Job Summary
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our thriving Bristol Physiotherapy and Exercise team as a Band 4 Physiotherapy Technician, at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Mental Health Trust.
The post holder will be an integral member of the Physiotherapy and Exercise Team in Bristol, and will work closely with Physiotherapists, and alongside a team of Exercise Specialists to provide a Physiotherapy and Exercise service to both adult and older adult inpatients.
Patients who access this service experience a range of mental health challenges and the successful candidate will need to have the skills and knowledge to understand how these conditions impact on someone’s motivation and ability to participate in Physiotherapy sessions.
Main duties of the job
To work as a member of the multi-professional team to provide physiotherapy led interventions to clients in the in-patient units and in the community.
To support the Senior Physiotherapist in the delivery and progression of therapeutic interventions, exercise programmes and equipment provision.
To plan, organise and deliver delegated physiotherapy interventions in accordance with trust standards.
To work with groups and individuals, making efficient use of the hospital gym in collaboration with the Senior Physiotherapist.
The post holder may be required to perform duties other than those given in the job description for the post. The particular duties and responsibilities attached to posts may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibilities entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and would not of themselves justify the re-evaluation of a post. In cases, however, where a permanent and substantial change in the duties and responsibilities of a post occurs, consistent with a higher level of responsibility, then the post would be eligible for re-evaluation.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical:
- To follow up clients on a regular basis unsupervised according to a Care Plan.
- To assess and implement planned physical activity and health promotion programmes to a standard which meets the agreed key Trust policies and objectives.
- To design, implement, monitor and adapt physical activity and exercise programmes, on an individual and group basis, as appropriate. Observing and monitoring progress and making adjustments to interventions.
- To provide information and practical advice, within scope of own competency, to service users, corers and staff.
- To promote, participate and create resources for health promotions and campaigns.
- To demonstrate safe moving and handling of gym, and other equipment.
- To be responsible for identifying issues regarding the safeguarding of others who may be at risk, and reporting all such concerns in accordance with Trust safeguarding procedures.
- To be responsible for ongoing risk assessment around clinical practice and personal safety, and reporting and escalating concerns in line with Trust policy.
- To support the development of, contribute towards and implement intervention plans, policies and procedures within range of own competency and scope of practice.
- To conduct pre-exercise screens and physical assessments within the parameters of own competency and scope of practice and referring to more experienced or suitably qualified staff for guidance and support.
- To observe the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act and to be aware of risks to patients and self, taking all precautionary safety measures required.
- Under the guidance of ward staff and a physiotherapist, assist in personal care, as appropriate, during rehabilitation.
- Under the guidance of a physiotherapist, carry out specific rehab programmes for a condition or injury.
- To assess the safety and appropriateness of physical activity for service users through carrying out a pre-exercise health questionnaire; review of MDT notes/physical observations; review of the risk summary of service users and understanding any restrictions in place under the Mental Health Act, as well as being aware of contraindications and precautions for exercise
Person Specification
Essential/Desirable
Essential
- Diploma/degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience.
- GCSE (or equivalent) grade C and above in English and Maths.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development (CPD).
- Certificate of Fundamental Care for Unregistered Practitioners (The Care certificate), or ability to complete within 6 months.
- Experience of working with people in a heath or social care environment.
- Experience working in a multi-professional team and an understanding of boundaries.
- An understanding of mental health problems, and an awareness of potential associated risks and how to safeguard self and others against these risks.
- Good organisational skills and ability to work using initiative and with minimal supervision, and co-ordinate and prioritise own workload within a challenging environment.
- Competent IT skills including word, excel, email and electronic notes.
- Ability to travel independently in accordance to Trust policies and service need.
Desirable
- NVQ level 3 in health and social care or equivalent.
- Level 5 Associative Practitioner foundation degree.
- Level 3 in Personal Training.
- Level 3 in exercise referral.
- Level 4 exercise
- Previous experience as a therapy assistant
- Previous Experience of working within a Mental Health setting
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).
Closing Date: 22 April 2025
