Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Neurodisability Team at Great Ormond Street Hospital as a Physiotherapy Assistant Practitioner in the Children’s Movement Disorders Service. The Movement Disorders Service at GOSH provides a range of highly specialist multidisciplinary outpatient assessment clinics, and rehabilitation interventions after selective dorsal rhizotomy (a neurosurgical operation for children with cerebral palsy).
We are looking for a motivated and confident person to join the team to support children with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions who attend our service for treatment. The post involves direct patient and family contact, working with Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists to assess children and carry out treatment interventions including hydrotherapy.
If you are interested in this post, we would strongly advise you speak to us to understand the structure and demands of the job.
Main duties of the job
* To assist with the clinical assessments of patients using pro-forma and prescribed functional scales. To assist with other parts of the physiotherapy assessment as required.
To assist the Physiotherapists in the rehabilitation of patients using a range of specific exercises and manual treatments. Manual handling of the patient will be required
* To manage and prioritise the rehabilitation of patients as delegated by the Physiotherapists. Working at times without direct supervision and being responsible for monitoring patient progress and reporting back to the responsible clinician.
* To provide comprehensive administrative support for the team including identifying local services, copying and sending reports and ensuring appropriate assessment information is available for clinics and on the ward
* To provide housekeeping duties for the Neurodisability Physiotherapy Team including ensuring the clinic rooms are prepared
* Communication skills, verbal, non-verbal and written are required
* Make accurate records of work undertaken and keep monthly statistics as required, including documenting patient contacts in line with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) standards, legal requirements and service standards.
* Clean the physiotherapy equipment and toys regularly and ensure that no damaged or problem equipment is used. Report damaged or dangerous equipment to the appropriate person
* Comply with all local Health and Safety trust policies.
Working for our organisation
GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.
We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.
We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person specification
GOSH Culture and Values
Essential criteria
* Our Always values
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential criteria
* NVQ or equivalent experience
* Good general educational background to a level that that enable clear and legible notes to be written and tasks involving basic numeracy skills to be carried out
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Able to swim or at least be water confident as the post will involve working in hydrotherapy
Desirable criteria
* Previous experience as a Physiotherapy Assistant working in a Healthcare environment
* Working with children, & coping with children who are unwell
* Working in a healthcare setting
* Working within a sporting setting previously and devising individualised exercise programmes.
Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria
* Computer literate with Word and Excel
* Effective verbal and written communication skills, to ensure patient’s notes are accurately maintained and effective verbal communication with staff, children and families is ensured.
* To be able to type up letters and reports as instructed and supported by the physiotherapy team.
* Able to work by yourself and as part of a team, including following instructions
* Organisational, prioritising and time management skills to ensure that workload is managed and completed within time available