Learning Disabilities Physiotherapist

Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our friendly, multi-disciplinary Learning Disability team at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust for 12 months, ideally starting in May. We provide physiotherapy services to adults with learning disabilities in a variety of community and Trust settings. Full time hours available; consideration given to job share or part time hours for the right candidate(s). The service runs Monday-Friday.

Managing your own caseload, you will work with and for individuals with complex needs around 24 hour postural management, community respiratory care, total bowel management, therapeutic standing/walking, and mobility. You will undertake assessments and provide specialist Physiotherapy to adults with communication, behavioural, physical health and/or sensory needs. Using the Mental Capacity Act, you will contribute to and make best interest decisions about physiotherapy input where an individual lacks capacity to consent. Patient centred care will require engaging service users and working closely with their families, carers, social care services, healthcare professionals and/or and education/day services.

You should be well motivated and enthusiastic to address health inequalities. You will support service users to achieve goals and/or promote and maintain their health in the community. There are in service development opportunities.

Travel throughout Somerset is required; a car with business insurance is essential. Mileage allowance given.

Main duties of the job

• Manage a specialist physiotherapy caseload for adults with learning disabilities in community and Trust settings
• Undertake comprehensive assessments and deliver individualised, evidence based physiotherapy interventions
• Provide physiotherapy input relating to postural management, respiratory care, mobility, therapeutic standing/walking and bowel management
• Work in line with the Mental Capacity Act, contributing to and making best interest decisions where individuals lack capacity to consent
• Work collaboratively with service users, families, carers and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver person centred care
• Support service users to achieve agreed goals and promote long term health and wellbeing
• Provide specialist advice, guidance and education to carers, support staff and other professionals
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation and activity data
• Participate in service development, audit, training and in service learning opportunities

About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust , we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card , unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce , and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty , and breathtaking coastlines , with vibrant cities like Bristol , Bath , and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London .

The region is home to excellent educational facilities , and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities
For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Qualifications
Essential

• HCPC registration
• Diploma/degree in physiotherapy
• Evidence of CPD maintained in a portfolio including attendance at recent postgraduate courses

Desirable

• Membership of the Chartered society of physiotherapy
• Membership of relevant CSP special interest group
• Post graduate accredited course in care of the elderly and/rehabilitation/neurology/learning disabilities
• Rebound therapy training
• Hydrotherapy training

Experience
Essential

• Experience of a wide range of clinical areas of practice to with complex multi-pathology, neurological, orthopaedics, learning disabilities etc.
• Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Proven post graduate experience with extensive clinical experience relevant to the post.

Desirable

• Experience of working with people with a learning disability in physiotherapy context
• Experience in a community setting
• Experience of service development and review
• Experience of lone working

Additional Criteria
Essential

• Knowledge of clinical governance
• Access to a car, with business insurance, that can be used for work purposes.

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.

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.