Job summary

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced social worker to join our interdisciplinary team on a temporary six-month secondment, leading our social work practice across our community and in-patient services. With services continually evolving, we are looking for a motivated, experienced and dynamic clinician to support service development and delivery within our amazing inter-disciplinary team.

Our charitable purpose is to support people affected by life limiting illness, this support looks different for each individual so we are looking for a social worker that can demonstrate truly person-centred approaches, ensuring equity of service delivery leading on initiatives such as clinical volunteering.

The postholder will provide professional leadership, line management of staff and volunteers, and play a pivotal role in the development of services as well as safeguarding and delivery of our EDI strategy by supporting under represented populations such as the homeless community.

Having had experience of supporting vulnerable adults and palliative care the successful candidate will be responsible for leading the social work team; supporting our trainee social worker, leading professional social work practice & education, as well as the delivery of safeguarding, MCA and DoLS training and practice.

Main duties of the job

This six-month secondment provides an opportunity for an experienced, qualified social worker to join our interdisciplinary team (IDT), providing responsive, high-quality care across Kirkwood Integrated Community Services (KICS) and the In-Patient Unit.

As professional lead for social work, the postholder will provide visible leadership, professional guidance and supervision, fostering a culture of continuous learning and reflective practice throughout the secondment.

The Senior Social Worker will provide operational management for agreed aspects of service delivery within the IDT and clinical and managerial supervision of professional staff in accordance with The Kirkwoods service specifications. The postholder will contribute to the charity-wide Safeguarding Group and act as the organisations Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) lead, ensuring compliance with local and national guidance and statutory and regulatory requirements.

Please note, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.

About us

As an employee, you will be offered a range of benefits, including 27 days holiday (pro rata for part time staff), access to our Employee Assistance Programme, high-quality, low-cost meals at our Dalton site and complementary therapies. NHS Pensions are also transferable for those already contributing.

The Kirkwood provide specialist care, free of charge, to adults in Kirklees with advanced, progressive illnesses at any time from diagnosis to the end of life, respecting their individual needs and wishes. Care and support are also provided for their family members, friends, and carers, both during the illness and after death. Through education, training, and partnership with others, we improve care for everyone affected by a life limiting illness.

Details

Date posted

12 October 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£42,991 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

B0030-26-0016

Job locations

21 Albany Road

Dalton

Huddersfield

HD5 9UY

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

Role Summary

This six-month secondment provides an opportunity for an experienced, qualified social worker to join our interdisciplinary team (IDT), providing responsive, high-quality care across Kirkwood Integrated Community Services (KICS) and the In-Patient Unit.

As professional lead for social work, the postholder will provide visible leadership, professional guidance and supervision, fostering a culture of continuous learning and reflective practice throughout the secondment.

The Senior Social Worker will provide operational management for agreed aspects of service delivery within the IDT and clinical and managerial supervision of professional staff in accordance with The Kirkwoods service specifications. The postholder will contribute to the charity-wide Safeguarding Group and act as the organisations Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) lead, ensuring compliance with local and national guidance and statutory and regulatory requirements.

Clinical

Complete holistic, psychosocial assessments that reflect and represent the views and needs of the person and those significant to them

Support the Carers Support Needs Assessment (CSNAT) in a timely manner.

Use analytical skills and evidence-based practice to inform assessment decision making and interventions

Working in partnership to develop effective, creative, personalised plans to achieve positive outcomes

Enable individual independence, empowerment, well-being, choice and control

Assess and manage risk, knowing how to intervene proportionately to ensure people are protected from harm and feel safe, while protecting their human rights

Proactively manage own case load, including prioritising clinical caseload ensuring good quality service and achieve performance targets alongside members of the IDT and in collaboration with social work team members

Act as an advocate for patients and families under the care of The Kirkwood, working in partnership to respond to changing needs and promote equitable access for underserved populations across Kirklees

Improve and facilitate the timely transfer of care across the health and social care systems

Anticipate and identify the bereavement needs of families and carers, and as appropriate, in liaison with other team members, participate in bereavement follow up, handover and referral.

You will be responsible for the day to day management of your assigned cases in partnership with the IDT, intervening with legal and procedural authority to protect vulnerable people at risk of abuse or neglect; to help individuals develop and sustain their capacities for independent living and in complex situations to try and prevent or resolve conflict which may place individuals at risk.

You will undertake evidence-based assessments of individuals and their carers needs dealing with the more complex cases presented, undertaking risk assessments.

You will enable individuals to maintain wellbeing, personal dignity, and independence by supporting them, and their relevant networks, to put together a plan which will meet their assessed needs, and eligible outcomes in line with relevant legislation and council priorities.

Liaise with the Local Authority and Continuing Health Care and other appropriate agencies as required

Provide appropriate handover to other Social Workers as transitions through services occur, providing a seamless Social Work Service

Works in a way that takes into account issues relating to age, sexuality, health, race, religion, culture, and life experience

Provides verbal and written reports as required, collaborating with the IDT to provide comprehensive, up to date documentation and reports.

Works flexibly and embraces new ways of working, within confidentiality and information sharing protocols

To have a high degree of self-awareness and use this to maintain own and others emotional well-being, managing individuals and groups in distress or conflict, demonstrating resilience to frequently encountered highly emotional circumstances.

Management

Provide line management and leadership for staff and volunteers, maintaining safe, effective service delivery and a positive patient experience across relevant services and teams

Support the implementation of agreed operational changes, policies and procedures, with responsibility for the social work team and agreed aspects of the wider IDT

Effective communication with senior managers on activities and inform of any issues affecting delivery of service.

Effective use of data to manage service delivery and performance

Hold responsibility for delivery of the Key performance targets of the team

Support the Service Manage budgets and expenditure to ensure appropriate uses of our financial resources, in line with internal financial controls.

Ensure effective working relationships with our agency partners and other relevant services within the Local Authority

Able to lead improvement in social work practice at an operational level through effective performance management

Able to lead and manage in an operational area dealing with high risk and high complexity in a way that delivers good safeguarding and well-being outcomes for pateints and families

Provision of coordination and leadership as part of the KICS and virtual ward, ensuring delivery of high quality responsive services.

To provide professional advice to staff, colleagues and partners for the area of responsibility.

Education

Contribute to interdisciplinary teaching programmes internally and externally, providing quality assurance and evidence based practice approaches, particularly in relation to social work, Safeguarding, MCA and DoLs.

Provide and support the provision of practice teaching for IDT members

Effectively engage with and support volunteers to enhance service provision and contribute to volunteer mentoring as required.

Undertake appropriate and relevant professional training and qualifications if considered to be part of agreed personal and professional development review (PDR)

Represent The Kirkwood at functions and other events as necessary across Kirklees and the ICS

Take responsibility for own professional development in line with Personal Development Review (PDR) and attend and contribute to opportunities to reflect including team meetings, line management and clinical supervision.

Make effective use of supervision and contributes to the Personal Development processes.

Works within the Professional Capabilities Framework, statutory requirements and The Kirkwood policies and procedures.

Quality and Professional Practice

To work as professional lead for social work; maintaining up-to-date knowledge of research findings, legislation, statutory guidance and policy developments relevant to the service area.

Maintain clear records of agreed work, outstanding actions and key risks, and provide a structured handover before the secondment ends

To act as the organisational MCA and DoLs lead, being responsible for ensuring that the relevant policy and procedure is regularly reviewed and updated in accordance with statutory and local joint multi-agency requirements

Safeguarding

Safeguarding adults at risk is central to your role and the postholder will provide consultative advice, education and support to members of the IDT regarding the social care needs of people, as they relate to the Care Act 2014, Safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act (2005) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

To take an active role in leading safeguarding within the organisation as part of the safeguarding team, working as lead on the development, implementation, and monitoring of safeguarding policies, procedures and training. The individual will promote a culture of vigilance and accountability, provide guidance and support to colleagues, and ensure that safeguarding standards are consistently upheld across the organisation. Responsibilities will also include proactively identifying and addressing potential risks, facilitating regular safeguarding training, and acting as a point of contact for any safeguarding concerns. Demonstrating strong leadership and collaboration across the organisation in order to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all stakeholders.

Being jointly responsible for ensuring that the relevant policy and procedure is regularly reviewed and updated in accordance with statutory and local joint multi-agency requirements. Working as co-chair of the safeguarding working Group Progress actions required to meet the safeguarding standards.

Contribute to an organisation wide Safeguarding Self-Assessment on an annual basis, driving any related actions to be addressed within the cross-charity Safeguarding Group

Job description Job responsibilities Role SummaryThis six-month secondment provides an opportunity for an experienced, qualified social worker to join our interdisciplinary team (IDT), providing responsive, high-quality care across Kirkwood Integrated Community Services (KICS) and the In-Patient Unit.As professional lead for social work, the postholder will provide visible leadership, professional guidance and supervision, fostering a culture of continuous learning and reflective practice throughout the secondment.The Senior Social Worker will provide operational management for agreed aspects of service delivery within the IDT and clinical and managerial supervision of professional staff in accordance with The Kirkwoods service specifications. The postholder will contribute to the charity-wide Safeguarding Group and act as the organisations Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) lead, ensuring compliance with local and national guidance and statutory and regulatory requirements. ClinicalComplete holistic, psychosocial assessments that reflect and represent the views and needs of the person and those significant to them Support the Carers Support Needs Assessment (CSNAT) in a timely manner. Use analytical skills and evidence-based practice to inform assessment decision making and interventions Working in partnership to develop effective, creative, personalised plans to achieve positive outcomes Enable individual independence, empowerment, well-being, choice and control Assess and manage risk, knowing how to intervene proportionately to ensure people are protected from harm and feel safe, while protecting their human rights Proactively manage own case load, including prioritising clinical caseload ensuring good quality service and achieve performance targets alongside members of the IDT and in collaboration with social work team members Act as an advocate for patients and families under the care of The Kirkwood, working in partnership to respond to changing needs and promote equitable access for underserved populations across Kirklees Improve and facilitate the timely transfer of care across the health and social care systems Anticipate and identify the bereavement needs of families and carers, and as appropriate, in liaison with other team members, participate in bereavement follow up, handover and referral. You will be responsible for the day to day management of your assigned cases in partnership with the IDT, intervening with legal and procedural authority to protect vulnerable people at risk of abuse or neglect; to help individuals develop and sustain their capacities for independent living and in complex situations to try and prevent or resolve conflict which may place individuals at risk. You will undertake evidence-based assessments of individuals and their carers needs dealing with the more complex cases presented, undertaking risk assessments. You will enable individuals to maintain wellbeing, personal dignity, and independence by supporting them, and their relevant networks, to put together a plan which will meet their assessed needs, and eligible outcomes in line with relevant legislation and council priorities. Liaise with the Local Authority and Continuing Health Care and other appropriate agencies as required Provide appropriate handover to other Social Workers as transitions through services occur, providing a seamless Social Work Service Works in a way that takes into account issues relating to age, sexuality, health, race, religion, culture, and life experience Provides verbal and written reports as required, collaborating with the IDT to provide comprehensive, up to date documentation and reports. Works flexibly and embraces new ways of working, within confidentiality and information sharing protocols To have a high degree of self-awareness and use this to maintain own and others emotional well-being, managing individuals and groups in distress or conflict, demonstrating resilience to frequently encountered highly emotional circumstances. Management Provide line management and leadership for staff and volunteers, maintaining safe, effective service delivery and a positive patient experience across relevant services and teams Support the implementation of agreed operational changes, policies and procedures, with responsibility for the social work team and agreed aspects of the wider IDT Effective communication with senior managers on activities and inform of any issues affecting delivery of service. Effective use of data to manage service delivery and performance Hold responsibility for delivery of the Key performance targets of the team Support the Service Manage budgets and expenditure to ensure appropriate uses of our financial resources, in line with internal financial controls. Ensure effective working relationships with our agency partners and other relevant services within the Local Authority Able to lead improvement in social work practice at an operational level through effective performance management Able to lead and manage in an operational area dealing with high risk and high complexity in a way that delivers good safeguarding and well-being outcomes for pateints and families Provision of coordination and leadership as part of the KICS and virtual ward, ensuring delivery of high quality responsive services. To provide professional advice to staff, colleagues and partners for the area of responsibility. Education Contribute to interdisciplinary teaching programmes internally and externally, providing quality assurance and evidence based practice approaches, particularly in relation to social work, Safeguarding, MCA and DoLs. Provide and support the provision of practice teaching for IDT members Effectively engage with and support volunteers to enhance service provision and contribute to volunteer mentoring as required. Undertake appropriate and relevant professional training and qualifications if considered to be part of agreed personal and professional development review (PDR) Represent The Kirkwood at functions and other events as necessary across Kirklees and the ICS Take responsibility for own professional development in line with Personal Development Review (PDR) and attend and contribute to opportunities to reflect including team meetings, line management and clinical supervision. Make effective use of supervision and contributes to the Personal Development processes. Works within the Professional Capabilities Framework, statutory requirements and The Kirkwood policies and procedures. Quality and Professional Practice To work as professional lead for social work; maintaining up-to-date knowledge of research findings, legislation, statutory guidance and policy developments relevant to the service area. Maintain clear records of agreed work, outstanding actions and key risks, and provide a structured handover before the secondment ends To act as the organisational MCA and DoLs lead, being responsible for ensuring that the relevant policy and procedure is regularly reviewed and updated in accordance with statutory and local joint multi-agency requirements Safeguarding Safeguarding adults at risk is central to your role and the postholder will provide consultative advice, education and support to members of the IDT regarding the social care needs of people, as they relate to the Care Act 2014, Safeguarding, Mental Capacity Act (2005) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards To take an active role in leading safeguarding within the organisation as part of the safeguarding team, working as lead on the development, implementation, and monitoring of safeguarding policies, procedures and training. The individual will promote a culture of vigilance and accountability, provide guidance and support to colleagues, and ensure that safeguarding standards are consistently upheld across the organisation. Responsibilities will also include proactively identifying and addressing potential risks, facilitating regular safeguarding training, and acting as a point of contact for any safeguarding concerns. Demonstrating strong leadership and collaboration across the organisation in order to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all stakeholders. Being jointly responsible for ensuring that the relevant policy and procedure is regularly reviewed and updated in accordance with statutory and local joint multi-agency requirements. Working as co-chair of the safeguarding working Group Progress actions required to meet the safeguarding standards. Contribute to an organisation wide Safeguarding Self-Assessment on an annual basis, driving any related actions to be addressed within the cross-charity Safeguarding Group

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Holds a SWE recognised Social Work qualification and is SWE registered.
• Work or placement experience of working with vulnerable adults and their carers.
• Varied clinical experience working with adults alongside multi agency and multi disciplinary teams.
• Keeps up to date with changes in practice, legislation and guidance and is commited to continuous professional development and working within professional standards.
• Knowledge and experience of supporting palliative patients and families, leading to understanding of the complexities of palliative and end of life care
• Ability to use social work methods to promote positive change, independence and wellbeing in accordance with assessed need to meet outcomes.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and ability to apply legislation to practice including MCA, DOLS and Safeguarding.
• Understanding of developments in adult social care.
• Ability to undertake high quality assesments and provide clear analysis within set timescales.
• Ability to transfer knowledge and skills to a new situation.
• IT skills to support accurate and timely case recording.
• Previous experience of working at Senior Social Work level, delivering line management and peer support and training to staff.
• Ability to reflect and adapt practice to suit individuals needs, providing person centered care
• Ability to make decisions and problem solve when dealing with both routine and complex social situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people with complex difficulties and varied communication needs
• Ability to work in an environment that is emotionally demanding and support colleagues
• Skills of self appraisal, recognizing own limitations and have a willingness to share and learn from others.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to balance clinical and non clinical work, adhering to deadlines and urgent clinical need.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in both clinical and non clinical settings, including group facilitation and presentation skills
• Dynamic and motivated to deliver a high standard of care.

Desirable

• Awareness of Local and National initiatives relating to palliative care
• Robust understanding of Clinical Governance
• Highly developed skills of critical appraisal
• Working knowledge of integrated systems across Kirklees
• Knowledge and understanding of third sector working
• Understanding of the needs of under represented populations

Person Specification Qualifications Essential Holds a SWE recognised Social Work qualification and is SWE registered. Work or placement experience of working with vulnerable adults and their carers. Varied clinical experience working with adults alongside multi agency and multi disciplinary teams. Keeps up to date with changes in practice, legislation and guidance and is commited to continuous professional development and working within professional standards. Knowledge and experience of supporting palliative patients and families, leading to understanding of the complexities of palliative and end of life care Ability to use social work methods to promote positive change, independence and wellbeing in accordance with assessed need to meet outcomes. Working knowledge of relevant legislation and ability to apply legislation to practice including MCA, DOLS and Safeguarding. Understanding of developments in adult social care. Ability to undertake high quality assesments and provide clear analysis within set timescales. Ability to transfer knowledge and skills to a new situation. IT skills to support accurate and timely case recording. Previous experience of working at Senior Social Work level, delivering line management and peer support and training to staff. Ability to reflect and adapt practice to suit individuals needs, providing person centered care Ability to make decisions and problem solve when dealing with both routine and complex social situations. Ability to communicate effectively with people with complex difficulties and varied communication needs Ability to work in an environment that is emotionally demanding and support colleagues Skills of self appraisal, recognizing own limitations and have a willingness to share and learn from others. Excellent time management skills with the ability to balance clinical and non clinical work, adhering to deadlines and urgent clinical need. Excellent interpersonal skills in both clinical and non clinical settings, including group facilitation and presentation skills Dynamic and motivated to deliver a high standard of care. Desirable Awareness of Local and National initiatives relating to palliative care Robust understanding of Clinical Governance Highly developed skills of critical appraisal Working knowledge of integrated systems across Kirklees Knowledge and understanding of third sector working Understanding of the needs of under represented populations

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship 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). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

The Kirkwood

Address

21 Albany Road

Dalton

Huddersfield

HD5 9UY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.thekirkwood.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

The Kirkwood

Address

21 Albany Road

Dalton

Huddersfield

HD5 9UY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.thekirkwood.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job summary

Are you a Physiotherapist who could join our Community Team delivering outstanding palliative and end of life care?

Due to retirement and the continued development of our community services following secured long-term NHS funding, we are looking to redesign and strengthen our physiotherapy provision.

We are interested in recruiting experienced Physiotherapists to work across our clinical services. If you are passionate about delivering person-centred, holistic palliative and end of life care, and have the ambition and drive to help develop an exceptional physiotherapy service, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

Physiotherapy

We are seeking expressions of interest from experienced Physiotherapists looking to develop specialist skills in palliative and end of life care within a supportive, innovative interdisciplinary team.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an evolving service that gives clinicians time to care, build meaningful therapeutic relationships and deliver personalised care focused on what matters most to patients and those important to them.

We would particularly welcome Physiotherapists with:

Specialist knowledge or experience in moving and handling

Expertise in respiratory clinical practice

Clinical Lead or advanced specialist physiotherapy experience

A passion for innovation and interdisciplinary working

A desire to shape community-based palliative and end of life care

Working with a skilled interdisciplinary team, you will develop specialist physiotherapy expertise, contribute to service development and help deliver outstanding outcomes for patients and families.

About us

Interested?

If you are an experienced Physiotherapist seeking your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help shape specialist community palliative and end of life care, where physiotherapists are empowered to make a difference every day.

For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Elspeth McGloughlin: Lisa [email protected]

Closing date: Wednesday 7th October

Expected Interview date: Tuesday 13th October.

Details

Date posted

21 September 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£32,228.80 to £36,557.60 a year Pro rata to the full time salary of £40,286 - £45,697

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

B0030-26-0015

Job locations

21 Albany Road

Dalton

Huddersfield

HD5 9UY

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

Role Summary

We are looking for an experienced and compassionate Physiotherapist to join the Kirkwood Integrated Community Services team. This role offers the opportunity to provide specialist physiotherapy to people with progressive life-limiting illness across the in-patient unit and community settings, while contributing to service development within a third-sector organisation.

The role of the postholder is to provide specialist physiotherapy services on the in-patient unit and in the community through one-to-one and group interventions for people with life-limiting illness, working autonomously and in partnership with the wider IDT.

You will contribute to the development of services that promote function and the overall wellbeing of patients and carers, set and review patient-centred goals, optimise quality of life and co-produce services in response to patient need.

Primary Responsibilities

Clinical / Professional Role

Autonomously manage an allocated caseload, undertaking comprehensive holistic physiotherapy assessment, evidence-based clinical reasoning and timely intervention for patients with complex progressive life-limiting illness, recognising the limits of personal competence and seeking advice or referring onwards when required.

Assess and address mobility, transfers, balance, falls risk, rehabilitation potential, fatigue, breathlessness, pain-related movement, positioning, exercise and functional maintenance, including respiratory interventions and manual handling advice within the postholders competence. Tailor assessment and treatment to each patients physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, adapting the approach as conditions and contexts change.

Work in a person-centred and inclusive way, adapting communication and care to individual needs, disability, culture and health literacy. Promote independence, autonomy, quality of life and sense of self by involving the patient, carer, family and inter-disciplinary team in treatment planning and review.

Use appropriate outcome measures to set and regularly review patient-centred goals, evaluate treatment effectiveness and determine whether interventions should continue, change or cease. Provide advice regarding symptom management and patient care to the IDT and external colleagues and support safe, coordinated discharge planning where appropriate.

Communicate effectively with patients, carers and relatives, demonstrating compassion and empathy when providing advice, education and support. Obtain and record valid consent, apply relevant mental capacity and best-interest processes, and recognise, report and escalate safeguarding concerns in accordance with legislation and organisational policy.

Provide advice, education and training to patients, carers and the inter-disciplinary team regarding the safe use of recommended aids and equipment to promote patients independence in activities of daily living.

Participate in IDT meetings, professional and family meetings offering specialist input and advice and act as an advocate for the patient.

Undertake visits to patients homes and make recommendations for equipment, adaptations and support.

Be mobile across Kirklees, with access to their own vehicle, to undertake home visits and complete functional assessments of patients in their home environment, seeking support from the Physiotherapy Lead when required.

Work closely with equipment services, community therapists and external agencies in the provision of necessary equipment and adaptations to maximise patients independence, comfort and safety on discharge, with an emphasis on quality of life.

Assess for and prescribe appropriate specialist equipment for use on the in-patient setting.

Provide specialist clinical advice and support to the IDT and external agencies.

Management Role

Ensure that patient documentation is completed accurately and contemporaneously using SystmOne and paper records, in accordance with professional standards, hospice policy and legal requirements. Maintain confidentiality, information security and data quality, and share information securely and appropriately.

Support and, where appropriate, delegate activities to therapy assistants, junior staff, students and volunteers, ensuring that tasks are appropriate to their competence, that suitable instruction and supervision are provided, and that the postholder remains accountable for reviewing delegated care and outcomes.

Provide cover for the therapy service and prioritise physiotherapy interventions in the absence of the Physiotherapy Lead.

Support the KICS team and actively contribute to the achievement of service development initiatives.

Maintain operational awareness of service priorities, capacity, demand and available resources, escalating emerging pressures, risks and barriers to the KICS Team Leader in a timely manner.

Contribute to day-to-day operational and forward planning of the physiotherapy service, including prioritisation of referrals, workload management, continuity of care and effective deployment of resources in response to changing patient and service needs.

Collaborate with the therapy team to undertake audit of physiotherapy provision in order to maintain high standards within the service and evaluate outcomes.

Participate in policy and guideline development relevant to therapy provision.

Educational Role

Maintain current HCPC registration, practise in accordance with HCPC standards and relevant professional guidance, and maintain a professional portfolio in accordance with HCPC recommendations and the competency framework for the role.

Undertake training and education to ensure ongoing personal and professional development.

Maintain and develop current knowledge of evidence based practice in palliative care and National Standards and guidelines, incorporating these appropriately into clinical practice.

Take responsibility to access clinical supervision.

Engage in personal development reviews, ensuring CPD and service standards are maintained in partnership with line management develop learning objectives to meet set knowledge and competencies.

Contribute to clinical education by identifying learning needs and planning, delivering and evaluating evidence-based learning for staff, students, volunteers and IDT colleagues within the scope of the role.

Engage and assist the therapy team with the delivery of formal and informal education.

Support in supervising the team members, students and volunteers.

Quality Assurance Role

Ensure physiotherapy practice is evidence-based and use patient and carer experience, outcome data and learning from practice to inform quality improvement and service development.

Initiate changes to practice in partnership with appropriate IDT members.

Initiate and undertake further policy and standard setting, audit and research as appropriate.

To participate in the development and implementation of policies, protocols, procedures and guidelines.

Actively engage with The Kirkwoods clinical governance mechanisms, including incident reporting and learning, risk management, audit, patient and carer feedback, policy review, quality improvement and dissemination of learning, taking action within the scope of the role and escalating concerns appropriately.

To carry out governance initiatives measuring and evaluating the physiotherapy service, its effectiveness, activity data and real-time feedback.

To collaborate with the therapy team and KICS team to develop and undertake regular audits of physiotherapy provision.

To attend internal and external meetings, representing the team and organisation when required.

Health and Safety

All staff have a responsibility to identify and assess risk. Staff are actively encouraged to report all incidents. In order to ensure all incidents are reported, an open culture operates in which staff are free to report incidents in the knowledge that they will be supported.

The postholder is responsible for the identification, assessment and analysis of risks and implementing action plans to reduce risk and minimise the impact of known risks and ensure they are familiar with all risk management and health and safety policies and procedures.

Other Responsibilities

To work in accordance with the values of The Kirkwood. Patients, Families and Carers are the focus of everything we do. Our values are what we live and work by.

We are:

Respectful and Inclusive

Passionate and Determined

Open and Honest

Kind and Compassionate

Forward-thinking

We strive for Quality and Excellence

To participate in The Kirkwoods performance and development review process.

To undertake any other duties required by The Kirkwoods Management team commensurate with the post.

To undertake annual mandatory training provided by The Kirkwood.

To maintain complete confidentiality as a condition of employment. Information relating to patients, other members of staff and volunteers or which is acquired for the purposes of employment may only be disclosed with the express permission of the appropriate manager.

To respect the ethos and values of The Kirkwood and its services and comply with its policies, procedures and regulations.

This job description is not exhaustive therefore the employer and employee share responsibility to review and amend this job description in order to reflect any changes in role/development.

Job description Job responsibilities Role SummaryWe are looking for an experienced and compassionate Physiotherapist to join the Kirkwood Integrated Community Services team. This role offers the opportunity to provide specialist physiotherapy to people with progressive life-limiting illness across the in-patient unit and community settings, while contributing to service development within a third-sector organisation.The role of the postholder is to provide specialist physiotherapy services on the in-patient unit and in the community through one-to-one and group interventions for people with life-limiting illness, working autonomously and in partnership with the wider IDT.You will contribute to the development of services that promote function and the overall wellbeing of patients and carers, set and review patient-centred goals, optimise quality of life and co-produce services in response to patient need.Primary Responsibilities Clinical / Professional Role Autonomously manage an allocated caseload, undertaking comprehensive holistic physiotherapy assessment, evidence-based clinical reasoning and timely intervention for patients with complex progressive life-limiting illness, recognising the limits of personal competence and seeking advice or referring onwards when required. Assess and address mobility, transfers, balance, falls risk, rehabilitation potential, fatigue, breathlessness, pain-related movement, positioning, exercise and functional maintenance, including respiratory interventions and manual handling advice within the postholders competence. Tailor assessment and treatment to each patients physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, adapting the approach as conditions and contexts change. Work in a person-centred and inclusive way, adapting communication and care to individual needs, disability, culture and health literacy. Promote independence, autonomy, quality of life and sense of self by involving the patient, carer, family and inter-disciplinary team in treatment planning and review. Use appropriate outcome measures to set and regularly review patient-centred goals, evaluate treatment effectiveness and determine whether interventions should continue, change or cease. Provide advice regarding symptom management and patient care to the IDT and external colleagues and support safe, coordinated discharge planning where appropriate. Communicate effectively with patients, carers and relatives, demonstrating compassion and empathy when providing advice, education and support. Obtain and record valid consent, apply relevant mental capacity and best-interest processes, and recognise, report and escalate safeguarding concerns in accordance with legislation and organisational policy. Provide advice, education and training to patients, carers and the inter-disciplinary team regarding the safe use of recommended aids and equipment to promote patients independence in activities of daily living. Participate in IDT meetings, professional and family meetings offering specialist input and advice and act as an advocate for the patient. Undertake visits to patients homes and make recommendations for equipment, adaptations and support. Be mobile across Kirklees, with access to their own vehicle, to undertake home visits and complete functional assessments of patients in their home environment, seeking support from the Physiotherapy Lead when required. Work closely with equipment services, community therapists and external agencies in the provision of necessary equipment and adaptations to maximise patients independence, comfort and safety on discharge, with an emphasis on quality of life. Assess for and prescribe appropriate specialist equipment for use on the in-patient setting. Provide specialist clinical advice and support to the IDT and external agencies. Management Role Ensure that patient documentation is completed accurately and contemporaneously using SystmOne and paper records, in accordance with professional standards, hospice policy and legal requirements. Maintain confidentiality, information security and data quality, and share information securely and appropriately. Support and, where appropriate, delegate activities to therapy assistants, junior staff, students and volunteers, ensuring that tasks are appropriate to their competence, that suitable instruction and supervision are provided, and that the postholder remains accountable for reviewing delegated care and outcomes. Provide cover for the therapy service and prioritise physiotherapy interventions in the absence of the Physiotherapy Lead. Support the KICS team and actively contribute to the achievement of service development initiatives. Maintain operational awareness of service priorities, capacity, demand and available resources, escalating emerging pressures, risks and barriers to the KICS Team Leader in a timely manner. Contribute to day-to-day operational and forward planning of the physiotherapy service, including prioritisation of referrals, workload management, continuity of care and effective deployment of resources in response to changing patient and service needs. Collaborate with the therapy team to undertake audit of physiotherapy provision in order to maintain high standards within the service and evaluate outcomes. Participate in policy and guideline development relevant to therapy provision. Educational Role Maintain current HCPC registration, practise in accordance with HCPC standards and relevant professional guidance, and maintain a professional portfolio in accordance with HCPC recommendations and the competency framework for the role. Undertake training and education to ensure ongoing personal and professional development. Maintain and develop current knowledge of evidence based practice in palliative care and National Standards and guidelines, incorporating these appropriately into clinical practice. Take responsibility to access clinical supervision. Engage in personal development reviews, ensuring CPD and service standards are maintained in partnership with line management develop learning objectives to meet set knowledge and competencies. Contribute to clinical education by identifying learning needs and planning, delivering and evaluating evidence-based learning for staff, students, volunteers and IDT colleagues within the scope of the role. Engage and assist the therapy team with the delivery of formal and informal education. Support in supervising the team members, students and volunteers. Quality Assurance Role Ensure physiotherapy practice is evidence-based and use patient and carer experience, outcome data and learning from practice to inform quality improvement and service development. Initiate changes to practice in partnership with appropriate IDT members. Initiate and undertake further policy and standard setting, audit and research as appropriate. To participate in the development and implementation of policies, protocols, procedures and guidelines. Actively engage with The Kirkwoods clinical governance mechanisms, including incident reporting and learning, risk management, audit, patient and carer feedback, policy review, quality improvement and dissemination of learning, taking action within the scope of the role and escalating concerns appropriately. To carry out governance initiatives measuring and evaluating the physiotherapy service, its effectiveness, activity data and real-time feedback. To collaborate with the therapy team and KICS team to develop and undertake regular audits of physiotherapy provision. To attend internal and external meetings, representing the team and organisation when required. Health and Safety All staff have a responsibility to identify and assess risk. Staff are actively encouraged to report all incidents. In order to ensure all incidents are reported, an open culture operates in which staff are free to report incidents in the knowledge that they will be supported. The postholder is responsible for the identification, assessment and analysis of risks and implementing action plans to reduce risk and minimise the impact of known risks and ensure they are familiar with all risk management and health and safety policies and procedures. Other Responsibilities To work in accordance with the values of The Kirkwood. Patients, Families and Carers are the focus of everything we do. Our values are what we live and work by. We are: Respectful and Inclusive Passionate and Determined Open and Honest Kind and Compassionate Forward-thinking We strive for Quality and Excellence To participate in The Kirkwoods performance and development review process. To undertake any other duties required by The Kirkwoods Management team commensurate with the post. To undertake annual mandatory training provided by The Kirkwood. To maintain complete confidentiality as a condition of employment. Information relating to patients, other members of staff and volunteers or which is acquired for the purposes of employment may only be disclosed with the express permission of the appropriate manager. To respect the ethos and values of The Kirkwood and its services and comply with its policies, procedures and regulations. This job description is not exhaustive therefore the employer and employee share responsibility to review and amend this job description in order to reflect any changes in role/development.

Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Previous experience and knowledge of working within the field of
• palliative and End of Life Care and Palliative rehabilitation
• Evidence of CPD and reflective practice.
• Demonstrate a robust knowledge around Clinical Governance and
• an understanding of quality improvement approaches
• Knowledge and insight into own limitations and a willingness to
• share and learn from others, utilising skills of critical appraisal.
• Knowledge around therapeutic respiratory interventions used for
• long term conditions including NIV and cough assist and Trachy
• care
• Ability to work autonomously as part of a large MDT and
• represent physiotherapy in MDT discussions.
• Advanced clinical skills in relation to physiotherapy or respiratory
• physiotherapy practice
• Ability to reflect and adapt practice to suit individuals needs,
• providing person centered care and being adaptive to the
• changing conditions
• Ability to make decisions and problem solve when dealing with
• both routine and complex clinical situations.
• Ability to lead group sessions and self-management groups
• including eexcellent interpersonal skills in both clinical and non
• clinical settings
• Ability to communicate effectively with people with complex
• needs.
• Ability to work in an environment that is emotionally demanding
• and support colleagues
• Ability to organise own work and caseload and work well as part of
• the wider MDT.
• Ability to undertake assessment and formulate treatment /
• management programmes with patients, acting as an autonomous
• practitioner.
• Demonstrates self-motivation and positivity in attitude and
• behaviour.
• Skills of self-appraisal, recognising own limitations and having a
• willingness to share and learn from others
• Well developed IT literacy and experience using virtual
• communication methods and awareness of AI and its use in health
• care settings.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to balance
• clinical and non clinical work, adhering to deadlines and urgent
• clinical need.
• Dynamic and motivated to deliver a high standard of care.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of third sector working

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a range of clinical areas, including a wide
• range of inpatients and respiratory settings with significant clinical
• experience
• Evidence of experience in supporting patients with palliative and
• long-term conditions, as well as their families, resulting in a
• comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with
• palliative and end-of-life care.
• Experience of using SystmOne or electronic records in
• accordance with professional standards, local policy and legal
• requirements.
• Wide range of clinical experience , working with adults alongside
• multi-disciplinary teams in order to support individuals with
• complex needs
• Evidence of CPD and reflective practice .
• Experience of advocating for patients and promoting their
• interests in MDT discussions.
• Previous experience of working at senior clinician level, delivering
• line management, support and training to staff and service users.

Desirable

• Experience working within specialist palliative care

Qualifications

Essential

• A full, clean UK driving license with regular access to a vehicle for
• work purposes.
• Degree or diploma in Physiotherapy.
• HCPC registration.

Desirable

• Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Person Specification Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Essential Previous experience and knowledge of working within the field of palliative and End of Life Care and Palliative rehabilitation Evidence of CPD and reflective practice. Demonstrate a robust knowledge around Clinical Governance and an understanding of quality improvement approaches Knowledge and insight into own limitations and a willingness to share and learn from others, utilising skills of critical appraisal. Knowledge around therapeutic respiratory interventions used for long term conditions including NIV and cough assist and Trachy care Ability to work autonomously as part of a large MDT and represent physiotherapy in MDT discussions. Advanced clinical skills in relation to physiotherapy or respiratory physiotherapy practice Ability to reflect and adapt practice to suit individuals needs, providing person centered care and being adaptive to the changing conditions Ability to make decisions and problem solve when dealing with both routine and complex clinical situations. Ability to lead group sessions and self-management groups including eexcellent interpersonal skills in both clinical and non clinical settings Ability to communicate effectively with people with complex needs. Ability to work in an environment that is emotionally demanding and support colleagues Ability to organise own work and caseload and work well as part of the wider MDT. Ability to undertake assessment and formulate treatment / management programmes with patients, acting as an autonomous practitioner. Demonstrates self-motivation and positivity in attitude and behaviour. Skills of self-appraisal, recognising own limitations and having a willingness to share and learn from others Well developed IT literacy and experience using virtual communication methods and awareness of AI and its use in health care settings. Excellent time management skills with the ability to balance clinical and non clinical work, adhering to deadlines and urgent clinical need. Dynamic and motivated to deliver a high standard of care. Desirable Knowledge and understanding of third sector working Experience Essential Experience of working in a range of clinical areas, including a wide range of inpatients and respiratory settings with significant clinical experience Evidence of experience in supporting patients with palliative and long-term conditions, as well as their families, resulting in a comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with palliative and end-of-life care. Experience of using SystmOne or electronic records in accordance with professional standards, local policy and legal requirements. Wide range of clinical experience , working with adults alongside multi-disciplinary teams in order to support individuals with complex needs Evidence of CPD and reflective practice . Experience of advocating for patients and promoting their interests in MDT discussions. Previous experience of working at senior clinician level, delivering line management, support and training to staff and service users. Desirable Experience working within specialist palliative care Qualifications Essential A full, clean UK driving license with regular access to a vehicle for work purposes. Degree or diploma in Physiotherapy. HCPC registration. Desirable Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information 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. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

The Kirkwood

Address

21 Albany Road

Dalton

Huddersfield

HD5 9UY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.thekirkwood.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

The Kirkwood

Address

21 Albany Road

Dalton

Huddersfield

HD5 9UY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.thekirkwood.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job summary

Are you a Physiotherapist who could join our Community Team delivering outstanding palliative and end of life care?

Due to retirement and the continued development of our community services following secured long-term NHS funding, we are looking to redesign and strengthen our physiotherapy provision.

We are interested in recruiting experienced Physiotherapists to work across our clinical services. If you are passionate about delivering person-centred, holistic palliative and end of life care, and have the ambition and drive to help develop an exceptional physiotherapy service, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

Physiotherapy

We are seeking expressions of interest from experienced Physiotherapists looking to develop specialist skills in palliative and end of life care within a supportive, innovative interdisciplinary team.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an evolving service that gives clinicians time to care, build meaningful therapeutic relationships and deliver personalised care focused on what matters most to patients and those important to them.

We would particularly welcome Physiotherapists with:

Specialist knowledge or experience in moving and handling

Expertise in respiratory clinical practice

Clinical Lead or advanced specialist physiotherapy experience

A passion for innovation and interdisciplinary working

A desire to shape community-based palliative and end of life care

Working with a skilled interdisciplinary team, you will develop specialist physiotherapy expertise, contribute to service development and help deliver outstanding outcomes for patients and families.

About us

Interested?

If you are an experienced Physiotherapist seeking your next challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help shape specialist community palliative and end of life care, where physiotherapists are empowered to make a difference every day.

For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Elspeth McGloughlin: Lisa [email protected]

Closing date: Wednesday 7th October

Expected Interview date: Tuesday 13th October.

Details

Date posted

17 September 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£32,228.80 to £36,557.60 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

B0030-26-0013

Job locations

21 Albany Road

Dalton

Huddersfield

HD5 9UY

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

Role Summary

We are looking for an experienced and compassionate Physiotherapist to join the Kirkwood Integrated Community Services team. This role offers the opportunity to provide specialist physiotherapy to people with progressive life-limiting illness across the in-patient unit and community settings, while contributing to service development within a third-sector organisation.

The role of the postholder is to provide specialist physiotherapy services on the in-patient unit and in the community through one-to-one and group interventions for people with life-limiting illness, working autonomously and in partnership with the wider IDT.

You will contribute to the development of services that promote function and the overall wellbeing of patients and carers, set and review patient-centred goals, optimise quality of life and co-produce services in response to patient need.

Primary Responsibilities

Clinical / Professional Role

Autonomously manage an allocated caseload, undertaking comprehensive holistic physiotherapy assessment, evidence-based clinical reasoning and timely intervention for patients with complex progressive life-limiting illness, recognising the limits of personal competence and seeking advice or referring onwards when required.

Assess and address mobility, transfers, balance, falls risk, rehabilitation potential, fatigue, breathlessness, pain-related movement, positioning, exercise and functional maintenance, including respiratory interventions and manual handling advice within the postholders competence. Tailor assessment and treatment to each patients physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, adapting the approach as conditions and contexts change.

Work in a person-centred and inclusive way, adapting communication and care to individual needs, disability, culture and health literacy. Promote independence, autonomy, quality of life and sense of self by involving the patient, carer, family and inter-disciplinary team in treatment planning and review.

Use appropriate outcome measures to set and regularly review patient-centred goals, evaluate treatment effectiveness and determine whether interventions should continue, change or cease. Provide advice regarding symptom management and patient care to the IDT and external colleagues and support safe, coordinated discharge planning where appropriate.

Communicate effectively with patients, carers and relatives, demonstrating compassion and empathy when providing advice, education and support. Obtain and record valid consent, apply relevant mental capacity and best-interest processes, and recognise, report and escalate safeguarding concerns in accordance with legislation and organisational policy.

Provide advice, education and training to patients, carers and the inter-disciplinary team regarding the safe use of recommended aids and equipment to promote patients independence in activities of daily living.

Participate in IDT meetings, professional and family meetings offering specialist input and advice and act as an advocate for the patient.

Undertake visits to patients homes and make recommendations for equipment, adaptations and support.

Be mobile across Kirklees, with access to their own vehicle, to undertake home visits and complete functional assessments of patients in their home environment, seeking support from the Physiotherapy Lead when required.

Work closely with equipment services, community therapists and external agencies in the provision of necessary equipment and adaptations to maximise patients independence, comfort and safety on discharge, with an emphasis on quality of life.

Assess for and prescribe appropriate specialist equipment for use on the in-patient setting.

Provide specialist clinical advice and support to the IDT and external agencies.

Management Role

Ensure that patient documentation is completed accurately and contemporaneously using SystmOne and paper records, in accordance with professional standards, hospice policy and legal requirements. Maintain confidentiality, information security and data quality, and share information securely and appropriately.

Support and, where appropriate, delegate activities to therapy assistants, junior staff, students and volunteers, ensuring that tasks are appropriate to their competence, that suitable instruction and supervision are provided, and that the postholder remains accountable for reviewing delegated care and outcomes.

Provide cover for the therapy service and prioritise physiotherapy interventions in the absence of the Physiotherapy Lead.

Support the KICS team and actively contribute to the achievement of service development initiatives.

Maintain operational awareness of service priorities, capacity, demand and available resources, escalating emerging pressures, risks and barriers to the KICS Team Leader in a timely manner.

Contribute to day-to-day operational and forward planning of the physiotherapy service, including prioritisation of referrals, workload management, continuity of care and effective deployment of resources in response to changing patient and service needs.

Collaborate with the therapy team to undertake audit of physiotherapy provision in order to maintain high standards within the service and evaluate outcomes.

Participate in policy and guideline development relevant to therapy provision.

Educational Role

Maintain current HCPC registration, practise in accordance with HCPC standards and relevant professional guidance, and maintain a professional portfolio in accordance with HCPC recommendations and the competency framework for the role.

Undertake training and education to ensure ongoing personal and professional development.

Maintain and develop current knowledge of evidence based practice in palliative care and National Standards and guidelines, incorporating these appropriately into clinical practice.

Take responsibility to access clinical supervision.

Engage in personal development reviews, ensuring CPD and service standards are maintained in partnership with line management develop learning objectives to meet set knowledge and competencies.

Contribute to clinical education by identifying learning needs and planning, delivering and evaluating evidence-based learning for staff, students, volunteers and IDT colleagues within the scope of the role.

Engage and assist the therapy team with the delivery of formal and informal education.

Support in supervising the team members, students and volunteers.

Quality Assurance Role

Ensure physiotherapy practice is evidence-based and use patient and carer experience, outcome data and learning from practice to inform quality improvement and service development.

Initiate changes to practice in partnership with appropriate IDT members.

Initiate and undertake further policy and standard setting, audit and research as appropriate.

To participate in the development and implementation of policies, protocols, procedures and guidelines.

Actively engage with The Kirkwoods clinical governance mechanisms, including incident reporting and learning, risk management, audit, patient and carer feedback, policy review, quality improvement and dissemination of learning, taking action within the scope of the role and escalating concerns appropriately.

To carry out governance initiatives measuring and evaluating the physiotherapy service, its effectiveness, activity data and real-time feedback.

To collaborate with the therapy team and KICS team to develop and undertake regular audits of physiotherapy provision.

To attend internal and external meetings, representing the team and organisation when required.

Health and Safety

All staff have a responsibility to identify and assess risk. Staff are actively encouraged to report all incidents. In order to ensure all incidents are reported, an open culture operates in which staff are free to report incidents in the knowledge that they will be supported.

The postholder is responsible for the identification, assessment and analysis of risks and implementing action plans to reduce risk and minimise the impact of known risks and ensure they are familiar with all risk management and health and safety policies and procedures.

Other Responsibilities

To work in accordance with the values of The Kirkwood. Patients, Families and Carers are the focus of everything we do. Our values are what we live and work by.

We are:

Respectful and Inclusive

Passionate and Determined

Open and Honest

Kind and Compassionate

Forward-thinking

We strive for Quality and Excellence

To participate in The Kirkwoods performance and development review process.

To undertake any other duties required by The Kirkwoods Management team commensurate with the post.

To undertake annual mandatory training provided by The Kirkwood.

To maintain complete confidentiality as a condition of employment. Information relating to patients, other members of staff and volunteers or which is acquired for the purposes of employment may only be disclosed with the express permission of the appropriate manager.

To respect the ethos and values of The Kirkwood and its services and comply with its policies, procedures and regulations.

This job description is not exhaustive therefore the employer and employee share responsibility to review and amend this job description in order to reflect any changes in role/development.

Job description Job responsibilities Role SummaryWe are looking for an experienced and compassionate Physiotherapist to join the Kirkwood Integrated Community Services team. This role offers the opportunity to provide specialist physiotherapy to people with progressive life-limiting illness across the in-patient unit and community settings, while contributing to service development within a third-sector organisation.The role of the postholder is to provide specialist physiotherapy services on the in-patient unit and in the community through one-to-one and group interventions for people with life-limiting illness, working autonomously and in partnership with the wider IDT.You will contribute to the development of services that promote function and the overall wellbeing of patients and carers, set and review patient-centred goals, optimise quality of life and co-produce services in response to patient need.Primary Responsibilities Clinical / Professional Role Autonomously manage an allocated caseload, undertaking comprehensive holistic physiotherapy assessment, evidence-based clinical reasoning and timely intervention for patients with complex progressive life-limiting illness, recognising the limits of personal competence and seeking advice or referring onwards when required. Assess and address mobility, transfers, balance, falls risk, rehabilitation potential, fatigue, breathlessness, pain-related movement, positioning, exercise and functional maintenance, including respiratory interventions and manual handling advice within the postholders competence. Tailor assessment and treatment to each patients physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, adapting the approach as conditions and contexts change. Work in a person-centred and inclusive way, adapting communication and care to individual needs, disability, culture and health literacy. Promote independence, autonomy, quality of life and sense of self by involving the patient, carer, family and inter-disciplinary team in treatment planning and review. Use appropriate outcome measures to set and regularly review patient-centred goals, evaluate treatment effectiveness and determine whether interventions should continue, change or cease. Provide advice regarding symptom management and patient care to the IDT and external colleagues and support safe, coordinated discharge planning where appropriate. Communicate effectively with patients, carers and relatives, demonstrating compassion and empathy when providing advice, education and support. Obtain and record valid consent, apply relevant mental capacity and best-interest processes, and recognise, report and escalate safeguarding concerns in accordance with legislation and organisational policy. Provide advice, education and training to patients, carers and the inter-disciplinary team regarding the safe use of recommended aids and equipment to promote patients independence in activities of daily living. Participate in IDT meetings, professional and family meetings offering specialist input and advice and act as an advocate for the patient. Undertake visits to patients homes and make recommendations for equipment, adaptations and support. Be mobile across Kirklees, with access to their own vehicle, to undertake home visits and complete functional assessments of patients in their home environment, seeking support from the Physiotherapy Lead when required. Work closely with equipment services, community therapists and external agencies in the provision of necessary equipment and adaptations to maximise patients independence, comfort and safety on discharge, with an emphasis on quality of life. Assess for and prescribe appropriate specialist equipment for use on the in-patient setting. Provide specialist clinical advice and support to the IDT and external agencies. Management Role Ensure that patient documentation is completed accurately and contemporaneously using SystmOne and paper records, in accordance with professional standards, hospice policy and legal requirements. Maintain confidentiality, information security and data quality, and share information securely and appropriately. Support and, where appropriate, delegate activities to therapy assistants, junior staff, students and volunteers, ensuring that tasks are appropriate to their competence, that suitable instruction and supervision are provided, and that the postholder remains accountable for reviewing delegated care and outcomes. Provide cover for the therapy service and prioritise physiotherapy interventions in the absence of the Physiotherapy Lead. Support the KICS team and actively contribute to the achievement of service development initiatives. Maintain operational awareness of service priorities, capacity, demand and available resources, escalating emerging pressures, risks and barriers to the KICS Team Leader in a timely manner. Contribute to day-to-day operational and forward planning of the physiotherapy service, including prioritisation of referrals, workload management, continuity of care and effective deployment of resources in response to changing patient and service needs. Collaborate with the therapy team to undertake audit of physiotherapy provision in order to maintain high standards within the service and evaluate outcomes. Participate in policy and guideline development relevant to therapy provision. Educational Role Maintain current HCPC registration, practise in accordance with HCPC standards and relevant professional guidance, and maintain a professional portfolio in accordance with HCPC recommendations and the competency framework for the role. Undertake training and education to ensure ongoing personal and professional development. Maintain and develop current knowledge of evidence based practice in palliative care and National Standards and guidelines, incorporating these appropriately into clinical practice. Take responsibility to access clinical supervision. Engage in personal development reviews, ensuring CPD and service standards are maintained in partnership with line management develop learning objectives to meet set knowledge and competencies. Contribute to clinical education by identifying learning needs and planning, delivering and evaluating evidence-based learning for staff, students, volunteers and IDT colleagues within the scope of the role. Engage and assist the therapy team with the delivery of formal and informal education. Support in supervising the team members, students and volunteers. Quality Assurance Role Ensure physiotherapy practice is evidence-based and use patient and carer experience, outcome data and learning from practice to inform quality improvement and service development. Initiate changes to practice in partnership with appropriate IDT members. Initiate and undertake further policy and standard setting, audit and research as appropriate. To participate in the development and implementation of policies, protocols, procedures and guidelines. Actively engage with The Kirkwoods clinical governance mechanisms, including incident reporting and learning, risk management, audit, patient and carer feedback, policy review, quality improvement and dissemination of learning, taking action within the scope of the role and escalating concerns appropriately. To carry out governance initiatives measuring and evaluating the physiotherapy service, its effectiveness, activity data and real-time feedback. To collaborate with the therapy team and KICS team to develop and undertake regular audits of physiotherapy provision. To attend internal and external meetings, representing the team and organisation when required. Health and Safety All staff have a responsibility to identify and assess risk. Staff are actively encouraged to report all incidents. In order to ensure all incidents are reported, an open culture operates in which staff are free to report incidents in the knowledge that they will be supported. The postholder is responsible for the identification, assessment and analysis of risks and implementing action plans to reduce risk and minimise the impact of known risks and ensure they are familiar with all risk management and health and safety policies and procedures. Other Responsibilities To work in accordance with the values of The Kirkwood. Patients, Families and Carers are the focus of everything we do. Our values are what we live and work by. We are: Respectful and Inclusive Passionate and Determined Open and Honest Kind and Compassionate Forward-thinking We strive for Quality and Excellence To participate in The Kirkwoods performance and development review process. To undertake any other duties required by The Kirkwoods Management team commensurate with the post. To undertake annual mandatory training provided by The Kirkwood. To maintain complete confidentiality as a condition of employment. Information relating to patients, other members of staff and volunteers or which is acquired for the purposes of employment may only be disclosed with the express permission of the appropriate manager. To respect the ethos and values of The Kirkwood and its services and comply with its policies, procedures and regulations. This job description is not exhaustive therefore the employer and employee share responsibility to review and amend this job description in order to reflect any changes in role/development.

Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Previous experience and knowledge of working within the field of
• palliative and End of Life Care and Palliative rehabilitation
• Evidence of CPD and reflective practice.
• Demonstrate a robust knowledge around Clinical Governance and
• an understanding of quality improvement approaches
• Knowledge and insight into own limitations and a willingness to
• share and learn from others, utilising skills of critical appraisal.
• Knowledge around therapeutic respiratory interventions used for
• long term conditions including NIV and cough assist and Trachy
• care
• Ability to work autonomously as part of a large MDT and
• represent physiotherapy in MDT discussions.
• Advanced clinical skills in relation to physiotherapy or respiratory
• physiotherapy practice
• Ability to reflect and adapt practice to suit individuals needs,
• providing person centered care and being adaptive to the
• changing conditions
• Ability to make decisions and problem solve when dealing with
• both routine and complex clinical situations.
• Ability to lead group sessions and self-management groups
• including eexcellent interpersonal skills in both clinical and non
• clinical settings
• Ability to communicate effectively with people with complex
• needs.
• Ability to work in an environment that is emotionally demanding
• and support colleagues
• Ability to organise own work and caseload and work well as part of
• the wider MDT.
• Ability to undertake assessment and formulate treatment /
• management programmes with patients, acting as an autonomous
• practitioner.
• Demonstrates self-motivation and positivity in attitude and
• behaviour.
• Skills of self-appraisal, recognising own limitations and having a
• willingness to share and learn from others
• Well developed IT literacy and experience using virtual
• communication methods and awareness of AI and its use in health
• care settings.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to balance
• clinical and non clinical work, adhering to deadlines and urgent
• clinical need.
• Dynamic and motivated to deliver a high standard of care.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of third sector working

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a range of clinical areas, including a wide
• range of inpatients and respiratory settings with significant clinical
• experience
• Evidence of experience in supporting patients with palliative and
• long-term conditions, as well as their families, resulting in a
• comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with
• palliative and end-of-life care.
• Experience of using SystmOne or electronic records in
• accordance with professional standards, local policy and legal
• requirements.
• Wide range of clinical experience , working with adults alongside
• multi-disciplinary teams in order to support individuals with
• complex needs
• Evidence of CPD and reflective practice .
• Experience of advocating for patients and promoting their
• interests in MDT discussions.
• Previous experience of working at senior clinician level, delivering
• line management, support and training to staff and service users.

Desirable

• Experience working within specialist palliative care

Qualifications

Essential

• A full, clean UK driving license with regular access to a vehicle for
• work purposes.
• Degree or diploma in Physiotherapy.
• HCPC registration.

Desirable

• Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Person Specification Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Essential Previous experience and knowledge of working within the field of palliative and End of Life Care and Palliative rehabilitation Evidence of CPD and reflective practice. Demonstrate a robust knowledge around Clinical Governance and an understanding of quality improvement approaches Knowledge and insight into own limitations and a willingness to share and learn from others, utilising skills of critical appraisal. Knowledge around therapeutic respiratory interventions used for long term conditions including NIV and cough assist and Trachy care Ability to work autonomously as part of a large MDT and represent physiotherapy in MDT discussions. Advanced clinical skills in relation to physiotherapy or respiratory physiotherapy practice Ability to reflect and adapt practice to suit individuals needs, providing person centered care and being adaptive to the changing conditions Ability to make decisions and problem solve when dealing with both routine and complex clinical situations. Ability to lead group sessions and self-management groups including eexcellent interpersonal skills in both clinical and non clinical settings Ability to communicate effectively with people with complex needs. Ability to work in an environment that is emotionally demanding and support colleagues Ability to organise own work and caseload and work well as part of the wider MDT. Ability to undertake assessment and formulate treatment / management programmes with patients, acting as an autonomous practitioner. Demonstrates self-motivation and positivity in attitude and behaviour. Skills of self-appraisal, recognising own limitations and having a willingness to share and learn from others Well developed IT literacy and experience using virtual communication methods and awareness of AI and its use in health care settings. Excellent time management skills with the ability to balance clinical and non clinical work, adhering to deadlines and urgent clinical need. Dynamic and motivated to deliver a high standard of care. Desirable Knowledge and understanding of third sector working Experience Essential Experience of working in a range of clinical areas, including a wide range of inpatients and respiratory settings with significant clinical experience Evidence of experience in supporting patients with palliative and long-term conditions, as well as their families, resulting in a comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with palliative and end-of-life care. Experience of using SystmOne or electronic records in accordance with professional standards, local policy and legal requirements. Wide range of clinical experience , working with adults alongside multi-disciplinary teams in order to support individuals with complex needs Evidence of CPD and reflective practice . Experience of advocating for patients and promoting their interests in MDT discussions. Previous experience of working at senior clinician level, delivering line management, support and training to staff and service users. Desirable Experience working within specialist palliative care Qualifications Essential A full, clean UK driving license with regular access to a vehicle for work purposes. Degree or diploma in Physiotherapy. HCPC registration. Desirable Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information 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. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

The Kirkwood

Address

21 Albany Road

Dalton

Huddersfield

HD5 9UY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.thekirkwood.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

The Kirkwood

Address

21 Albany Road

Dalton

Huddersfield

HD5 9UY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.thekirkwood.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)