Senior Physiotherapist - Stroke

Job summary

Band 6 Physiotherapist - Stroke; Maternity Cover (Fixed Term Contract - 9 months)Princess Royal University Hospital, Kent as part of Kings College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The stroke team provides Physiotherapy assessment and treatment to patients on the 14 bedded Hyper Acute Stroke Unit and the 26 bedded Stroke Unit.

Both units have a well-established Multi-Disciplinary team approach and the ideal candidate will have excellent communication and team skills to enhance these working relationships. The successful candidate would have completed core Band 5 rotations and have experience of working with Stroke patients with acute and rehabilitation needs.

Band 6 experience within stroke or neurological rehabilitation would be beneficial, however consideration will be given to candidates who are able to demonstrate sound assessment, clinical reasoning and complex discharge planning skills. support will be provided by the Clinical Lead Stroke Physiotherapist and Band 7 Physiotherapists.

The candidate will work alongside rotational Band 6 Physiotherapists and be involved in the supervision and support of the Band 5 Physiotherapists, Physiotherapy Assistants and students. The successful candidate will be part of the enhanced weekend stroke physiotherapy service and be expected to participate in service development initiatives and MDT projects.

Main duties of the job

To hold a caseload, undertake full assessment and independently plan individual specialized treatment programmes for patients appropriately To be responsible for the standard of physiotherapy carried out by senior physiotherapy assistants working with you. Advise, guide and teach junior staff and students in the assessment and management of patients and other aspects of clinical practice.

To be an active member of the weekend service rotas, and cover of statutory and public holidays To communicate effectively with patients and carers to progress rehabilitation and treatment programmes To develop and maintain close working relationships with physiotherapy colleagues and other members of the multidisciplinary team.

To provide advice teaching and training to other members of the MDT as appropriate, both internal and external to the Trust To attend case conferences and ward rounds To keep comprehensive records of activity.

To have an active role in effective team working in the physiotherapy department, To deputise for the Senior Physiotherapist, Band 7 in her/his absence To participate in the supervision and teaching of junior physiotherapy staff, students and assistants, progressing to independent supervision, management and competency assessment of a student.

About us

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. In June 2026, we launched our new strategy for 2026-31. Our vision is to transform healthcare, and we have agreed six strategic ambitions to help us improve care for patients, and the working lives of our staff.

Our six strategic ambitions are delivering high-quality patient care ; creating a great place to work ; leading pioneering research, innovation and education ; building strong and successful partnerships ; providing timely and efficient care ; and ensuring long-term financial sustainability . We have also agreed four new organisational values - Caring, Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative - and these underpin everything we do, and how our teams interact with the patients under our care.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people. King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus.

Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Job responsibilities

To ensure a high standard, efficient and effective physiotherapy assessment treatment and intervention for all patients designated to him/her on stroke unit and Hyperacute stroke unit. To assess, treat and manage own caseload of patients as an autonomous practitioner, including the maintenance of comprehensive records. To work as an effective team member, communicating appropriately with patients, carers and other team members as required.

To teach and develop junior physiotherapists, assistant practitioners and senior physiotherapy assistants. To undertake an evidence-based projects to further the clinical practice of self and the team, and to enhance patient care. To take part in the out of hours rota as it arises.

Person Specification

Skills and Competencies

Essential

Competent to take part in Physiotherapy respiratory on call and/or weekend physiotherapy rotas IT skills, including EPR, word, excel Able to give clear, concise written and verbal reports in English Demonstrates professional independence and awareness of boundaries of own knowledge and skills Understands roles of other members of the multidisciplinary team, and understands own role within the team Education and

Qualifications · Essential

To have a degree or other recognised qualification in physiotherapy HCPC Registered Wide-ranging post-graduate clinical experience including musculoskeletal, orthopaedics, respiratory, elderly and neurology Able to demonstrate continuing professional development at a post graduate level e.g. up to date CPD portfolio

Desirable

MCSP Member of Clinical Interest group

Knowledge and Experience · Essential

Extended postgraduate experience in Stroke Knowledge and understanding of a broad range of medical and Neurological conditions and problems Comprehensive assessment skills and varied rehabilitation techniques Awareness of Clinical Governance and its implications for the physiotherapy service Knowledge and experience of supporting complex discharges

Desirable

Experience of working in community Physiotherapy Experience in Supervision of staff Experience managing students Undertaken QI project work

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).