Physiotherapist(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is inviting applications for a Senior Physiotherapist to join our friendly, multi-disciplinary Learning Disability Team. This exciting post provides physiotherapy services in a variety of settings, including patients’ homes, day services, and educational environments.

Our specialist team supports adults with complex health needs such as postural management, rehabilitation, mobility challenges, chronic respiratory conditions, and individuals who require reasonable adjustments to access mainstream services.

We welcome newly qualified physiotherapists who can demonstrate transferable skills or prior experience and have a strong interest in learning disabilities. This role provides structured professional development through preceptorship, CPD sessions, clinical supervision, and peer support.

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, with full-time, part-time, and job-share options considered. No weekend or out-of-hours work required.
Travel: Regular travel across Somerset is required; mileage allowance provided.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

Assess and provide individualised physiotherapy interventions for adults with learning disabilities, addressing issues such as posture, mobility, respiratory health, falls prevention, and rehabilitation.

• Work autonomously to manage a diverse caseload, prioritising effectively while consulting senior physiotherapists when required.
• Ensure interventions are patient-centered, co-created with patients, carers, and the wider MDT.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and contribute to care planning and MDT meetings.

Education & Supervision

• Supervise and mentor Band 4 Assistant Practitioners and physiotherapy students during clinical placements.
• Provide guidance and training to colleagues, promoting best practice and evidence-based physiotherapy.

Service Development

• Participate in service improvement initiatives and continuous professional development (CPD).
• Contribute to innovation within the learning disability physiotherapy team and support quality improvement projects.
• Promote access to mainstream physiotherapy services through reasonable adjustments.

About Us

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust provides high-quality healthcare across the region, supporting adults with learning disabilities to live healthier, more independent lives. Our values prioritize:

• Safe and personalised care
• Collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams
• Professional development and career progression

Living and working in Somerset offers a blend of beautiful countryside, vibrant cities, and excellent transport links, including proximity to Bristol, Bath, Exeter, and London.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or pre-registration Masters in Physiotherapy.
• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Demonstrable clinical skills in postural management, mobility, rehabilitation, therapeutic handling, and respiratory care.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT).

Desirable:

• Chartered membership with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
• Experience in hydrotherapy or 24-hour postural management.
• Previous NHS community hospital or community service experience.

Further guidance on registration:

• HCPC – Physiotherapists
• CSP Professional Guidance

Additional Requirements

• Understanding of Health & Safety and risk management policies.
• Computer literacy and use of reflective practice in clinical care.
• Knowledge of Shared Decision Making principles.
• Access to reliable transport for travel across Somerset, with appropriate insurance.
• Veteran-aware practice encouraged. Awareness of national initiatives such as LeDeR (Learning Disabilities Mortality Review) is desirable:

LeDeR Programme

Employment Checks

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required:
DBS Checks

• Visa sponsorship available for Skilled Worker applicants
  Visa Guidance

Overseas applicants must provide criminal record certificates:
Criminal Record Checks

• NHS professional registration requirements:
  NHS Careers – Physiotherapy

Contact

For more information about the post, please contact:

• Charlotte Bland – Physiotherapy Lead

Salary & Contract:

• Band 5 – Agenda for Change
• £31,049 to £37,796 per year
• Permanent, Full-Time

Locations include Glanville House (Bridgwater), Summerlands (Yeovil), Parkgate House (Taunton), and Priory Health Park (Wells).

This version emphasizes human engagement, patient-centered care, professional development, and Somerset’s lifestyle benefits while embedding relevant government/NHS links for verification and further reading.