Job Description

To hold responsibility for and organise own caseload, within delegated areas of the service, with on-going support from a more experienced Therapist. To provide assessment, treatment and management of babies, children and adolescents who present with diverse physical, developmental, sensory and learning needs. To work closely with the multi-disciplinary team. To continue own professional development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical To undertake the assessment of children/ young people including those with a complex presentation using investigative and analytical skills and interpreting findings to ensure effective intervention strategies. To take clinical responsibility for a varied paediatric caseload of differing complexities and to organise this effectively with regard to clinical priorities and use of time. To communicate complex information from assessment and treatment to clients, carers and other professionals. To ensure that clients are involved in the planning and prioritisation of their treatment plans wherever possible.



To develop and implement Physiotherapy treatment and to evaluate outcomes. To work closely with clients, carers and other professionals to negotiate and agree client management. To contribute to multi-disciplinary and uni-disciplinary teams to ensure a client focussed approach to treatment. To maintain up to date and accurate case notes in line with CSP professional standards and local trust policies.



To produce reports regarding clients needs and summarising proposed care plans. To contribute to legal documents such as Education Health and Care Plans, Individual Education Plans and Annual Reviews. To provide advice and coaching to others regarding the management and care of clients. To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence based practice and outcome measures.



To adapt practice to meet individual clients circumstances, including due regard for cultural and linguistic differences. To share information with clients, carers and other professionals, observing data protection guidelines. To demonstrate empathy with clients, carers and colleagues, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where significant barriers to understanding exist. To respond sensitively at all times particularly when imparting potentially distressing information regarding the nature of the clinical difficulties and their implications.



To motivate clients, carers and other professionals to engage in the therapeutic process. To use negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations. To deal with initial complaints sensitively, avoiding escalation where possible, in line with Bridgewater trust policy. To assess the capacity of the child or young person to give valid, informed consent.



To be able to work within a legal framework with children and parents for consent to treatment. To communicate effectively with the child or young person and their carers to maximise treatment potential and ensure understanding of their condition. Addressing physical, psychological and emotional barriers to effective communication will be regularly required. Teaching Skills To participate in the development and delivery of training to others with support.



To target training appropriately to the needs of course participants. Reflect on and evaluate training provided Clinical Governance Requirements To gather statistical data punctually To participate in departmental research as required To undertake Clinical Governance/audit projects within the local service as required. To develop a working knowledge of relevant procedures including: safeguarding children, SEN procedures, working with vulnerable adults and other legal frameworks. Continuing Professional Development To identify personal/professional development by Personal Development Plan/Professional Portfolio developed within an appraisal framework.



To participate in individual performance review, ensuring that the objectives set reflect the service and trust plans. To attend relevant training and development in order to maintain and develop skills and knowledge required of a generalist therapist and maintain up to date HCPC and CSP registration. To demonstrate knowledge of, and adhere to CSP Professional and Local Clinical Guidelines. To attend relevant courses, in service training, meetings and special interest groups.



Clinical Leadership To supervise the work of assistants To participate in student placements as appropriate. To explain the role of Physiotherapy to visitors, students and volunteers. Analytical and Judgemental Skills To demonstrate the ability to reflect on practice with peers/clinical supervisor and to identify own strengths and development needs. clients physical needs and development.



To make appropriate clinical decisions following assessment, seeking support and advice from a supervisor as appropriate. To make a differential diagnosis on the basis of evidence from assessment seeking advice as appropriate. Responsibility for Client Care and Contact with Carers To demonstrate the ability to manage people with challenging behaviours including the application of appropriate management strategies. To work within infection control and health and safety guidelines in order to deal appropriately with unpleasant conditions related to client contact as they arise: for example exposure to body fluids, infectious conditions, encountered on a regular basis.



Responsibility for Planning and Organisational Skills To be aware of and adhere to service and team plans and policies. To comment on proposed service / policy developments as appropriate. To manage and prioritise own workload. Physical Skills To demonstrate knowledge and apply principles of safe moving and handling for all children and young people.



To provide therapeutic handling and facilitation as clinically appropriate. To demonstrate appropriate and safe use of therapeutic equipment. To work in a range of positions including on the floor and sustain postures for short lengths of time. Responsibility for Equipment or Financial Resources To monitor stock levels in own service area and request new equipment as appropriate.



To be responsible for ensuring the security, care, maintenance and delivery of equipment ensuring standards of infection control and safety are maintained, including equipment loaned to clients. Freedom to Act To be accountable for own professional action and recognise own professional boundaries, seeking advice as appropriate. To work within defined departmental and national protocols / policies and professional code of conduct. To manage and prioritise own caseload independently in conjunction with senior Physiotherapy staff.



To discharge appropriately, agreeing a point of closure with the clients and carers and informing other professionals.