Clinical Specialist Paediatric Therapist

Job responsibilities

Main duties and responsibilities

Clinical

1. To comprehensively assess, analyse, and set treatment goals for children, adolescents and young adults, with cerebral palsy and other related complex neurological conditions, using a transdisciplinary Bobath approach to treatment and management, and contributing discipline specific skills as appropriate.
2. To develop and implement highly specialised and individualised treatment based on a sound knowledge of the BCRF, Family Centred Services (FCS) and the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) and current EBP using advanced clinical reasoning skills.
3. To generate detailed, accurate and analytical reports of findings reflecting specialist analysis and to ensure these are completed within the designated timescale.
4. To plan individualised home programmes in conjunction with the child/parent, including discussion and practice of activities. The planning of home programmes will involve discussion with local therapists and other agencies regarding therapy priorities. Additional suggestions may be included for other environments, such as school. This is to be supported by written instruction, photographs, and/or videos.
5. To evaluate clinical effectiveness and patient progress using standardised outcome measures, as appropriate, and adapting and modifying treatment accordingly.
6. To manage a caseload, being professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work, without direct supervision. Access to advice and support from Advanced Clinical Specialists and Consultant Therapists in own and other disciplines is available, if required, but clinical work is not routinely evaluated.
7. To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication skills with patients (or clients), parents, carers, colleagues, local therapists and other professionals, to communicate sensitive and complex information in an understandable form regarding issues relating to diagnosis, progress and treatment. To recognise when to seek advice on these issues from senior colleagues.
8. To demonstrate empathy with patients, families/carers and colleagues, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where barriers to understanding exist.
9. To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication skills to gain cooperation and motivation of patients and carers to participate in therapy activities.
10. To ensure that the approach, progress and frequency of treatment are appropriate to individual needs and circumstances and available resources.
11. To be responsible for designated equipment ensuring maintenance is carried out and reporting any defects.
12. To adapt practice where possible to take account of cultural and diversity issues.
13. To show flexibility and adaptability in managing a clinical caseload.
14. To be available to work at venues across Wales.

Professional

1. To participate in the organisations appraisal schemes, ensuring that objectives set reflect the service needs and strategic plans of the Centre as well as the individuals continuing professional development.
2. To attend and lead case discussions and tutorials.
3. To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through CPD activities and maintaining a portfolio which reflects personal development.
4. To occasionally assist senior staff with demonstration and clinical observation on courses at basic and introductory level and for non-therapy staff.
5. To provide peer support.
6. To undertake as requested the collection of data for service audit or research projects.
7. To undertake audit projects and support research.
8. To be responsible for own development and increase in skills and knowledge with support from peers and seniors.

Administration/Organisation

1. To write and maintain accurate and comprehensive patient progress records and reports in line with the standards of practice of your professional body and those of the Bobath Centres.
2. To liaise with administrative staff concerning appointments and any equipment required for patients.
3. To comply with all required professional policies and procedures including Health and Safety, security and confidentiality policies and procedures, and ensure the safety of patients, colleagues and visitors at all times.
4. To undertake specific organisational responsibilities as agreed, such as organising tutorials or participating in project work.

Effort

1. Physical effort: the post holder will be expected to kneel, sit on heels, support patients while standing/walking, transfer patients, use hoists and other transfer equipment on a daily basis.
2. Mental effort: the post holder will be expected to concentrate during complex assessment/treatment sessions and ensure good communication with those patients with limited comprehensive/expressive communication skills and their carers.
3. Emotional effort: care of children and young adults with severe chronic neurological conditions, imparting information relating to limitations of function including communication, mobility and manipulation, which would impact on prognosis, dealing with patients and carers who may be depressed, angry or withdrawn.
4. Working environment: exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions, bodily fluids and unpleasant smells.

Additional responsibilities

1. To occasionally work or participate in training days in locations other than the usual workplace
2. Participate in team meetings and engage with the wider staff team when appropriate.
3. Actively work with others (internal and external) to facilitate organisational and departmental improvements and changes, in line with charity-wide strategies.
4. To maintain confidentiality at all times and adhere to Cerebral Palsy Cymrus confidentiality policy.
5. To follow and remain up to date with Charity policies and procedures
6. Carry out any other reasonable tasks as may be required.
7. To maintain awareness of the work of Cerebral Palsy Cymru.

Please note that due to the clinical nature of the role, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and requires the post holder to have an Enhanced DBS check. The work done by this post is a regulated activity and such any Enhanced DBS check will include information relating to the children and adults barred lists. Individuals must not apply to work in activities that they are barred from and any attempt to do so is a criminal offence.

For further information please see our Privacy notice recruitment and Criminal Records Information Policy at www.cerebralpalsycymru.org

Qualifications

Essential

• Recognised Professional Qualification/Degree or equivalent in Speech and Language Therapy
• Health Professions Council registration
• Member of RCSLT
• Member of relevant Special Interest Group
• Basic 8 week Paediatric Bobath Course, or willingness to undergo this training
• Variety of courses relevant to paediatrics

Desirable

• Advanced or other additional Bobath Course
• MSc

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of two and half years experience of working with children with cerebral palsy
• Experience of using the Bobath Concept with children with cerebral palsy
• Experience of working without direct supervision
• Experience in general paediatrics and of using a variety of paediatric equipment
• Evidence of continued professional development

Desirable

• Experience of leading in-service training for colleagues
• Training / experience in specialist area within professional domain; e.g. General Movements Course, CIMT training or PROMPT
• Working with people with cerebral palsy of all ages

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• In-depth knowledge of cerebral palsy and occupation specific knowledge related to this field including current research
• High level of ability to perform accurate analysis and problem solving
• High level of treatment skills for children with cerebral palsy
• Highly developed and effective communication skills
• Excellent report writing skills
• Established knowledge of a broad range of assessment tools and outcome measures relevant to working with clients with cerebral palsy
• Good computer skills including MS 365, Photo editing, Basic video editing
• A problem-solving approach to treatment and work life
• Able to prioritise and meet report deadlines
• Able to keep accurate notes
• Able to manage own caseload
• Able to work as an effective transdisciplinary team member and contribute to a positive working environment
• Full driving licence and access to own vehicle

Desirable

• Teaching skills
• Knowledge of research methodology

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).