Physiotherapy Team Lead in Learning Disability

NHS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health service provider is looking for a Band 7 Physiotherapist to join the Wandsworth Learning Disability Physiotherapy Team. The role involves working with individuals aged 18 and above, conducting assessments, and formulating treatment plans. Candidates should have a Physiotherapy degree and experience with complex needs. Support and training opportunities are provided. The position offers a competitive salary of £56,276 to £63,176 annually.

Qualifications

• Experience of carrying a caseload of service users with complex and diverse needs in a Learning Disability setting.
• Experience of supervising junior staff within a formal supervision scheme.
• Thorough knowledge of complex physical health needs of people with learning disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Undertake advanced physiotherapy assessments and formulate comprehensive treatment plans.
• Conduct musculoskeletal, neurological and respiratory assessments.
• Maintain a high standard of clinical practice and evaluate interventions.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Report writing

Time management

Knowledge of mental health

Problem-solving skills

Education

Physiotherapy degree or Diploma

Leadership/management training

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 7 Physiotherapist with proven clinical and leadership skills to join the Wandsworth Learning Disability Physiotherapy Team at Southwest London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust. You will be joining a friendly community multidisciplinary team that will allow you to explore your full potential as a leader and highly specialised clinician. This role is for working with individuals aged 18 years old and above with learning disabilities, across Physical Health and Mental Health pathways, including musculoskeletal, neurology, respiratory and older people, with postural management and dysphagia management also included.

You will be supported by the Head of Physiotherapy and the Deputy Team Lead in yearly appraisals and monthly clinical supervision. The successful candidate will join the Mental Health Physiotherapy team for monthly in-service training and contribute to Learning Disability Physiotherapy Team In-service training sessions, and participate in Physiotherapy Development forums.

Responsibilities

• Undertake advanced, holistic physiotherapy assessments and formulate comprehensive treatment plans for service users with learning disabilities with or without mental health considerations.
• Conduct musculoskeletal, neurological and respiratory assessments and clinically reason decisions.
• Involvement in 24-hour postural management, dysphagia management, mobility assessments, falls prevention and development/review of exercise programmes.
• Carry out assessments and interventions in a variety of community settings including clients’ homes, supported living facilities, registered care homes and community day services.
• Take on a leadership role within the team, assisting with organisation and delivery of in-service training, supervision and service development projects with support from the Head of Physiotherapy and Deputy Team Lead.
• Work in community settings where demand can fluctuate; be highly organised and self-motivated to manage during these times.
• Maintain a high standard of clinical practice, evaluate the effectiveness of Physiotherapy interventions and decision-making with service users, carers and other professionals.
• Identify significant clinical risk factors in line with local policies, with support from senior managers.
• Ensure equipment is used safely and in compliance with departmental policies.
• Act as a resource for problem solving and specialist clinical skills for Physiotherapists within the Trust and for external bodies seeking information about Physiotherapy in Mental Health Learning Disability.
• Adhere to clinical standards and guidelines from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, HCPC and relevant Special Interest Groups (e.g. CPMH / AGILE).

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Experience of carrying a caseload of service users with complex and diverse needs in a Learning Disability setting
• Experience of supervising junior staff within a formal supervision scheme
• Experience of individual and group work
• Evidence of working in a multi-agency environment
• Evidence of working in a multi-cultural context
• Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP) and current HCPC registration
• Physiotherapy degree (or Diploma + significant clinical experience)
• Leadership and/or management training
• Thorough knowledge of complex physical health needs of people with learning disabilities
• Broad-based Physiotherapy skills with specialist ability relevant to mental health
• Knowledge of professional standards of practice and clinical governance
• Leadership skills as described in the job description
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational, planning, report writing and time management skills
• Knowledge of evidence-based practice and outcome measures

Desirable:

• Broad-based clinical experience at a senior level within other Physiotherapy specialities
• Experience of working in the community, falls and specialist orthotic services
• Experience of postural management
• Postgraduate qualification (e.g., MSc, MA) and membership of relevant clinical special interest groups (e.g., ACPPLD)

About us

We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care. The Care Quality Commission rates our services as 'good' and we aspire to be 'outstanding'. We are transforming to support our mission of Making Life Better Together, with new facilities and planned developments funded to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027. We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be anti-racist, co-producing with local communities.

Details

Date posted: 18 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £56,276 to £63,176 a year inclusive of inner London HCAS

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 294-MHCA-7492183-JB

Job locations: Balham Health Centre, 120-124 Bedford Hill, London, SW12 9HS

Job responsibilities

• Undertake the assessment and appropriate Physiotherapy management of an agreed caseload of service users with complex mental health and physical health problems.
• Collaboratively plan and deliver individual and group interventions.
• Act as autonomous practitioner with full responsibility for the Physiotherapeutic management of the agreed caseload.
• Lead by example, setting and maintaining a high standard of clinical practice.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Physiotherapy interventions and clinical decisions with service users, carers and other professionals.
• Identify significant clinical risk factors in line with local policies, with support from senior managers.
• Be responsible for equipment used, ensuring adherence to departmental policies and safe use by staff and clients.
• Act as a resource for problem solving and specialist clinical skills for Physiotherapists within the Trust and for external bodies seeking knowledge about Physiotherapy in Mental Health Learning Disability.
• Adhere to clinical standards and guidelines from the CSP, HCPC or other relevant groups.

Security and Registration

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and requires a DBS disclosure.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Employer: South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust

Address: Balham Health Centre, 120-124 Bedford Hill, London, SW12 9HS

Website: swlstg.nhs.uk