About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Specialist Physiotherapist to join The Childrens Trust School and residential services on a 12 month fixed term contract. You will lead in delivering interventions that support the child and their family centred to reach their goals through evidence-based practice, in order to promote physical skills and participation in home, school and family life.
Main duties of the job
The role of Specialist Physiotherapist will provide specialist physiotherapy to children and young people accessing The Childrens Trust School and residential services.
You will provide high quality, evidence-based physiotherapy assessment and intervention to children and young people with neurodisabilities, neurodevelopmental and orthopaedic conditions and respiratory needs, within a multidisciplinary and multi-agency setting.
Our service delivery aims to promote outcome focussed interventions, safe care, function and participation of children and young people accessing home, school and community life. You will support the delivery of child and family focused, goal led interventions, working in collaboration with education, multi-agency and multidisciplinary teams.
About us
About Us
The Childrens Trust is the UKs leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.
Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.
Staff Benefits
The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits, including, adoption pay, time off for fertility treatment, enhanced paternity leave, paid carers leave, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms, time off for gender reassignment.
We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.
Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Job description Job responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
Provide high quality, evidence-based physiotherapy provision for children and young people attending The Childrens Trust School, in partnership with other members of the Multidisciplinary Team and education services. Undertake specialist physiotherapy assessments of children with highly complex needs e.g. multiple co-morbidities, neurodisabilities, orthopaedic and chronic conditions, through standardised and non-standardised assessments and clinical observations. Devise suitable, individualised, 24hr physiotherapy programmes/strategies that fit within the childs daily routine, whether to be carried out by parents or members of the Multidisciplinary Team; these should be monitored, evaluated and adjusted appropriately according to the needs of the child. Develop therapy goals, in collaboration with the child and family/carers, as well as the multidisciplinary and education teams, other health professionals and external agencies, to facilitate the participation of the child in their life skills. Develop, implement and monitor chest management and physiotherapy programmes. Liaise with external services and follow respiratory guidelines set by tertiary centers. Support the implementation of child specific respiratory physiotherapy management plans, and monitor how well they are working. Escalate any issues to Senior Physiotherapists or respiratory and medical teams that support with respiratory management. Use awareness of how a 24hr postural management programme impacts on the respiratory system, sleep pattern and the compliance to rehabilitation, in order to inform physiotherapy interventions, multidisciplinary care and therapy plans. Set outcomes as part of the child or young persons annual review and Education, Health and Care Plans. Support the MDT and education teams with measuring short term targets, through using the IMpacts curriculum, therapy outcome measurement tools e.g. Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Teach, integrate and monitor physiotherapy interventions in the childs environment, whether it is carried out by parents, school staff, therapy staff, nursing and care staff. Assess, and organise provision of necessary/ specialist therapy equipment and/or orthotics, liaising with external services where necessary. This may be loaned equipment for use at The Childrens Trust or recommendations of equipment for long-term use on return to home. Keep appropriate and accurate intervention records, fulfilling legal, professional and all other requirements of The Childrens Trust. Contribute to child related reports, including looked after children and annual review reports as required, and assist with the collation of these as required, in a timely manner and in line with organisational targets. Liaise with all appropriate medical staff, whether employed by The Childrens Trust, visiting consultants or at off-site clinics, and attend clinics (e.g. specialist seating, orthotics, orthopaedic) with the child as required. Support the delivery of a tiered model approach to physiotherapy at The Childrens Trust School, providing regular integrated time to classes and Houses. Work closely with all members of the Multidisciplinary Team, as well as the child and family, to provide a fully integrated approach to the overall management of the child. This will include any home/school visits, professional child related meetings and/ or appointments, as required. Provide clinical cover across the service during episodes of staff shortage/heavy workload, in order to ensure effective service delivery. Work flexibly in terms of hours, in order to meet the needs of the service, including an early evening (weekly) and one weekend day, per calendar month. Undertake other or additional duties that are within your skills and abilities, as the organisation may reasonably require from time to time.
Communication
Communicate effectively with children/young people (applying the principles of consistent communication). Facilitate effective communication with families and members of the Multidisciplinary Team. Recognise barriers to communication and be able to reduce these as appropriate. Attend and contribute to Multidisciplinary Team meetings, to discuss individual children/ young people and service in general, as required e.g. reviews, case conferences, parents evenings, clinics, etc. Maintain clear and concise documents and records, in accordance with The Childrens Trust policies. Ensure documents are managed confidentially at all times. Manage informal complaints, in line with The Childrens Trust polices and contribute to the resolution of written complaints, and as they occur taking immediate action where necessary.
Management of Self and Others
Provide support and supervision for junior team members and students, within area of responsibility, providing direction, motivation and support to achieve key objectives. Participate in the annual Performance Development Review and monthly supervision sessions, as required by The Childrens Trust, both as Appraiser and Appraisee. Manage time effectively, prioritising and delegating work appropriately and as required.
Governance
Read and implement all policies, procedures and risk assessments, pertinent to working practice and keep up to date with changes as and when they occur. Critically evaluate practice through clinical audits and by appraisal of the information gained, in combination with current knowledge of evidence-based practice; identify opportunities for service improvement and development, with support from Highly Specialist Therapists/ Heads of Therapy. Continue the audit cycle, by evaluating any changes implemented as a result. This should include the adoption of evidence informed practice, the trial of emerging interventions and the cessation of interventions, where evidence is insufficient and other approaches are indicated. Recognise and critically appraise situations where the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of the service are compromised and take appropriate action to resolve the situation, with support from Highly Specialist Therapists/ Heads of Therapy. Critically reflect on own performance and that of other staff; and use this evaluation to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of future practice. Undergo The Childrens Trust Risk Assessor training, in order that all activities are risk assessed and documented in the most appropriate format. Ensure that detailed risk assessments are completed, as required. Actively participate in local clinical governance activities.
Career Long Learning, Education and Research
Undertake all mandatory training, in line with The Childrens Trust policy. Advance personal knowledge, understanding and skills in line with identified learning needs, by making appropriate use of a variety of learning and development resources and opportunities, e.g., by attending courses/ lectures, contact and involvement with relevant special interest groups and visiting other departments/ organisations and by conducting Literature Reviews. Prepare appropriately for Performance Development Reviews, identifying learning objectives and setting targets; identify opportunities for professional development in order to meet continuing professional development requirements. Submit research Abstracts/ Posters to both local and national conferences, with support if required. Participate in in-service competency training programmes and teaching sessions, as appropriate.
Limits of Authority and Problem Solving
In addition to The Childrens Trust policies, the Specialist Physiotherapist is governed by and should adhere to, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency for Physiotherapists and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) Quality Assurance Standards. Make day-to-day decisions regarding physiotherapy requirements for children and young people, based on case load, including recommendations for specialist equipment and/or orthotics. Responsible for day-to-day time management and prioritisation of workload, taking into account the needs of the whole service. Monthly formal supervision. Provide monthly, formal supervision to junior Physiotherapists and/or Multidisciplinary Technicians
Professionalism
Takes action and raises concerns. Adhere to the policies and procedures of The Childrens Trust. Maintain professional boundaries and professionalism at all times. Committed to demonstrating the organisations values and behaviours at all times.
Health and Safety
Adheres to all Health and Safety guidelines, principles, and regulations to perform your role and comply with The Childrens Trust policies and procedures. Provide evidence of all vaccinations (or medical exemption) required for the post. Adhere to manual handling procedures and complete mandatory manual handling training. Promotes the health and safety of others. Uses the incident reporting and risk assessment system (IRAR), to identify and report risks and incidents/actions if directed. Responsible for identifying and mitigating risk within the work environment.
Wellbeing and Emotional Resilience
Maintains a positive approach and outlook when dealing with change and overcoming challenges and problems. Recognises own limitations, develops realistic goals, and uses support network resource when or if necessary. Treats challenges and problems as a learning experience. Remains organised and focused when under pressure.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Degree/Diploma in Physiotherapy HCPC Registration Continuous Professional Development, in line with regulatory body standards
Desirable
Masters in relevant field Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Member of specialist interest group or forum
Experience Essential
Minimum of two years clinical experience post qualification Experience of working with children/young people with neurodisabilities and/ or specialist schools/ and or paediatrics Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
Experience in leading aquatic therapy sessions for CYP with neurodisabilities Experience of working with families Experience of SEND legislation and SEND tribunals Experience using specialist mobility and/ or moving and handling equipment
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children and young people with complex disabilities Competent skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Knowledge of relevant outcome measures and statutory outcome requirements
Desirable
Knowledge of current research, clinical audit and service evaluation methods
Skills & Abilities Essential
Knowledge of physiotherapy management for neurodisability, supported by clinical reasoning Clinical reasoning skills in predictable situations, analysing a variety of evidence and presenting this in a relevant format e.g. report, presentation Workload management, including delegation of tasks Observation and treatment skills, relevant to the assessment and management Ability to meet the physical demands of a school therapy physiotherapy role Attention to detail Ability to supervise others and enable development of their skills Professional integrity, particularly in clinical governance Ability to work flexibly, in order to meet the needs of the service, including an early evening (weekly) and one weekend day, per calendar month (N.B. there is no On Call service required) Competent written and verbal communication skills
Desirable
Risk assessment skills
Personal Qualities Essential
Physically fit and able to comply with organisational manual handling guidelines. Able to carry out moderate - intense physical effort throughout the working day and carry out concurrent activities Ability to cope with working in a demanding environment Flexible and can do attitude towards competing workloads and commitments Highly motivated and reliable Commitment to the vision and values of The Childrens Trust
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 The Children's Trust
Address The Childrens Trust
Tadworth Court
Tadworth
Surrey
KT20 5RU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/jobs (Opens in a new tab)