Mental Health Physiotherapist
The closing date is 10 June 2026
A exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 5 Physiotherapist to join the well-established mental health Physiotherapy team providing physiotherapy assessment and treatment across mental health inpatient services in Cambridge and Peterborough.
The successful applicant will be based at Fulbourn Hospital, providing Physiotherapy input across adult and older adult mental health wards as part of the mental health physiotherapy team, supporting patients with a range of mental and physical health presentations.
The post will also provide an opportunity for supporting the inclusion of evidence‑based physical activity and exercise interventions for adults and older adults with mental health conditions.
Main duties of the job
To provide assessment and treatment interventions for patients within the acute inpatient mental health services, as part of the mental health inpatient physiotherapy team.
* To assess and provide physiotherapy treatment for patients who have complex presentations.
* To formulate and support the delivery of ward and gym‑based exercise groups.
* To promote the use of exercise and physical activity and the vital role in supporting mental wellbeing.
* To provide physiotherapy advice to other health professionals within and outside the Trust.
* To support the Physiotherapy team in the training of staff and in delivering Physiotherapy placement education.
Job responsibilities
Clinical / Service Specific
* To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of your own and delegated work.
* To work within codes of practice and professional guidelines.
* To undertake holistic assessment (including those with complex presentations and multiple pathologies), using clinical reasoning skills, and formulate an individual physiotherapy management and/or treatment plan.
* To use evidence‑based practice to ensure clinical care is effective and appropriate.
* Organise and manage own time.
* Contribute to risk assessments and health and safety assessments and report any changes or newly identified risks immediately.
* To communicate effectively with patients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential, ensuring understanding of conditions, using persuasion, motivation and explanation, and obtaining informed consent where possible.
* To demonstrate the importance of gaining patient and carer consent for all interventions and work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent.
* To communicate verbally with patients, carers and colleagues using tact and persuasive skills, adapting to communication difficulties such as hearing loss, diminished sight, depression, speech problems, cognitive impairment, behavioural problems and pain.
* To contribute to and work towards the service/organisational aims and objectives of the mental health physiotherapy team.
* To work effectively within the team structure and liaise appropriately with members of the MDT and other agencies by attending MDT meetings and care plan reviews.
* To ensure accurate and timely written records are kept in compliance with Trust policy and HCPC guidance, reporting on any issues as appropriate.
* To inform and update all members of the MDT, service users and relevant others about changes to care plans, patient progress and other matters pertaining to the patient’s care.
* To deliver assessment and treatment interventions in various clinical locations, including ward‑based and physiotherapy gym‑based exercise sessions, individually with patients and in a group format.
Research & Service Evaluation
* To play an active role in service development, quality improvement projects and implementation of evidence‑based practice relevant to physiotherapy in mental healthcare.
* To play an active role in CPFT’s research strategy as applicable to role and service delivery.
* To use Microsoft Office software and electronic clinical record systems daily.
* To use virtual software for online meetings and learning opportunities.
* To utilise software for delivering virtual physiotherapy patient sessions when indicated.
* To compile and prescribe exercise programmes using exercise software.
Human Resources
* Maintain own continuing professional development (CPD). Provide and receive regular clinical supervision in line with good practice guidelines and Trust policy.
* Train and develop staff, and conduct an annual appraisal, objective setting and personal development planning meeting.
* Work within departmental policies.
Training & Development
To participate in regular supervision in line with good practice guidelines and Trust policy, attend all relevant mandatory training, and support the delivery of Physiotherapy placement education opportunities.
Quality & Patient Safety
Promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Implement NICE guidance and other statutory best practice guidelines. Prevent and control infection. Report incidents of harm or near‑miss in line with the Trust’s incident reporting policy. Contribute to risk identification, management and reduction. Ensure day‑to‑day practice reflects the highest standards of governance, clinical effectiveness, safety and patient experience.
Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of legislation, national policies and local policies pertinent to the client group and mental health. Comply with professional codes of conduct and remain aware of changes.
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
* Chartered Physiotherapist.
* Member of Health Professional Council.
* Evidence of continuing professional development and postgraduate education.
* Evidence of additional study related to mental healthcare and/or physiotherapy in mental health.
Experience
* Clinical experience across a variety of settings.
* Evidence of working in an acute care inpatient setting.
* Clinical experience delivering physiotherapy interventions within a group setting.
* Experience of health promotion and promoting the role of exercise and physical activity for mental and physical wellbeing.
Skills & Abilities
* Ability to work flexibly as part of a team.
* Ability to assess, plan and implement care, including caseload management and clinical prioritisation.
* Understanding of clinical supervision and appraisal.
Knowledge and Understanding
* Knowledge of mental health conditions.
* Effective communication with patience, empathy and sensitivity for the client/patient group.
* Recognises limits of own professional support and seeks and uses professional support appropriately.
* Understanding of the Mental Health Act and its implications for physiotherapy practice.
Other
* Demonstrates empathy for the concerns of others.
* Listens to and understands directly and indirectly expressed feelings.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all sectors of the community, particularly from under‑represented groups.
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