Paediatric Rotational Community Physiotherapist

Overview

We are looking for an experienced physiotherapist to take up a specialist role as a rotational Band 6 Paediatric Physiotherapist in our supportive team. This role is in an integrated care organisation, based in community, working in Islington Additional Needs & Disability Service. The post holder will be responsible for the day to day delivery of physiotherapy to children with a variety of additional needs who live or attend school in Islington. Depending on experience and service needs the post holder will work across our main therapy teams which include mainstream schools, Early Years Development team, Special Schools Team (based at Richard Cloudesley Schools) and Paediatric Musculoskeletal Team (0-18). Many services are based out of the Northern Health Centre in Islington, and we also work with local schools, nurseries and in family homes. We incorporate remote / agile working where appropriate. We actively support continued professional development and prioritise learning across all areas, working with partners in other local paediatric services. We support innovative practice, service improvement and research.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a good standard of clinical practice as a Paediatric Physiotherapist and work effectively and flexibly within an interdisciplinary framework.
• Accept clinical responsibility for own caseload and prioritise appropriately; work with minimal direct supervision where appropriate.
• Undertake a comprehensive assessment of paediatric patients, including those with diverse or complex presentations/multi-pathologies.
• Deliver appropriate physiotherapy intervention following assessment with colleagues within the multi-agency team to ensure optimal management of the patient.
• See children and young people in a variety of locations (special schools, clinics, home, gym, nurseries, etc.).
• Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes regularly as required.
• Prioritise factors in a child’s presenting condition using good clinical reasoning, knowledge of current professional opinion, prognosis, and other health issues.
• Use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to ensure the child and parent/guardian understand the education and advice provided.
• Work within the standards and guidelines of the Children’s Physiotherapy Service, the Trust, CSP, HPC, APCP and other relevant groups.
• Work closely with Education in the Statementing and Annual Review process.
• Ensure documentation is accurate and meets required standards.
• Support delivery of a coordinated multidisciplinary service and integrate physiotherapy into the treatment programme, including discharge planning discussions.
• Assess and manage clinical risk related to caseload and ensure staff comply with policies (e.g., manual handling and lone working).
• Provide cover across the department during staff shortages or high workload to ensure service delivery.
• Communicate with other services within and outside the Borough (Education, Social Services, Voluntary Services, Wheelchair Services, Tertiary Service).
• Involve in referral to Secondary/Tertiary Services as clinically appropriate; participate in transitions to adult services as needed.
• Provide copies of correspondence to parents/guardians and discharge reports to referrers and families.
• Assist senior staff with supervision of local children’s physiotherapy staff.
• Administrative: maintain competency to practice via CPD; keep a reflective portfolio; stay up-to-date with current guidelines and standards; participate in supervision and appraisal; contribute to Evidence Based Practice projects, audits, and outcomes measurement.
• Organisational: manage own clinical caseload, plan and adjust diaries, order equipment, install equipment in homes/schools, report defects or incidents, and comply with all policies and safety regulations.
• Effort: perform child management with physical effort (repetitive movements, static postures, awkward postures, equipment handling, travel); comply with manual handling policies.
• Safeguarding: comply with Trust safeguarding policies and procedures for Children and Adults; complete required training and reporting, and uphold professional boundaries.

Working for Whittington Health

We are committed to fair, accessible services and a diverse workforce. We aim to recruit a representative staff and value differences. This section includes our expectations for multidisciplinary collaboration, risk management, education, and safeguarding commitments.

Professional and General Requirements

• Maintain competency to practice through CPD and reflective practice; stay informed on current paediatric care approaches and guidelines.
• Engage in supervision, reading of relevant literature and guidelines, and attendance at courses and accredited training; participate in appraisal and SIGs where appropriate.
• Contribute to evaluation and audit projects and to the development of Models of Care for the Paediatric Physiotherapy Service.
• Comply with mandatory training and organisational policies; support service development and continuous improvement.
• In the absence of senior staff, assist with day-to-day running of the local Children’s Physiotherapy service provision.

Safeguarding and Equality

Whittington Health is committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staff must familiarise themselves with London Child Protection Procedures, London Multi-Agency Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Procedures, local information-sharing protocols, reporting lines and training requirements.

Application and Recruitment

Equal opportunities and sponsorship information are included in the original advert. Applicants should ensure they meet essential requirements and submit evidence as part of the shortlisting process. Closing dates are guidelines and may close early. If you require feedback, contact the appointing manager. All correspondence may be via Trac systems, and applicants should check junk folders. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period except for GMC-registered doctors. Pre-employment checks may include identity verification via TrustID and related processes.

Note: This description does not include every detail of the role and may be supplemented by the formal Job Description and Person Specification.