Children's Therapy Assistant Practitioner
We are looking for dynamic, enthusiastic and creative Therapy Assistant Practitioners to be a part of our well-established Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physiotherapy (PT) team. We have posts available based in Stevenage, Hertford and Watford. This exciting role involves supporting OTs and PTs in the service, and the delivery of clinics, workshops, and therapeutic interventions.
You will be joining an innovative and forward-thinking CYP Therapies (CYPT) service that is dedicated to providing high-quality interventions to transform lives. Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust provides integrated Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, and Physiotherapy Services for families across the county. Our CYPT service provides opportunities for collaborative working, joint training and shared learning amongst each profession.
Our service is commissioned by health, social care and education, allowing us to provide a seamless pathway from early years through to home, school and further education settings, to enable a child to meet their full potential in participating in activities of daily living.
Main duties of the job
Children's Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy is based on a 3 Tier model of service delivery, with provision at Universal, Targeted and Specialist tiers. We offer assessment and treatment to children and young people with a wide variety of conditions, including cerebral palsy, autistic spectrum disorder and developmental coordination disorder. We also carry out home assessments and advise on equipment, housing adaptations and rehousing. The team works closely with colleagues in the wider multiagency team supporting children, young people and their families to achieve their maximum potential.
Continuing Professional Development is actively supported through access to training, regular supervision, peer support meetings and staff appraisal scheme.
We can offer:
* Regular supervision, managerial supervision and a well-established appraisal system
* CPD opportunities, including in-service masterclasses
* Opportunities to work alongside other therapists/assistants to deliver intervention to children/young people requiring support
* An initial induction period where you will have the opportunity to observe and shadow your team.
About us
We're delighted that you're exploring a career with HCT. As an organisation, we're committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and rewarding work environment — one where you'll feel valued and empowered to make a real difference.
At HCT, we put patients, their families, and carers at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is simple yet powerful: Outstanding Services and Healthier Communities. Our dedicated staff take pride in being Innovative, Caring, and Agile, working together to turn this vision into reality.
Working with us comes with a host of benefits designed to support your wellbeing and work-life balance:
* Generous annual leave (27 days rising to 33 with long service)
* Flexible working arrangements to help balance personal and professional life, including up to 5 days of carers leave (pro rata)
* Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 confidential support for personal or work-related issues
* Cycle to Work and Car Lease Schemes
* Blue Light Card and NHS Discounts
* Health and wellbeing support, including free flu jabs, Physiotherapy referrals, eye care vouchers
* Enhanced sick pay above statutory entitlements
We celebrate diversity and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds, ages, and communities to apply.
Job responsibilities
Please see Job Description attached, which details the responsibilities within this post.
The successful candidate will have some experience of working with therapists and/or with children and must be computer literate and able to demonstrate good working knowledge of a variety of computer systems and programmes. They will need to be enthusiastic and motivated, and have good communication, clinical reasoning and organisational skills. They must be a team player but be able to work autonomously and have the ability to champion the needs of patients.
In addition to the basic salary, this post attracts a High Cost Area Supplement of 5% of basic salary subject to a minimum payment of £1,303 and a maximum payment of £2,198 per annum pro rata (pro rata where applicable and dependent on base location).
Word versions of documents are available if needed to allow for any adaptations to be made i.e. font, colour, background, convert to Read Aloud.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge - MAX 300 WORDS
* What is your experience of specific childhood conditions and the therapy practices relating to these conditions e.g. cerebral palsy, DCD, various syndromes and disorders leading to developmental delay
* Describe your relevant experience, skills and knowledge gained in movement and anatomy, normal child development, and disorders and delays of child development
* Documented evidence of formal knowledge and training to NVQ level 3 or equivalent
Physical skills required - MAX 250 WORDS
* Describe what experience you have in assisting with carrying out therapeutic techniques as delegated by the qualified therapist, including using medical equipment
* What is your experience of handling children and babies in a therapeutic manner, including using manual techniques
Experience - MAX 350 WORDS
* Demonstrate your understanding of Health and Safety, manual handling and risk awareness and the impacts of these on your work
* Describe the significance of safeguarding when working with children/young people
* Describe experiences you have in working with other professionals to support a child/young person
* Tell us how you have used computer systems, programmes and e‑mail systems in your work
Skills and Abilities - MAX 200 WORDS
* Tell us how you have adapted your communication skills in order to work effectively with children, families or professionals
* Describe how you manage your workload and prioritise tasks
* Describe how you use problem solving skills to reach an appropriate solution or manage a situation.
Additional
* Have you previously worked within an NHS or educational environment? (YES/NO)
* Hold a full, valid UK driving licence and have access to a car unless the staff member has a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010
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.
£28,392 to £31,157 a year per annum (pro rata)
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