Lead Physiotherapist
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Physiotherapist to oversee and manage our Physiotherapy provision across both academic and residential services. You will be responsible for leading the Physiotherapy Team, including qualified Physiotherapists and assistants, ensuring high-quality, student-focused support.
Key responsibilities include:
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading, managing and developing the Physiotherapy service across QAC.
- Line management of staff within the Physiotherapy Team.
- Supporting the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of student needs.
- Taking a lead role in developing, implementing and monitoring protocols, policies and procedures.
- Contributing directly to the physical support of students where required.
This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic and committed professional to shape and drive the effectiveness of physiotherapy provision, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our students.
Key Responsibilities
1. To lead the day to day operational running of the Physiotherapy provision and oversight of team caseloads and timetables, ensuring that students’ physical needs are adequately supported and well co-ordinated.
2. Work autonomously using clinical expertise to assess, treat or refer appropriately while working within one’s own scope of practice. Lead on complex student assessments, care plans and equipment needs.
3. Actively contribute to developing and implementing policies and procedures relating to Physiotherapy provision across all areas of QAC, including regular audits.
4. To provide professional advice and guidance in respect of Physiotherapy needs and protocols, on a day to day basis, which contributes to the planning and assessment of support needed for new services and/or developments, in line with QAC’s strategic direction.
5. To work in conjunction with the HR Training Department to develop and provide a range of training and guidance to staff that reflects the needs of the students.
6. To ensure the Physiotherapy related staff training meets the strategic direction and student needs, making recommendations when significant changes or developments are required (e.g. either for internal training, external training providers or alternative methods of delivery).
7. To carry out regular team meetings, supervisions and appraisals and support the development of staff within the Physiotherapy team. To support registered staff with their Professional Declaration requirements for HCPC registration and ensure that they continue to meet their professional registration requirements.
8. To work as a member of the Physiotherapy team to provide students with individualised care and support in accordance with their needs and EHCP requirements, and in line with policies and procedures; encourage students’ independence and self-advocacy, through promoting self-care.
9. To lead in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of Physiotherapy needs for students and ensure that care plans and protocols meet students’ needs across academic and residential areas.
10. To participate in the assessment process for student referrals and attend regular student assessment panel team meetings as required.
11. To carry out regular audits of the Physiotherapy provision and practice to ensure that high standards of care and safety are maintained and to improve outcomes for students and staff.
12. To oversee the management of resources, including stock and equipment orders.
13. To manage delegated budgets.
14. To produce reports for internal and external agencies as required.
15. To liaise with parents/carers and other health/external professionals as required.
16. To attend and contribute to regular team meetings and other QAC meetings as required by the role.
17. To take a lead role in the recruitment, selection and induction process within the Physiotherapy team, as required, in conjunction with Human Resources.
18. To organise and provide support for student physiotherapists/trainees, as part of any agreed placement programme.
19. To work in a professional manner, in accordance with the HCPC’s Standards of conduct, performance and ethics and keeping up to date with professional and clinical developments within the role’s range of practice and beyond.
20. To promote the Values, aims and ethos of QAC both within their role and wider organisation.
21. To maintain a high standard of personal behaviour and ensure effective communication with all members of the staff team, students, carers and relatives.
22. To demonstrate a good understanding of equality and diversity and encourage students to be involved in their care, respecting their physical, emotional and social needs.
23. To provide advice and guidance for QAC’s community based residential services.
The above list is not exhaustive, but is indicative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken. The responsibilities and duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible approach to enable the efficient and effective running of the Charity.
2. Work autonomously using clinical expertise to assess, treat or refer appropriately while working within one’s own scope of practice. Lead on complex student assessments, care plans and equipment needs.
3. Actively contribute to developing and implementing policies and procedures relating to Physiotherapy provision across all areas of QAC, including regular audits.
4. To provide professional advice and guidance in respect of Physiotherapy needs and protocols, on a day to day basis, which contributes to the planning and assessment of support needed for new services and/or developments, in line with QAC’s strategic direction.
5. To work in conjunction with the HR Training Department to develop and provide a range of training and guidance to staff that reflects the needs of the students.
6. To ensure the Physiotherapy related staff training meets the strategic direction and student needs, making recommendations when significant changes or developments are required (e.g. either for internal training, external training providers or alternative methods of delivery).
7. To carry out regular team meetings, supervisions and appraisals and support the development of staff within the Physiotherapy team. To support registered staff with their Professional Declaration requirements for HCPC registration and ensure that they continue to meet their professional registration requirements.
8. To work as a member of the Physiotherapy team to provide students with individualised care and support in accordance with their needs and EHCP requirements, and in line with policies and procedures; encourage students’ independence and self-advocacy, through promoting self-care.
9. To lead in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of Physiotherapy needs for students and ensure that care plans and protocols meet students’ needs across academic and residential areas.
10. To participate in the assessment process for student referrals and attend regular student assessment panel team meetings as required.
11. To carry out regular audits of the Physiotherapy provision and practice to ensure that high standards of care and safety are maintained and to improve outcomes for students and staff.
12. To oversee the management of resources, including stock and equipment orders.
13. To manage delegated budgets.
14. To produce reports for internal and external agencies as required.
15. To liaise with parents/carers and other health/external professionals as required.
16. To attend and contribute to regular team meetings and other QAC meetings as required by the role.
17. To take a lead role in the recruitment, selection and induction process within the Physiotherapy team, as required, in conjunction with Human Resources.
18. To organise and provide support for student physiotherapists/trainees, as part of any agreed placement programme.
19. To work in a professional manner, in accordance with the HCPC’s Standards of conduct, performance and ethics and keeping up to date with professional and clinical developments within the role’s range of practice and beyond.
20. To promote the Values, aims and ethos of QAC both within their role and wider organisation.
21. To maintain a high standard of personal behaviour and ensure effective communication with all members of the staff team, students, carers and relatives.
22. To demonstrate a good understanding of equality and diversity and encourage students to be involved in their care, respecting their physical, emotional and social needs.
23. To provide advice and guidance for QAC’s community based residential services.
The above list is not exhaustive, but is indicative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken. The responsibilities and duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible approach to enable the efficient and effective running of the Charity.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential
- A degree or equivalent qualification in Physiotherapy
- Current HCPC registration (without restrictions/cautions)
- Full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Able to demonstrate track record of post-qualification clinical experience (minimum 3 years)
- Evidence of relevant clinical knowledge and expertise, with Neuro-physiotherapy experience essential
- Have significant and recent management experience of leading a Physiotherapy team or provision, including experience of managing effective service delivery.
- Have an awareness / experience of working with individuals with learning disabilities / difficulties, autism, physical disabilities, mental health needs and visual impairment.
- Have a knowledge and understanding of Ofsted and CQC regulations with regards to Specialist Colleges/Residential services.
- Display good communication and interpersonal skills with colleagues, students and families and external stakeholders.
- Report writing skills. Experience of writing policies, protocols, and procedures within a relevant setting.
- Well organised, reliable and work to high professional standards.
- Role model, with a commitment to providing high quality care.
- Able to work collaboratively and build effective working relationships with teams across the organisation.
- IT literate and competent user of Microsoft Office/MIS systems.
- Experience in observation and assessment of practice and in determining care needs/standards.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Personal resilience, with an ability to work under pressure.
- Commitment to QAC’s mission and Values, with a passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of students with special educational needs.
Desirable
- Experience of delivering training to develop knowledge and skills
Why work at Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham
Join our team at Queen Alexandra College!
Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of students with special educational needs? Do you thrive in an inclusive and supportive academic environment? If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has just gone through an exciting rebrand, dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students.
The newly structured Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high.
Joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to:
· Work closely with students with SEN to achieve their goals
· Make a difference to the educational experience of young people
· Be a voice for students and staff in specialist education
· Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic growth, self-development and self-confidence
· Develop your own skills, aspirations and progress your career.
Our benefits include;
Schedule 1 Benefits (reviewed annually and/or as appropriate)
Academic Year 2024/25
- Access to on site car parking
- Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours)
- Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF)
- Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff
- QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing
- BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services
- Annual Flu vaccination/voucher
- Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers
- Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off. https://www.dell.com/en-uk/lp/dell-advantage
- Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling)
- Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities
- Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes)
- Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period)
- Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service
- Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria)
- Occupational sick pay (based on length of service)
- On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation)
- Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding)
- Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.
This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.
We look forward to receiving your application and knowing more about your qualifications, skills,
personal qualities and experience that you would bring to the role and to QAC. Please take time to
review the job description above.
Please upload a CV/Resume* with details of your full employment history (since leaving school,
including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in
employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you
believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description and
person specification requirements. Your CV/Resume* will be re-produced in a standard format by
the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.
Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from
engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are
available
As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, and in line with updated guidance published in
September 2022, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may
enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review
online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part
of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for
any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on,
or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you
are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further
information.
About Queen Alexandra Charity
Queen Alexandra Charity (QAC) provides education, residential support, community services and enterprises in support of young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Education is provided through a national residential College that supports a diverse range of student/client abilities and needs. Our College provides education, training, routes to independent living and employment through an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support. It offers a vibrant, varied and fun educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are small and support levels high.
We have educational and learning sites based in Birmingham, one of Europe’s most welcoming and vibrant cities, with a rich and diverse culture. Our main site is based in Harborne, a pleasant leafy Birmingham suburb, on a friendly and green 8-acre campus with excellent facilities and resources. In addition we also have Pinewood Campus which is located on a business park and is designated to employment progression.
Clients within our Residential Services programme still require support and the aim is to deliver a service that provides them with the means to live independently/semi independently into the future. Many clients are either in education, voluntary work or paid employment not linked to QAC directly.
Our Community Services based at our Umberslade Campus in Stirchley include a supporter worker service, women's group, men's group, LGBTQ plus group, Saturday Socials, The Night Owl Experience (disability friendly night club visit in Birmingham City Centre).
Education is provided through a national residential College that supports a diverse range of student/client abilities and needs. Our College provides education, training, routes to independent living and employment through an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support. It offers a vibrant, varied and fun educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are small and support levels high.
We have educational and learning sites based in Birmingham, one of Europe’s most welcoming and vibrant cities, with a rich and diverse culture. Our main site is based in Harborne, a pleasant leafy Birmingham suburb, on a friendly and green 8-acre campus with excellent facilities and resources. In addition we also have Pinewood Campus which is located on a business park and is designated to employment progression.
Clients within our Residential Services programme still require support and the aim is to deliver a service that provides them with the means to live independently/semi independently into the future. Many clients are either in education, voluntary work or paid employment not linked to QAC directly.
Our Community Services based at our Umberslade Campus in Stirchley include a supporter worker service, women's group, men's group, LGBTQ plus group, Saturday Socials, The Night Owl Experience (disability friendly night club visit in Birmingham City Centre).
All students, clients and staff are supported within safe and well-resourced environments.
QAC makes a positive difference to the lives and learning of people with disabilities and learning difficulties. We have high expectations of staff, students and clients whilst being responsive, innovative and collaborative. Our Charity values drive how we work with students, clients, stakeholders and as a team.
QAC makes a positive difference to the lives and learning of people with disabilities and learning difficulties. We have high expectations of staff, students and clients whilst being responsive, innovative and collaborative. Our Charity values drive how we work with students, clients, stakeholders and as a team.
We continue to attract and retain staff of the highest calibre, who are proud of QAC’s achievements and who wish to be an integral part of ongoing and future successes.
As Leaders in Diversity which drives the culture at QAC and we warmly welcome applications from individuals who share our values, from all backgrounds, to add to our committed and diverse team.
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