of care.
• Demonstrated knowledge of indications for surgery and risks/benefits for surgery and the differentiation between inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of related clinical decision making tools.
• Demonstrated knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care.
• Demonstrated knowledge of knowledge translation process and methodology.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with (both orally and in writing), and to deal effectively with co-workers, physicians, other health care professionals, clients and their families, and external agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective consultation.
• Demonstrated ability to function as an effective team member, mentor, coach and facilitator.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to new or unanticipated events.
• Demonstrated ability to guide others in practice changes and updates.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve.
• Demonstrated ability to develop project plans and implement new projects.
• Demonstrated skill and ability to operate related equipment and techniques appropriate to clinical areas.
• Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Computer literacy to lead technology based practice education and support.

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes.

As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and "going first" when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of BC's Top Employers, Canada's Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2025.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.

***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.***

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.