About this role
Job summary
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to join an experienced team of Children's Physiotherapists working within a purpose-built Child Development Centre, as well as in local mainstream and specialist schools. This is a part-time position, working a minimum of four days per week, with final hours negotiable upon appointment.
We are seeking a skilled Therapy Assistant Practitioner to support the work of the physiotherapists and to undertake independent duties across a range of settings. This includes the Child Development Centre, special and mainstream schools, the hydrotherapy pool, and the child's home. The successful candidate will demonstrate confidence, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering high-quality care to children and their families.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will manage their own caseload and provide treatment to children, undertaking highly skilled support work to assist the physiotherapist in the assessment and management of children within the community. They will follow agreed protocols and progress treatment plans in response to clinical observations.
The post holder will teach parents and carers physiotherapy handling techniques and will be responsible for setting up and demonstrating the safe use of equipment. They will also deliver treatments independently, without direct physiotherapist supervision, across a range of settings including special schools, mainstream schools, nurseries, and home environments.
In addition, the post holder will take responsibility for a delegated area of specialism and will be required to carry out housekeeping and administrative duties within the Paediatric Physiotherapy Department.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job description Job responsibilities
Deliver and teach children, parents, and carers physiotherapistdesigned exercise and treatment programmes, either individually or in group settings, without direct supervision.
Use clinical reasoning skills to update and progress treatment within the framework set by the physiotherapist.
Hold delegated responsibility for an agreed area of specialism (e.g., hydrotherapy, orthotics).
Check, fit, adjust, and teach others about rehabilitation equipment used by children with complex needs. Order equipment via Millbrook, ensure it is safe and in good working order, and report any issues promptly.
Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, ensuring that feedback from therapy sessions is communicated to the appropriate MDT members.
Communicate with parents and carers in a timely manner, providing routine updates regarding their childs treatment session.
Receive information from the MDT, parents, and children that may be sensitive in nature, including diagnosis, prognosis, and endoflife matters, and relay this information sensitively to colleagues and MDT members.
Please refer to the attached JD.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Practical and teaching knowledge to NVQ level 3 oCompleted Therapy competency training for non-qualified staff; e.g. Progression of mobility, Individual exercise programmes etc.
Experience Essential
Experience of working practically with Children Experience of community working eg schools, social care Four years as a Band 3
personal skills Essential
oAbility to assist in training of assistants/students
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship 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 (Opens in a new tab).
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 (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address Child Development Centre
Hill Rise
Bedford
MK42 7EB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)