Highly Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist: Community and Schools

Job Summary The Paediatric Physiotherapy service offers a high‑quality service to children aged from birth to school‑leaving age who are registered with a Camden GP. The service covers nurseries, children's centres, primary and secondary schools including special schools and resource bases. The caseload is varied and offers opportunities to develop specialist skills in early advice and intervention (Health Visitor clinics), Down Syndrome, DCD, Pilates and Rebound group interventions, hydrotherapy, orthotics and serial casting. Main Duties of the Job The post holder will be responsible for providing a high quality effective and efficient physiotherapy service to children who access the service. Ensure that high standards of physiotherapy are maintained and developed that are evidence‑based and reflect current practice. Autonomously manage a complex caseload. Implement specialist treatment programmes using a child‑centred approach. Supervise junior physiotherapy staff and students and contribute to service development (e.g., Pathway coordinator). Conduct specialist physiotherapy assessment of children with complex and varied needs, using appropriate examination techniques. Independently prioritise, plan and develop treatment plans; formulate and provide a broad range of specialist treatments and interventions to a highly complex paediatric caseload. Set goals for treatment with parents/carers, demonstrating clinical reasoning and problem‑solving techniques to determine agreed outcomes. Provide high quality physiotherapy and effective case management to children aged 0‑18 and their families in clinic, nurseries, schools, and home settings. Work as a lone practitioner in a community setting, managing a caseload of clients with complex needs across varied settings, requiring travel, adaptability and flexibility. Contribute to the identification of children with special needs and to a child's Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) report, providing advice and recommendations to Camden local authority. Work effectively and flexibly within an interdisciplinary framework to provide goal‑orientated therapy programmes for children. Ensure the service provides high quality assessment and treatment of children through standardised assessment, objective examination and clinical observation. Use assessment and monitoring tools such as Bayley Assessment, GMFM, Movement ABC and CPIP. Collaborate with the paediatric Occupational Therapy department to provide individualised moving and handling advice when indicated. Source and provide appropriate physiotherapy equipment for home use, and make recommendations for use in the education setting. Use effective communication skills with parents and children across all families. Person Specification Essential qualifications BSc Degree in Physiotherapy or equivalent diploma. Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration for physiotherapy. Evidence of CPD, including attendance at relevant postgraduate and specialist short courses for paediatric PT. Desirable qualifications Membership of a specialist interest group (e.g., APCP). Experience Substantial postgraduate experience at a Band 6 level. Experience in paediatric physio in schools, community and hospital settings. Experience with children and young people of all ages, including transition of care to adult services. Experience leading audit/research projects. Experience in service development. Knowledge of a wide range of paediatric neuro‑developmental and neurological conditions, assessment and treatment techniques. Experience with serial casting, orthotic provision and aquatic therapy. Experience at a Band 7 level (desirable). Experience in multidisciplinary and interagency working (desirable). Skills and Aptitudes Awareness of current health issues within the NHS. Specialist knowledge within paediatrics with the ability to apply it clinically. Advanced clinical reasoning and problem‑solving skills. Positive attitude to change and resilience. Excellent organisational and time‑management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with patients and healthcare professionals on complex and sensitive issues. Ability to work independently and maintain judgement under pressure. Teaching and supervisory skills in formal and informal settings. Commitment to personal and team development. Competent IT skills (internet, e‑mail, word processing) and good presentation skills. Ability to produce comprehensive manual‑handling plans for children in varied settings. Personal Qualities & Attributes Highly effective interpersonal skills and assertiveness. Negotiation skills across multiple levels. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Self‑motivated and able to motivate others. Forward‑thinking. Punctual and reliable. Ability to work on different sites. Physically fit and able to comply with manual handling guidelines. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure and Barring Service check is required to identify any previous criminal convictions. Sponsored Work Applications from job seekers who require a skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Employer Details Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust Kentish Town Health Centre, 2 Bartholomew Rd, London, NW5 2BX #J-18808-Ljbffr