Podiatry Apprentice

Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

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Job summary

Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust (LCHT) Podiatry Service have an exciting opportunity for a Podiatry Apprentice to join our innovative and supportive Podiatry team based in Leeds. The Podiatry Apprenticeship programme is a fully funded route towards qualification as a HCPC registered Podiatrist over a fixed-term 3-year period. Successful candidates will have a programme which includes 60% work-based learning within LCHT and the remaining 40% of the week spent at the Huddersfield University learning the theoretical and practical development of skills.

Podiatrists are registered healthcare professionals specialising in the lower limb (feet, ankles, legs), providing high quality clinical care to people of all ages. As a specialist service we have a variety of teams and roles that provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment and advice on a range of problems affecting the lower limb.

*Additional contact for questions :

Podiatry Operational Head of Service, Gail Fort (gail.fort@nhs.net Tel 07985259065)

Main duties of the job

We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated person with a commitment to personal development to deliver foot care to patients in a variety of community settings.

The post holder will be providing direct and indirect patient care independently with support available from a supervisor. In doing so, they will support the assessment and implementation of care packages delegated to them by the appropriate staff member, ensuring that they practice within their sphere of competence and knowledge.

The post holder will work within a range of procedures and pathways in which they have received training in order to be competent. You will be supported by the Trust and the University of Huddersfield to complete your Podiatry Apprenticeship.

Excellent communications and organisational skills are essential. Previous experience working with older people or other vulnerable groups would be an advantage. You should have the ability to use initiative and work in a team.

About us

Working for Leeds community Healthcare NHS Trust

Who are we?

Leeds Community Healthcare provides a range of community-based health services across the whole city. We treat people in their homes, local health centres and community hospitals, and work in partnership with other local Trusts, charities and Leeds City Council.

We have a strong culture based on deeply-held values, and our focus at all times is on delivering high quality care to the people of Leeds. In our most recent CQC evaluation, we were rated "Good", with our Adult Services rated "Outstanding" for caring.

Perks of the job

Our benefits range from generous annual leave to access to NHS discount sites. You can find the full list of attractive benefits and rewards at www.leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk <-- click on the Join Our Team Tab.

Right to Work

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Date posted

29 February 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£22,816 to £24,336 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9833-YK-SP-119-24

Job locations

City Wide

Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust

White Rose Office Park Building 3, Leeds

LS11 0LT

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

The post holder will be a Podiatry Apprentice on a three-year full time (37.5 hours) fixed-term or four-and-a-half-year part time (30 hours per week) fixed-term education programme working towards becoming a Registered Podiatrist with a degree.

The course combines work-based and academic learning between Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust (LCHT) and Huddersfield University; an approved Higher Education Institute (HEI).

As a Podiatry Apprentice the post holder will be based in a clinical area within LCHT.

The apprentice will be required to achieve the standards as set out by the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) in order to register as a podiatrist on the completion of the Apprenticeship.

During the education programme you will develop skills and knowledge that will allow you to work in todays dynamic and changing healthcare environment. You will be required to commit to self-directed study and successfully complete the education programme within the contract period.

The Podiatry Apprentice is a paid member of staff working within the Trust, you will be allocated set time to attend academic study and placements.

Job Dimensions

As part of the course, you will be required to:

Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the direction of a Podiatrist with a focus on promoting patient health and independence.
Successfully complete and pass the academic and practice elements of the programme including an integrated end-point assessment as specified by LCHT, the HEI the NMC and the Institute of Apprenticeship Standards.
Successfully complete the Podiatry competencies related to the H.C.P.C. standards as specified by LCHT and the HEI.
Have sound attitudes and behaviours compatible with NHS values and LCHT vision, values and magnificent behaviours as set out in Our Eleven.
Work with a Podiatrist, taking responsibility for developing your own competencies while on placements.
Attend academic study and maintain evidence of your learning.
Adhere to the policies and procedures required as an employee of LCHT.
Complete a commitment statement with the HEI.
Demonstrate a flexible and dynamic approach, both to your employment and academic studies.

Key Responsibilities

1. Clinical

1.1. The post holder will implement Podiatric care within the limits of the procedures and pathways in which they have achieved competence.

1.2. Support and assist other staff members to deliver care as delegated and directed.

1.3. Demonstrates developed physical skills obtained through practice and training e.g. accuracy, dexterity, and coordination to complete routine tests within agreed pathways of care, manipulate equipment.

1.4. Observes and evaluates progress of condition and reports to clinician, ensuring that accurate and timely record keeping is achieved.

1.5. Able to identify risk or changes in condition and are responsible for taking action and alerting the appropriate staff member.

1.6. Exchanges factual information with service users using persuasion, reassurance, tact and empathy and addresses barriers to understanding to engage the individual in their care and gain valid consent; ensure that all discussions are recorded in an accurate and timely manner in the patient record.

1.7. Engages and actively involves the individual and, if appropriate, their family/carer, in their assessment, programme of treatment and/or care, if directed to do so by the responsible professional, by using person-centred techniques to promote a culture of self-care, involvement and empowerment.

1.8. Prioritises their own workload and understands the boundaries of their practice; may plan tasks for others e.g. patient groups, arranging for more junior staff to support groups.

1.9. Approaches each individual with care, compassion and sensitivity ensuring that these values are reflected in all aspects of role.

1.10. Engage in reflective practice including management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions and reflecting on answers given.

1.11. Demonstrate a good understanding of principles of consent and ensure valid consent is obtained prior to undertaking Podiatric procedures.

1.12. Develop skills in relation to coaching/teaching individuals, carers, and other staff.

1.13. Assist with the implementation and monitoring of clinical standards and outcomes.

1.14. Be responsible for delegated administration tasks and management of resources within the clinical area e.g. stock control, basic equipment cleaning, specific clinical tasks to support the smooth running of a clinical area.

1.15. To comply with the organisations Infection Prevention and Control requirements, including bare below the elbows dress code for staff with a direct care delivery role.

1.16. Demonstrate good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberties applying principles to everyday practice seeking advice and guidance from registered care professionals as required.