Physiotherapist

Subject Matter Expert Lead Physiotherapist

TN RIGHTS Project

Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled

Government of Tamil Nadu

1. Position Details

• Reporting to: Team Lead Training & Capacity Building
• Engagement: Full-time Consultant
• Duration: 2 years (annual performance review)
• Location: Tamil Nadu (travel across districts required)

2. Project Background

The Tamil Nadu RIGHTS (TN RIGHTS) Project, supported by the World Bank, aims to improve access to rehabilitation, social care, and welfare services for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

One Stop Social Care Centres (OSCs) have been established at block/sub-division level to provide integrated rehabilitation services.

To ensure quality services, the project requires structured training and capacity building of physiotherapists and home care providers. The Lead Physiotherapist will guide development and delivery of physiotherapy-related training across OSCs and community settings.

3. Key Responsibilities

A. Training Content & Module Development

• Develop physiotherapy training modules covering assessment and intervention for all 21 disability types under RPwD Act, 2016
• Design evidence-based protocols for:
• Neurological, musculoskeletal, developmental, and acquired disabilities
• Pediatric and adult rehabilitation
• Adapt international best practices to Indian and community settings
• Develop home-based physiotherapy content for caregivers and home care providers

B. Training Materials

• Prepare facilitator manuals, participant handbooks, job aids, and protocol charts
• Develop presentations, case studies, and instructional videos
• Design simple pre- and post-training assessment tools

C. Field Testing & Quality Assurance

• Pilot training modules and collect feedback
• Refine content based on field experience and cultural relevance
• Ensure alignment with evidence-based physiotherapy standards
• Set quality benchmarks for physiotherapy services at OSCs

D. Master Trainer Development

• Define selection criteria for physiotherapy master trainers
• Support identification, assessment, and empanelment of trainers
• Conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) programs
• Provide mentoring and technical support to trainers

E. Training Delivery & Support

• Conduct training for OSC physiotherapists and home care providers
• Support interdisciplinary training with other rehabilitation professionals
• Provide on-site and remote technical guidance during rollout
• Conduct monitoring visits and refresher trainings

F. Post-Training Mentoring

• Support implementation of skills at OSCs
• Provide feedback to improve service quality
• Facilitate peer learning and communities of practice
• Document best practices and lessons learned

4. Essential Qualifications

Education

• Masters Degree in Physiotherapy (UGC-recognized)
• Valid registration with State Physiotherapy Council

Experience

• Minimum 8 years clinical experience in disability rehabilitation
• Experience in training or curriculum/module development
• Experience working with PwDs across age groups and disability types
• Exposure to community-based and home-based rehabilitation

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of neurological, musculoskeletal, and developmental physiotherapy
• Knowledge of assistive devices and mobility aids
• Familiarity with rights-based and inclusive rehabilitation approaches

5. Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Physiotherapy or related field
• International certifications (NDT, PNF, Bobath, etc.)
• 12+ years of relevant experience
• Experience with government or development sector projects
• Research publications
• Knowledge of Tamil language

6. Key Competencies

• Strong technical expertise in physiotherapy
• Training and facilitation skills
• Ability to simplify technical concepts
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Sensitivity to disability and inclusion

7. Deliverables

• Physiotherapy training modules and materials
• Master Trainer manuals and ToT reports
• Field validation and mentoring reports
• Evidence of improved physiotherapy service quality at OSCs

8. Working Conditions

• Travel across Tamil Nadu as per training schedule
• Flexible working hours aligned with field activities
• Coordination with government officials and service providers
• Regular reporting and participation in review meetings

9. Contact details