Specialist Children's Physiotherapist

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 specialised Physiotherapist to join our large and dynamic team at County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust (CDDFT).

Children's physiotherapy within CDDFT is divided into three areas: community, special schools, and outpatients.

The post holder will join an established annual rotation plan covering these 3 service areas.

This post is suited to a therapist who is innovative, driven, and who wants to improve the lives and outcomes of children and young people. The post holder will be well supported by our experienced team and encouraged to continue to develop their clinical expertise and knowledge in all areas of paediatric physiotherapy.

The successful candidate will be registered as a Physiotherapist with the HCPC and be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills, established problem-solving skills, and have a flexible team approach.

Previous paediatric experience is desirable; however, we would consider Physiotherapists with experience in adult outpatients or neurology who are looking to move into paediatrics, as full training and support will be given. Previous experience as a student would also be considered.

Main Duties of the Job

In addition to the below summary, please familiarise yourself with the full job description and person specification.

1. To carry out physiotherapy assessment and intervention for children and young people with diverse presentations and complex conditions in MSK and/or Neurodevelopment.
2. Maintain clinical caseload of children and young people aged 0-19 years, working as an autonomous practitioner.
3. Actively participate in clinical supervision and training to the wider team.
4. Be responsible for organising and prioritising own workload across the service.

About Us

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield, and Weardale, as well as over 80 other community-based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

From April 1, 2024, we are unable to offer sponsorship for healthcare roles that do not meet the minimum salary. If you are in the UK on a VISA, please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.

Job Responsibilities

The post holder will need to be proactive, flexible, and responsive to the changing needs and demands of the organisation to support the smooth running of the Community Services.

The post is a permanent position within the children's therapies team. You will be an active member of the paediatric rotational team, working within each of the following areas for a period of 12 months: Outpatients, Community, and Special School. Within each rotation, the post holder will be supported by an experienced band 7 physiotherapist and receive formal and informal supervision, peer support, and training.

1. Carrying out physiotherapy assessment for children and young people with diverse presentations and complex conditions in MSK and/or Neurodevelopment.
2. Developing and delivering individualised treatment programmes in a variety of clinic and/or community settings.
3. Undertaking all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner.
4. Liaising with parents/carers, multi-disciplinary/multi-agency teams in the assessment, reporting, and treatment programming, ensuring a holistic approach.
5. Contributing to and actively participating in In-Service training, supervision, CPD, and appraisal.
6. Maintaining clinical and statistical records.
7. Providing supervision to junior members of staff and students.

Person Specification

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Physiotherapy clinical knowledge and skill within paediatrics.
• Evidenced skills in a range of standardised assessments.
• Awareness of CSP standards of practice.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Enthusiastic and motivated.

Statutory Registration

• HCPC registration.
• CSP registration.
• Member of APCP.
• Attendance of leadership/management course.

Experience

• Proven clinical experience of working with patients and their families in delivery of physiotherapy treatment plans.
• Knowledge and experience of a wide range of conditions and physiotherapy approaches.
• Forward and innovative thinking.
• Knowledge of System1.
• Evidence of leading and participating in clinical audit.

Qualifications

• Degree in Physiotherapy.
• Further postgraduate training relevant to the post.
• Master level modules or equivalent courses in specialty.

Special Requirements

• To be able to travel efficiently throughout the county.

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.

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

£37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum pro rata