East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

Peadiatric Physiotherapy Assistant Practioner

The closing date is 12 October 2025

Job summary

East Lancashire Hospitals Paediatric Physiotherapy department is a dynamic and enthusiastic team who are dedicated to enabling the children and young people to fulfill their physical potential in every aspect of their lives.

We are looking to recruit an Assistant Practitioner or Trainee Assistant Practitioner to join our team. The role will work with children and young people aged 0-19yrs across the neurological, MSK, Early Years and Respiratory pathways.

The post holder will work alongside registered Physiotherapists and fellow therapy assistants in a range of outpatient, inpatient and community settings, including schools, special schools and patient homes.

You will work with children and young people on a 1:1 basis, and also in a group setting. You will hold your own caseload of patients under the supervision of a registered Physiotherapist. Training and development will be provided.

Informal visits / discussions are encouraged by contacting Nikki Gannon, Clinical and Operational Lead by contacting communitytherapiesadmin@elht.nhs.uk.

Main duties of the job

Support registered clinicians in treating patients with a variety of medical conditions / disabilities.

Work as a member of the team contributing to the running of the service. Work under the guidance of a qualified clinician, assisting with specific duties in the team.

The post holder will;

  • Carry out intervention as requested by the clinician being responsible for feeding back information regarding patient's progress.
  • Be employed in a Trainee Assistant Practitioner (TAP) Programme with a designated Higher Education Institute (HEI) alongside working in the role of a Paediatric Physiotherapy Assistant.

The post involves on-the-job training as a Paediatric Physiotherapy assistant, with academic study.

During the TAP training the post holder will:

  • Perform all of the elements in this job description as a learner and under the direct and/or indirect supervision of a registered practitioner.
  • Develop skills and will contribute to the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of therapy programmes, incrementally as the programme progresses.
  • Seek opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, achieving competencies and Assistant Practitioner qualification within agreed timeframes. Seek support and guidance in a timely manner.
  • Commits to undertake the formal education of the course and complete all components of the training programme within the Trainee Assistant Practitioner contract period.

The service operating hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.

About us

East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 600,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area.

We employ over 7,000 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work

Details

Date posted

03 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £30,162 a year per annum (Dependant on if qualified AP)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

435-D123-25

Job locations

Burnley General Hospital

Casterton Avenue,

Burnley

BB10 2PQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Assist in collating the monthly infection prevention and control audit.

2. Where required be responsible for administrative tasks such as monitoring stock levels including maintenance, ordering stock equipment for patients and receive and process deliveries.

3. Maintains treatment areas and equipment used to an appropriate standard in accordance with health and safety, infection control and other relevant guidance.

4. Preparing and supporting the environment in preparation for meetings and training

5. Responsible for supporting clinical services for example, clinic preparation, patient groups and preparing patients for therapeutic intervention (including virtual/ on-line sessions).

6. Inputting or collating data, as requested, for service evaluation purposes.

7. Undertaking of general administrative duties to support the clinical teams.

8. Support the collection of patient experience feedback.

9. Arranging interpreters as required.

10. Undertake specific delegated assessment and treatment tasks as requested by a clinician (or Assistant Practitioner).

11. Deliver part or all of the treatment plan prescribed by the clinician and follow their direction, contributing to its development, modification and evaluation (this may be face to face, in a group, or telephone reviews).

12. Follow agreed clinical pathways and interventions and escalate to clinician/ supervisor when variations are noted or required.

13. Give both verbal and written feedback about the progress of a patients treatment programme to the clinician in charge of the case.

14. Undertake risk assessments and report back on and document risk, seeking advice as required in accordance with policy and procedures.

15. Supporting clinical staff gathering information from patients, relatives, and other services (from a variety of sources including electronic patient records).

16. Support patient and carers in the self-management of the patients condition.

COMMUNICATION

1. Assist with visitors (staff or patients) entering the service.

2. Make and answer telephone calls and ensure that accurate messages are taken and followed up with relevant staff.

3. Liaise effectively with other departments/ services/ agencies and including information relating to patient interventions and service delivery.

4. The management of emails and associated actions.

5. Supporting clinical staff gathering information from patients, relatives, and other services (from a variety of sources including electronic patient records).

6. Attend and participate in team meetings.

7. Use of a range of techniques to overcome barriers to communication.

8. Communicate appropriately in person, by email, on Teams or over the phone with therapy staff, other professionals, patients and families with patients who are possibly distressed, in pain, unwell or angry using listening and empathetic skills.

9. Advise patients and carers in a variety of ways which may include suggesting techniques and strategies to manage their condition, use of equipment etc.

10. Act as an advocate for patients.

11. Dealing with challenging situations including verbal aggression or patient complaints seeking support as necessary.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

1. Take part in regular supervision in line with Supervision Policy.

2. Share knowledge and experience with other members of staff and students.

3. Maintain your own development portfolio.

4. Assisting in the teaching and education of others and share knowledge and experience with others and share knowledge and experience with other staff members and students.

5. Complete the foundation degree.

ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Participate in team service improvement, audits and governance activities as required.

2. Assist with the induction of staff.

3. Able to deal sensitively with complaints, following procedures and directing them to an appropriate person within the team.

4. Be responsible for maintaining written or electronic clinical documentation in line with relevant policies, legislation, and guidance.

5. Support the delivery of service and organisational objectives.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Understand the need to act in the best interests of service users at all times.

2. Understand the need to respect, and so far as possible uphold the rights, dignity, values and autonomy of every service user.

3. Understand your role in the process of promoting and maintaining health and wellbeing for patients, self and others.

4. Practise in a non-discriminatory manner.

5. Exercise a professional duty of care.

6. Operate within the codes of practice outlined in the Trust behavioural framework.

7. Be willing to recognise own limitations in knowledge, skills and experience and seek support to address any learning needs as required in a timely manner and with an appropriate qualified member of staff.

8. Understand your role in supporting staff and patients with protected characteristics, to be a role model and ally in challenging and eliminating discrimination of all forms.

9. Assess and maintain competencies as required for the role.

10. Awareness of HCPC professional standards and demonstrate evidence of compliance.

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. Assist in collating the monthly infection prevention and control audit.

2. Where required be responsible for administrative tasks such as monitoring stock levels including maintenance, ordering stock equipment for patients and receive and process deliveries.

3. Maintains treatment areas and equipment used to an appropriate standard in accordance with health and safety, infection control and other relevant guidance.

4. Preparing and supporting the environment in preparation for meetings and training

5. Responsible for supporting clinical services for example, clinic preparation, patient groups and preparing patients for therapeutic intervention (including virtual/ on-line sessions).

6. Inputting or collating data, as requested, for service evaluation purposes.

7. Undertaking of general administrative duties to support the clinical teams.

8. Support the collection of patient experience feedback.

9. Arranging interpreters as required.

10. Undertake specific delegated assessment and treatment tasks as requested by a clinician (or Assistant Practitioner).

11. Deliver part or all of the treatment plan prescribed by the clinician and follow their direction, contributing to its development, modification and evaluation (this may be face to face, in a group, or telephone reviews).

12. Follow agreed clinical pathways and interventions and escalate to clinician/ supervisor when variations are noted or required.

13. Give both verbal and written feedback about the progress of a patients treatment programme to the clinician in charge of the case.

14. Undertake risk assessments and report back on and document risk, seeking advice as required in accordance with policy and procedures.

15. Supporting clinical staff gathering information from patients, relatives, and other services (from a variety of sources including electronic patient records).

16. Support patient and carers in the self-management of the patients condition.

COMMUNICATION

1. Assist with visitors (staff or patients) entering the service.

2. Make and answer telephone calls and ensure that accurate messages are taken and followed up with relevant staff.

3. Liaise effectively with other departments/ services/ agencies and including information relating to patient interventions and service delivery.

4. The management of emails and associated actions.

5. Supporting clinical staff gathering information from patients, relatives, and other services (from a variety of sources including electronic patient records).

6. Attend and participate in team meetings.

7. Use of a range of techniques to overcome barriers to communication.

8. Communicate appropriately in person, by email, on Teams or over the phone with therapy staff, other professionals, patients and families with patients who are possibly distressed, in pain, unwell or angry using listening and empathetic skills.

9. Advise patients and carers in a variety of ways which may include suggesting techniques and strategies to manage their condition, use of equipment etc.

10. Act as an advocate for patients.

11. Dealing with challenging situations including verbal aggression or patient complaints seeking support as necessary.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

1. Take part in regular supervision in line with Supervision Policy.

2. Share knowledge and experience with other members of staff and students.

3. Maintain your own development portfolio.

4. Assisting in the teaching and education of others and share knowledge and experience with others and share knowledge and experience with other staff members and students.

5. Complete the foundation degree.

ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Participate in team service improvement, audits and governance activities as required.

2. Assist with the induction of staff.

3. Able to deal sensitively with complaints, following procedures and directing them to an appropriate person within the team.

4. Be responsible for maintaining written or electronic clinical documentation in line with relevant policies, legislation, and guidance.

5. Support the delivery of service and organisational objectives.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Understand the need to act in the best interests of service users at all times.

2. Understand the need to respect, and so far as possible uphold the rights, dignity, values and autonomy of every service user.

3. Understand your role in the process of promoting and maintaining health and wellbeing for patients, self and others.

4. Practise in a non-discriminatory manner.

5. Exercise a professional duty of care.

6. Operate within the codes of practice outlined in the Trust behavioural framework.

7. Be willing to recognise own limitations in knowledge, skills and experience and seek support to address any learning needs as required in a timely manner and with an appropriate qualified member of staff.

8. Understand your role in supporting staff and patients with protected characteristics, to be a role model and ally in challenging and eliminating discrimination of all forms.

9. Assess and maintain competencies as required for the role.

10. Awareness of HCPC professional standards and demonstrate evidence of compliance.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE Grade 4 or above in English/ Maths or equivalent
  • NVQ/ BTEC Level 3 or equivalent in health and social care

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a healthcare or care environment.
  • Experience of working independently

Knowledge and skills

Essential

  • IT skills including Microsoft office 365
  • Basic knowledge of clinical assessments and interventions
  • Health safety and risk awareness
  • Organisational skills including ability to manage own workload
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Able to work with varying demands and environments
  • Understand when to seek support and advice
  • Able to work effectively as part of a dedicated team
  • Aware of personal and professional limitations

other

Essential

  • Access to private vehicle to be able to travel across ELHT sites, including to patients usual place of residence, where required
  • Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner as required in accordance with the agreed job plan
  • Able to undertake moving and handling tasks.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE Grade 4 or above in English/ Maths or equivalent
  • NVQ/ BTEC Level 3 or equivalent in health and social care

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in a healthcare or care environment.
  • Experience of working independently

Knowledge and skills

Essential

  • IT skills including Microsoft office 365
  • Basic knowledge of clinical assessments and interventions
  • Health safety and risk awareness
  • Organisational skills including ability to manage own workload
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Able to work with varying demands and environments
  • Understand when to seek support and advice
  • Able to work effectively as part of a dedicated team
  • Aware of personal and professional limitations

other

Essential

  • Access to private vehicle to be able to travel across ELHT sites, including to patients usual place of residence, where required
  • Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner as required in accordance with the agreed job plan
  • Able to undertake moving and handling tasks.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Burnley General Hospital

Casterton Avenue,

Burnley

BB10 2PQ


Employer's website

http://jobs.elht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Burnley General Hospital

Casterton Avenue,

Burnley

BB10 2PQ


Employer's website

http://jobs.elht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical and Operational Service Lead

Nichola Gannon

nichola.gannon@elht.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

03 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £30,162 a year per annum (Dependant on if qualified AP)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

435-D123-25

Job locations

Burnley General Hospital

Casterton Avenue,

Burnley

BB10 2PQ


Supporting documents

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