Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen within our respiratory team for a dynamic and enthusiastic Band 6 physiotherapist. We are looking for an individual with NHS experience and a passion for respiratory and critical care physiotherapy to join a well established team at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals.
You will be an integral part of the team including a Band 8a clinical Lead physiotherapist, Band 7’s, static and rotational 6’s, rotational 5’s and therapy assistant practitioners.
Main duties of the job
You will have experience of working as part of an MDT and ensuring the clinical development of yourself and others. You should demonstrate the ability to case manage through an understanding of the full patient pathway.
You will be supported by experienced senior staff and will have the opportunity to develop both clinically and managerialy, leading a team and or working with junior staff and students, depending on your level of experience.
The department offers a friendly and supportive working environment which actively supports Continuing Professional Development, through an established appraisal system, in-service training and post-graduate library facilities.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
• M embership in the NHS Pension Schem e, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Person specification
Qualification
Essential criteria
1. Diploma / degree in physiotherapy
2. State registration
3. Evidence of CPD maintained in a portfolio including attendance at recent postgraduate courses relevant to the clinical field.
4. Portfolio evidence of information learning.
Desirable criteria
5. Membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
6. Involvement in CSP Special Clinical Interest Group
Skills
Essential criteria
7. Able to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner
8. Ability to organise, prioritise and delegate
9. Understanding of clinical governance and its implications for services, including experience of quality issues and audit
10. Ability to comprehend and work within the Trust’s policies of data protection, equal opportunities and health and safety and meet the differing needs of the patients.
11. Ability to keep accurate and legible patient notes
12. Able to carry out moderate to intense physical effort throughout the working day and carry out concurrent activities
13. Ability to cope working in a stressful environment and with emotional or challenging patients and carers
Desirable criteria
14. Presentation skills
15. Contribute to the running of external courses.
16. Evidence of participation in research/audit
17. Supervision of other staff e.g. qualified / unqualified, including undergraduate students.
18. Committee membership e.g. Safety Committee
Experience
Essential criteria
19. Experience of working as part of a physiotherapy team and/or multidisciplinary team.
20. Student or physiotherapy assistant supervision.
21. Evidence of working within the area of Respiratory
22. Remain updated with professional practice and new research
23. Understand the legal responsibilities of the profession
Desirable criteria
24. Experience of the working with stroke patients, general rehabilitation, Respiratory, Musculoskeletal Out Patients Orthopaedics.
25. Knowledge of the workings of community physiotherapy services and intermediate care services.
26. Involvement in audit, research and understanding quality issues.
27. Competent IT skills