Specialist Childrens Physiotherapist

We are seeking a motivated Physiotherapist to join our large and supportive Children’s Physiotherapy Team, working across special schools and outpatient clinics, with opportunities to develop skills within community settings. Our service covers a diverse caseload of children and young people aged 0-18 years, including those with complex developmental, neurological and musculoskeletal needs. The team includes specialist physiotherapists across all areas of paediatrics, providing a strong network of expertise, supervision and peer support. We are a forward-thinking service committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care and continuously improving outcomes for children and families. We actively support continuing professional development (CPD), offering regular supervision, training opportunities and encouragement to develop specialist clinical skills. The role provides an excellent opportunity to grow within a collaborative and innovative team environment.

Main duties of the job

• The postholder will work as part of the Children’s Physiotherapy Team primarily within special schools and outpatient clinics, with opportunities to develop skills and experience in community-based settings.
• The role involves providing physiotherapy assessment and intervention for children and young people aged 0-18 years with a range of presentations, including complex developmental, neurological and musculoskeletal needs.
• The successful candidate will contribute to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care, working closely with children, families, carers and multidisciplinary teams to support positive outcomes and improve lives.
• A key aspect of the role is working collaboratively within the team to ensure coordinated, child-centred care across settings.
• The post holder will be expected to work autonomously within their scope of practice, whilst also contributing to service development and being innovative in approach to meet the changing needs of children and families.
• They will actively participate in clinical supervision, training and continuous professional development, and support the wider delivery of the Children’s Therapy Service.

About us

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks. 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.

Job responsibilities

• This role involves providing physiotherapy assessment, treatment and ongoing management for children and young people with a wide range of complex developmental, neurological and musculoskeletal needs across CDDFT.
• The post holder will work across community settings, special schools and outpatient clinics, delivering evidence-based, individualised treatment programmes and reviewing progress to achieve the best possible outcomes.
• The role requires autonomous clinical practice, including assessment, treatment planning, clinical decision-making and caseload management.
• The post holder will work closely with children, families, carers, education staff and multidisciplinary teams to ensure a coordinated, holistic approach to care.
• Effective communication skills are essential when working with children who may have additional communication, learning or sensory needs.
• The successful candidate will contribute to service development, quality improvement initiatives, audits and outcome measurement activities.
• They will maintain accurate clinical and statistical records, participate in safeguarding processes, and ensure compliance with professional, organisational and regulatory standards.
• The role also includes supporting and supervising therapy assistants and students, participating in training and continuing professional development activities, and contributing to the wider Children's Physiotherapy Service.
• Flexibility, effective organisation and the ability to respond to changing service demands are essential to support the delivery of high-quality community children's therapy services.

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel independently across the County to fulfil the requirements of the post.

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with a wide range of people.
• Ability to write comprehensive clinical reports.
• Working knowledge of assessment and treatment approaches in paediatrics, developmental and Neurological Impairment (working or as a student).
• Working knowledge of assessment and treatment approaches in paediatrics MSK and Orthopaedics.
• Ability to prioritise workload.
• Ability to work as a member of a Multi‑agency team.
• Flexible approach to work.
• Knowledge of childhood development.
• Knowledge of postural management.

Qualifications

• Diploma of Physiotherapy or B.Sc. in Physiotherapy or equivalent achieved through formal education.
• Specialist post graduate training linked to related field e.g. Neurology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Learning Disabilities.
• Core rotations completed.
• Statutory Registration: Qualified Physiotherapist registered with H.C.P.C Member of APCP.

Experience

• Working experience of paediatrics, orthopaedics and Neurological Impairment (working or as a student).
• Experience of provision of aids and or equipment.
• Experience of clinic working.
• Specialist level experience in Paediatrics and or MSK.
• Experience of community work.
• Experience of service improvement.
• Experience of clinical supervision.

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.