Job overview
This is a development role over three years working towards successful completion of a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy and registration with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The post holder will work to achieve competencies related to the role of a Physiotherapist. This will be achieved through work-based learning and experience alongside the Physiotherapy Apprenticeship degree training programme.
This role will include working within a variety of clinical settings, delivering direct person-centred physiotherapy assessment, treatment and care. The post holder will be expected to participate in rotations to strengthen knowledge, skills and behaviours alongside the training programme.
The expectation in the first year is to develop job competence to the level expected of a Therapy Assistant. The scope of the role will expand as capability is mapped against the training modules and work-based competency attainment.
The funding for the training programme comes from the apprenticeship levy. The academic training will be provided by Coventry University.
Main duties of the job
Please see the Job Description and the Persons Specification for further details about the job role. If you are unable to access the PDF, the details of the job description can also be found in the 'Detailed Job Description and Main responsibilities' section.
Working for our organisation
Whittington Health serves a richly diverse population and works hard to ensure that all our services are fair and equally accessible to everyone. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the way we look after our staff. We aim to employ a workforce which is as representative as possible of this population, so we are open to the value of differences in age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, sexual orientation, and religion or belief. The Trust believes that as a public sector organisation we have an obligation to have recruitment, training, promotion and other formal employment policies and procedures that are sensitive to these differences. We think that by doing so, we are better able to treat our patients as well as being a better place to work.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main duties
Clinical
To be professional and legally accountable for all aspects of your own work.
To assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid consent and to have the capacity to work within a legal framework with patients who lack the capacity to consent to treatment.
Undertake delegated assessments and treatments for common orthopaedic, neurological, respiratory, MSK and frailty conditions.
Contribute to the development, delivery and evaluation of individual treatment programmes for delegated patients, adhering to appropriate departmental and service guidelines & protocols.
To undertake clinically based assessments as outlined in the University program and meet the required competency.
To be active in development, organisation and running of any class or group-based activity.
To be responsible for ensuring timely feedback and escalation of concerns to a physiotherapist.
To have the ability to cross cover Therapy Assistant work in all teams as required.
To be flexible in respect to working arrangements, to ensure both the needs of the service are met alongside fulfilling the university apprenticeship requirements.
Analytical and Reasoning Skills
Develop and improve practical and theoretical knowledge, clinical competence and skill acquisition whilst undertaking the Physiotherapy Apprenticeship programme.
Provide evidence of the above and work in accordance with the outlined standards of the workplace and the University.
Communication
Communicate effectively with a range of individuals, the public, colleagues, health, and social care professionals, maintaining the focus of communication on delivering excellent patient care.
Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to deliver coordinated, patient‑centred care, using clear communication and actively addressing any communication barriers to ensure shared understanding and effective decision‑making.
Demonstrate inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect, and trust.
Demonstrate a variety of communication skills where there are barriers to understanding, e.g. sensory impairment, cognitive impairment, learning disabilities or language.
Actively participate in meetings e.g. multidisciplinary clinical team meetings, service and education as part of work and university requirements.
Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary colleagues, providing clear verbal, digital, or written information when sharing updates, delegating tasks, or handing over responsibility for care.
Keep accurate, legible, and contemporaneous records of patient care.
Always maintain patient confidentiality.
Organisational
To ensure compliance with both Trust and University organisational, departmental and service policies and procedures.
To proactively undertake all mandatory training for both Trust and University requirements within the specified time periods.
Demonstrate effective time management skills, recognising and responding to changing priorities throughout the working day or duty.
To have a high level of organisational skills and to be responsible for planning and prioritising your own caseload daily which will include caseload management and non-clinical duties.
Work within clearly defined accountability frameworks and boundaries of limitation to provide the best possible care in collaboration with colleagues, patients, and their Carers.
Person specification
Education/Qualification
Essential criteria
1. Maths and English GCSE Grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills Level 2 (or equivalent)
2. Guide for additional qualifications relevant to meet HEI entry requirements – Coventry University
3. A levels: achieve a minimum of profile of Grades BBB in 3 subjects
4. A2 subjects must include a Biological Science (with a Pass in the practical component) or P.E. but exclude General Studies
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
5. Consistently presents a professional demeanour, including appropriate appearance, punctuality, and conduct.
6. Shows effective problem solving skills. Demonstrable both in previous experience and at interview
7. Recognises own limitations and seeks guidance appropriately.
8. Able to use own initiative to manage tasks and respond to changing clinical demands.
9. Demonstrates practical application of theoretical skills
10. Provides evidence of effective participation in a team settings, demonstrating an understanding of the skills needed for effective teamwork
11. Medically fit to perform the full duties of the role, as confirmed through occupational health assessment.
12. Demonstrates competent IT skills and the ability to use digital systems required for the role.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria
13. Demonstrates detailed understanding of the role of physiotherapy across health and social care.
14. Demonstrates clearly why studying for a degree in physiotherapy is the right choices for them) – this will go on the scoring record but will be encompassed by the previous question on the PS
15. Shows awareness and understanding of NHS Values and how they apply in day to day work.
16. Possesses a basic understanding of long term conditions and their impact on patients.
17. Knowledge of health promotion, exercise, and rehabilitation approaches.
18. Evidence of work experience / shadowing in Physiotherapy or aligned healthcare setting
19. Previous experience working as a Physiotherapy/Therapy Assistant. (not additional to work experience/shadowing)
Desirable criteria
20. Experience of supporting people in a caring, customer facing or volunteer role
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
21. Demonstrates a good understanding of the demands of an apprentice role and clear indicator as to how they intend to manage the competing aspects of life as an apprentice
22. Shows motivation to learn, develop, and engage in ongoing professional growth.
23. Maintains a positive attitude and demonstrates emotional resilience in challenging situations.
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND ADULTS
To comply with the Trust’s Safeguarding Children and Adults policies, procedures and protocols. All individual members of staff (paid or unpaid) have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults This will require you to:
24. Ensure you are familiar with and comply with the London Child Protection Procedures and protocols for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.
25. Ensure you are familiar and comply with the London Multi Agency Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Pan London Procedures.
26. Ensure you are familiar and comply with local protocols and systems for information sharing.
27. Know the appropriate contact numbers and required reporting lines.
28. Participate in required training and supervision.
29. Comply with required professional boundaries and codes of conduct
Whittington Health is committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.