Job overview
An exciting opportunity to train as a Podiatrist in the NHS!
Hounslow Community Healthcare has partnered with the University of East London (UEL) to deliver this exciting four-year apprenticeship programme.
This post will be based in the community within the London Borough of Hounslow.
This Podiatry Apprenticeship is designed to give talented people an opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst completing on-the-job training with our highly skilled clinicians. This is a developmental role over four years where you will work towards successful completion of a BSc Degree in Podiatry and be able to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Main duties of the job
As a Podiatry Apprentice, your primary duties involve academic study towards a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry and practical application within Hounslow Community Healthcare (West London NHS Trust). You will progressively learn to assess, diagnose, and manage a diverse caseload of patients with foot and lower limb conditions, adhering to clinical protocols and developing individualised care plans. This includes providing treatments, delivering patient education, maintaining accurate records, and contributing to audit and service improvement initiatives, all under the guidance of experienced podiatrists and mentors.
To be considered for this post applicants will need to demonstrate a minimum of one year's experience within a clinical healthcare setting.
Working for our organisation
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.
The Trust is rated as ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as ‘Outstanding’.
The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. UK Maths and English level 2 with certificates to evidence (This includes: functional skills level 2, GCSE C/4 and above or O level C or above) (Any overseas qualifications will need to be accompanied by a UKNARIC statement of comparability and English must have been studied as a first language)
2. Level 3 or above qualification equivalent to a minimum of 120 UCAS points including a science or healthcare subject. This can include A level, Access to Higher Education diploma, BTEC / NVQ Diploma or Extended / National Diploma with certificates
3. Applicants are expected to demonstrate evidence of recent academic achievement, such that they may be deemed capable of study at degree level
Desirable criteria
4. Qualified driver with a full clean driving licence
5. Interest in undertaking further relevant studies/training course
Experience
Essential criteria
6. Awareness of health and care settings
7. Previous experience of working within a health and/or care setting
Desirable criteria
8. Experience of SystmOne patient record system
Skills and Knowledge
Essential criteria
9. Able to convey tasks and actions to colleagues and service users
10. Ability to assist patients to achieve safe working environments for treatments to be carried out and perform treatments in variety of settings such as clinics, residential homes, patients own homes and nursing care sites
11. Fine motor dexterity which will become more advanced throughout the Apprenticeship to enable use of fine instruments in podiatry treatment
12. Sufficient keyboard skills for clinical and data input and letter writing and ability to use MS office or similar internet and email
13. Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing, confident and articulate
14. Ability to plan, organise and coordinate work under own initiative, be flexible and prioritise competing demands for attention to provide best care available to patients in case which may involve changing plans where necessary
15. Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with patients, families and colleagues
16. Ability to hear distressing news form patients when discussing treatment plans and during consultations when patients share life experiences
17. Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision and as part of a multidisciplinary team
18. Provide direct clinical care with frequent exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions (ulcer debridement, tissue breakdown and body fluids, dust and adhesives)
19. Understanding scope of role of Podiatrist and Podiatry Assistant in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development
Desirable criteria
20. Presentation and training skills
21. Depending on geography - ability to drive, access own transport, current driving licence, transporting equipment needed for patient care and education sessions in and out of a car
Key Attributes
Essential criteria
22. •Physically fit to meet requirements of post · •Treat people with dignity, respecting individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences · •Show respect and empathy for patients, family and colleagues, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice · •Be adaptable, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience, self awareness and ability to reflect and evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate
Desirable criteria
23. Demonstrate commitment to Trust values