Band 3 Physiotherapy Degree Apprentice in Liverpool

We have an exciting opportunity available for a highly motivated, responsible and caring individual to join The Walton Centre Therapy Service on a full-time, permanent basis. The successful applicant will work for our Complex Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Team as a Band 3 Physiotherapy Assistant immediately on starting in the role. They will then be expected to commence study for a Degree Apprenticeship at the beginning of the academic year. On commencement of the degree qualification, the applicant will be uplifted to a Band 4 payscale. The applicant will complete a Bachelor of Science via the appropriate University’s degree apprentice programme. It is anticipated that this will result in qualification as a registered physiotherapist at the end of the course. Once all pre-registration requirements are met, the applicant will then be in a position to apply for relevant Band 5 Physiotherapy posts. The post-holder will not automatically progress into a Band 5 post. They will remain at Band 4 unless they are successful at interview for a Band 5 role.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate the relevant clinical experience as well as the educational prerequisites specified in the person specifications for this post to be considered for interview, although some support may be available from the university to help meet entry requirements should you otherwise demonstrate the skills needed. This advert will close at saturation.

Main duties of the job

• To complete a physiotherapy degree apprenticeship under the direction and supervision of registered physiotherapists, while completing pre-registration course with an agreed Higher Education Institution (HEI).
• To deliver assessment-related activities and safe, effective physiotherapy interventions, with increasing complexity as the apprenticeship progresses. This will include clinical skills such as identifying appropriate referrals from documentation under supervision; performing routine patient assessments; with supervision, identifying appropriate treatment or discharge pathways; independently assessing and prescribing mobility and transfer aids; and implementing therapy programmes and advice based on assessment findings and set treatment protocols.
• To assist registered physiotherapists in their administrative duties; departmental cleaning and maintenance; and contribute to the efficient operation of the department.

Working for our organisation

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only NHS trust to hold dual accreditation for the Investors in People. We invest in people and we invest in wellbeing standards and have been awarded Gold status for both. The Walton Centre is a leader in the treatment and care of neurology and neurosurgery, placing the patient and their family at the heart of everything we do. As the only specialist hospital trust in the UK dedicated to providing comprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services we are proud to be rated as an Outstanding Trust by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and champion change throughout the field of neuroscience. Originally formed in 1992, the Trust received Foundation Trust status in 2009.

With around 1,450 staff, The Walton Centre treats more than 127,000 outpatients and 18,000 inpatients each year. We have leading specialists and incredibly dedicated staff delivering excellent clinical outcomes for brain, spinal and neurological care nationally and internationally. Teams across our site in Fazakerley, Liverpool, offer a world-class service in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves and muscles, and in supporting people suffering from a wide range of long-term neurological conditions.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the job description and person specification document for detailed information about the job description for this vacancy.

Person specification

• GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at Level 2 or above (grade 4, or previously C) or demonstrable ability to obtain the required qualifications within the first year of training via a functional skills route.
• English as a first language or, if second language, evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills OR demonstrable ability to achieve the required level of English in a presessional course.
• Evidence of successful formal study at Level 3.
• A minimum of six months experience in a health and social care setting – this can include placements or work-based learning as part of a Level 3 qualification.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of team/group dynamics and the role of a Band 4 physiotherapy degree apprentice within a team.
• Good level of administrative skills, IT, Microsoft office (including internet, email and word processing).
• Awareness of Disability Discrimination Act and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues.
• Maintain confidentiality and high standards of record keeping in line with local policies and information governance guidelines.
• Practical working knowledge of the therapeutic assessment, intervention and rehabilitation process.
• Awareness of equipment to support activities of daily living.
• Awareness of a range of neurological conditions and their impact on function and daily life.
• Awareness of external agencies within the community who support people living with a disability.
• A knowledge of research and development in the health and social care sector to inform and improve quality of care.
• A knowledge of the importance of current evidence-based practice within scope of the role.
• Ability to demonstrate problem-solving approach.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.