Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Clinical Lead Physiotherapist to join our dynamic Children's Therapies Team at CHFT. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shapephysiotherapy provision for children and young people across Calderdale and Huddersfield.
As Clinical Lead, you will:
Provide expert clinical leadership and supervision to the physiotherapy team.Drive service development and innovation to ensure high-quality, evidence-based care.Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues, families, and partner agencies.Support the delivery of integrated care pathways for children with complex needs.Contribute to workforce development, training, and clinical governance
We are looking for a physiotherapist who is:
HCPC registered, with substantial post-registration experience in paediatric physiotherapy.Skilled in managing complex caseloads across community, acute, and educational settings.Confident in leading teams, service improvement, and change management.Passionate about delivering child-centred care and empowering families.Committed to professional development and supporting others to achieve their potential
Main duties of the job
To act as the clinical lead for the Physiotherapy service for children physical difficulties and with Special Educational needs and disabilities (SEN), advancing clinical practice in this area of work and taking a lead in evolving and embedding best practice into clinical practice.
To manage own highly specialist caseload.
To work autonomously within Trust policies and professional practice, maintaining accurate and comprehensive up to date records.
To perform highly specialist assessment and treatment of children and young people referred into the service, with the aim of using education and advice to facilitate parents and carers and professionals working with the child to understand and actively participate in the management of the child.
To determine a clinical diagnosis, develop, deliver, implement, evaluate and modify individualised treatment programmes and/or provide highly specialist advice.
To educate and train Physiotherapists and qualified and non-qualified healthcare/ social services/education staff including medical staff.
To assist the Team Leader in the daily operational management of the whole team.
To support and advise within the wider multi agency team on the delivery of the service.
To lead the Physiotherapy team in delivering assessment and interventions for children in a variety of settings including clinics, homes and schools.
About us
CHFT is an integrated Trust of 6,500+ colleagues providing hospital and community services to patients and communities across Calderdale and Kirklees. We are rated as 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission, are a top performing Trust for Elective Recovery, Emergency and Cancer Care and widely acknowledged as a national digital lead when it comes to caring for people across our local and regional systems.
Our people are at the core of everything we do, hence our commitment to One Culture of Care. Our focus is to care for and support each other in order to provide outstanding compassionate care to our patients. That is why we are looking for an inclusive collaborative, creative, innovative and compassionate leader to join us in this role.
At CHFT, we pride ourselves on being a friendly, supportive, and forward-thinking Trust. Joining our Children's Therapies team means:
Working in a collaborative environment with strong multidisciplinary links.
Access to regular supervision, CPD opportunities, and leadership development.Being part of a service that values innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.Contributing to a Trust that has been rated "Good" by the CQC and is committed tocompassionate care
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Duties
- To work within the childrens therapy service, leading, coordinating and developing effective
clinical interventions within the speciality of paediatrics including complex needs in order to advance clinical practice in the team in line with current evidence base.
- To manage autonomously a clinical workload of children at a highly specialist level, assessing and treating patients and maintaining clinical records.
- To have highly specialist assessment and treatment skills in the areas listed but not limited to:
v Triage and prioritization of patients referred to the team
v Identification of complex needs
v Assessment and treatment of patients with multi pathology
v Assessment for equipment and adaptations.
v Cognitive and perceptual difficulties
v Postural management
v Manual handling assessments
v Training/ supporting others to manage the childs condition
v Joint goal setting and problem solving
v Use of appropriate outcome measures
v Transfer of care planning and discharge of patients from the team
- To apply evidence based knowledge within the specialist clinical area acquired through in depth experience and academic study to a highly specialist post graduate level.
- To act, within the childrens therapy service, as a resource and provide advice for Physiotherapists, other professionals and colleagues within the MDT about the assessment, treatment, management and care of children who have a multi-pathological illness and/or complex psychosocial need.
- To work collaboratively with education, health and social care community and acute colleagues.
- To work with other members of the MDT to ensure effective care pathways and transfer of care / discharges.
- To proactively and appropriately facilitate a seamless transfer of care and continuing therapeutic management of children/ young people.
- To work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary manner within the MDT, being able to debate the blurring of boundaries across professions and where competent take on aspects of blurred boundary working, where appropriate.
- To develop highly specialist programmes of assessment, treatment and intervention.
- To manage and prioritise own clinical workload as appropriate, working efficiently to manage professional time and delegate according to the training and competency levels of other team members to ensure the effective delivery of the service.
- To participate in the supervision process with staff daily and for students as required.
- To ensure a high standard of patient care is provided including implementing and reviewing clinical standards relevant to the work undertaken.
- To provide specialist assessment and advice for the multidisciplinary team and actively participate in MDT meetings as appropriate.
Professional Duties
- To comply with and, along with the team leader, write, develop and implement protocols, procedures and guidelines both clinical and service specific. To give feedback on policies when required which may impact on the management and care of children and young people.
- To participate in governance initiatives on a regular basis, measuring and evaluating individual and the teams clinical practice, e.g. CPD, clinical effectiveness, research and development, clinical audit and service activity data.
- To ensure specialised treatments offered to children and young people are based on the best available clinical evidence by keeping up to date with current literature, implementing research tools and liaising with other practitioners, both within and outside the service, in order to develop and maintain best practice.
- To be responsible for the issue and safe use of equipment used in your area of work and to adhere to the appropriate service policies.
- Along with the Clinical Lead/Team Leader generate and contribute to the collection, analysis and dissemination of data as required for the service, both manually and computerised.
- To lead, develop and actively undertake clinical audit.
- To lead on supporting members of the Childrens Therapy team and contribute to them successfully meeting their objectives and development needs.
- To assist the Team Leader to manage the performance of the physiotherapy team and assistant staff by providing supervision and appraising staff.
Managerial Duties
- To support and advise on the delivery of Childrens Therapy within the wider MDT.
- To provide the Team Leader with advice/information in the planning and development of the service. Along with the Team Leader to identify and evaluate potential areas for service and quality improvement.
- In conjunction with the Team Leader, ensure adequate staff cover within the team by agreeing annual leave, study leave, and report sickness absence to the Team Leader.
- To assist in achieving the service objectives.
- To lead on and actively participate in the professional development programme of the team..
- To assist the Team Leader in the monitoring of professional, clinical and departmental standards and assist implementation of change as appropriate.
- To work with the team leader in the management of incidents and complaints.
- To comply with the national, professional, Trust and service policies and procedures and to be involved in the reviewing and updating process as appropriate.
- To participate in the staff recruitment process and in issues of staff retention.
- Maintain confidentiality of all patient identifiable information in line with Trust policies relating to the Data Protection Act.
- Initiate discussions with the Team Leader about any circumstances that could prevent the postholder or other staff fulfilling the requirements of the job description.
Training and Development Duties
- To identify, develop and evaluate a training programme to address the needs of the Physiotherapy service and the wider multi professional team as appropriate.
- To organise and participate and lead in in-service training programmes, under direction, ensuring appropriate training is delivered.
- To provide specialist supervision for therapists and assistants.
- To undertake appropriate development opportunities as identified at yearly personal development reviews and through personal development plans.
- To incorporate acquired knowledge into working practice as appropriate, following discussion with Team Leader.
- To disseminate information from training effectively throughout the team, the service and MDT as appropriate.
- To participate in the supervision process and peer review and maintain an up to date CPD portfolio including evidence of experiential learning, reflective practice and any relevant training or experience. This should demonstrate responsibility for maintaining own competency to practice.
- To participate in the Trust Personal Development Review process taking responsibility to comply with an agreed personal development plan.
- To give highly specialist advice, teaching and training to children, parent, carers, volunteers and other health, educational and social care professionals, as appropriate to ensure provision of good patient care.
- To be responsible for the supervision and education of student Physiotherapists to graduate level in the role of clinical educator.
- To contribute to the supervision and education of students from other professional groups e.g. Nurses, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists as required.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Duties
- To work within the childrens therapy service, leading, coordinating and developing effective
clinical interventions within the speciality of paediatrics including complex needs in order to advance clinical practice in the team in line with current evidence base.
- To manage autonomously a clinical workload of children at a highly specialist level, assessing and treating patients and maintaining clinical records.
- To have highly specialist assessment and treatment skills in the areas listed but not limited to:
v Triage and prioritization of patients referred to the team
v Identification of complex needs
v Assessment and treatment of patients with multi pathology
v Assessment for equipment and adaptations.
v Cognitive and perceptual difficulties
v Postural management
v Manual handling assessments
v Training/ supporting others to manage the childs condition
v Joint goal setting and problem solving
v Use of appropriate outcome measures
v Transfer of care planning and discharge of patients from the team
- To apply evidence based knowledge within the specialist clinical area acquired through in depth experience and academic study to a highly specialist post graduate level.
- To act, within the childrens therapy service, as a resource and provide advice for Physiotherapists, other professionals and colleagues within the MDT about the assessment, treatment, management and care of children who have a multi-pathological illness and/or complex psychosocial need.
- To work collaboratively with education, health and social care community and acute colleagues.
- To work with other members of the MDT to ensure effective care pathways and transfer of care / discharges.
- To proactively and appropriately facilitate a seamless transfer of care and continuing therapeutic management of children/ young people.
- To work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary manner within the MDT, being able to debate the blurring of boundaries across professions and where competent take on aspects of blurred boundary working, where appropriate.
- To develop highly specialist programmes of assessment, treatment and intervention.
- To manage and prioritise own clinical workload as appropriate, working efficiently to manage professional time and delegate according to the training and competency levels of other team members to ensure the effective delivery of the service.
- To participate in the supervision process with staff daily and for students as required.
- To ensure a high standard of patient care is provided including implementing and reviewing clinical standards relevant to the work undertaken.
- To provide specialist assessment and advice for the multidisciplinary team and actively participate in MDT meetings as appropriate.
Professional Duties
- To comply with and, along with the team leader, write, develop and implement protocols, procedures and guidelines both clinical and service specific. To give feedback on policies when required which may impact on the management and care of children and young people.
- To participate in governance initiatives on a regular basis, measuring and evaluating individual and the teams clinical practice, e.g. CPD, clinical effectiveness, research and development, clinical audit and service activity data.
- To ensure specialised treatments offered to children and young people are based on the best available clinical evidence by keeping up to date with current literature, implementing research tools and liaising with other practitioners, both within and outside the service, in order to develop and maintain best practice.
- To be responsible for the issue and safe use of equipment used in your area of work and to adhere to the appropriate service policies.
- Along with the Clinical Lead/Team Leader generate and contribute to the collection, analysis and dissemination of data as required for the service, both manually and computerised.
- To lead, develop and actively undertake clinical audit.
- To lead on supporting members of the Childrens Therapy team and contribute to them successfully meeting their objectives and development needs.
- To assist the Team Leader to manage the performance of the physiotherapy team and assistant staff by providing supervision and appraising staff.
Managerial Duties
- To support and advise on the delivery of Childrens Therapy within the wider MDT.
- To provide the Team Leader with advice/information in the planning and development of the service. Along with the Team Leader to identify and evaluate potential areas for service and quality improvement.
- In conjunction with the Team Leader, ensure adequate staff cover within the team by agreeing annual leave, study leave, and report sickness absence to the Team Leader.
- To assist in achieving the service objectives.
- To lead on and actively participate in the professional development programme of the team..
- To assist the Team Leader in the monitoring of professional, clinical and departmental standards and assist implementation of change as appropriate.
- To work with the team leader in the management of incidents and complaints.
- To comply with the national, professional, Trust and service policies and procedures and to be involved in the reviewing and updating process as appropriate.
- To participate in the staff recruitment process and in issues of staff retention.
- Maintain confidentiality of all patient identifiable information in line with Trust policies relating to the Data Protection Act.
- Initiate discussions with the Team Leader about any circumstances that could prevent the postholder or other staff fulfilling the requirements of the job description.
Training and Development Duties
- To identify, develop and evaluate a training programme to address the needs of the Physiotherapy service and the wider multi professional team as appropriate.
- To organise and participate and lead in in-service training programmes, under direction, ensuring appropriate training is delivered.
- To provide specialist supervision for therapists and assistants.
- To undertake appropriate development opportunities as identified at yearly personal development reviews and through personal development plans.
- To incorporate acquired knowledge into working practice as appropriate, following discussion with Team Leader.
- To disseminate information from training effectively throughout the team, the service and MDT as appropriate.
- To participate in the supervision process and peer review and maintain an up to date CPD portfolio including evidence of experiential learning, reflective practice and any relevant training or experience. This should demonstrate responsibility for maintaining own competency to practice.
- To participate in the Trust Personal Development Review process taking responsibility to comply with an agreed personal development plan.
- To give highly specialist advice, teaching and training to children, parent, carers, volunteers and other health, educational and social care professionals, as appropriate to ensure provision of good patient care.
- To be responsible for the supervision and education of student Physiotherapists to graduate level in the role of clinical educator.
- To contribute to the supervision and education of students from other professional groups e.g. Nurses, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists as required.
Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
Essential
- Extensive experience of carrying out specialist assessments and interventions for children and young people with physical difficulties and disability.
- Evidence of up to date best practice in paediatrics
- Evidence of CPD, self-directed learning and Reflective Practice
- Knowledge of relevant Legislation, NSF'S/ Local and National initiatives
- Experience in leading on and contributing to service improvements
- Extensive knowledge of child development and a range of common paediatric conditions
- Teaching/Presentation skills
- Excellent Time Management skills
Desirable
- Previous experience of working at Band 6 level with children and young people
- Attendance at relevant Special Interest Groups
COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)
Essential
- Demonstrate excellent leadership skills
- Experience of developing, supervising and training others
- Ability to organise, prioritise and delegate appropriately using knowledge of blurred boundary / competency frameworks
- Demonstrates positive attitude and behaviours
- Ability to communicate effectively with people with complex difficulties and in difficult situations
- Ability to recognise own limitations and have a willingness to share and learn skills from others
- Ability to work in various locations throughout the network of services provided by Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.
Desirable
- Experience in dealing with complaints (e.g. diffusing complaint or investigating complaint)
- Knowledge and experience of the principles and practice of partnership working within an integrated team
QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING
Essential
- Relevant Degree/Diploma
- Registered with HCPC
- Evidence of Postgraduate Training relevant to the post
- Clinical Educator Training
Desirable
- Member of Professional Body
- Studied at Masters level or equivalent
Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
Essential
- Extensive experience of carrying out specialist assessments and interventions for children and young people with physical difficulties and disability.
- Evidence of up to date best practice in paediatrics
- Evidence of CPD, self-directed learning and Reflective Practice
- Knowledge of relevant Legislation, NSF'S/ Local and National initiatives
- Experience in leading on and contributing to service improvements
- Extensive knowledge of child development and a range of common paediatric conditions
- Teaching/Presentation skills
- Excellent Time Management skills
Desirable
- Previous experience of working at Band 6 level with children and young people
- Attendance at relevant Special Interest Groups
COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)
Essential
- Demonstrate excellent leadership skills
- Experience of developing, supervising and training others
- Ability to organise, prioritise and delegate appropriately using knowledge of blurred boundary / competency frameworks
- Demonstrates positive attitude and behaviours
- Ability to communicate effectively with people with complex difficulties and in difficult situations
- Ability to recognise own limitations and have a willingness to share and learn skills from others
- Ability to work in various locations throughout the network of services provided by Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.
Desirable
- Experience in dealing with complaints (e.g. diffusing complaint or investigating complaint)
- Knowledge and experience of the principles and practice of partnership working within an integrated team
QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING
Essential
- Relevant Degree/Diploma
- Registered with HCPC
- Evidence of Postgraduate Training relevant to the post
- Clinical Educator Training
Desirable
- Member of Professional Body
- Studied at Masters level or equivalent
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
