Job summary
Band 4 Therapy Assistant Practitioner (TAP) OT/PT - 1 WTE
We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic and creative TAP to be a part of our well-established Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy team based at Peace Children's Centre in Watford. You will be joining an innovative and agile Children and Young People's Therapy (CYPT) Service committed to delivering high quality intervention and transforming lives.
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust provides integrated Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, and Physiotherapy Services for families across the county. Our CYPT service provides opportunities for collaborative working, joint training and shared learning amongst each profession. Our service is commissioned by health, social care and education, allowing us to provide a seamless pathway from early years through to home, school and further education settings, to enable a child to meet their full potential in participating in activities of daily living.
*Previous applicants from the last 6 months need not apply
Main duties of the job
Children's Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy is based on a 3 Tier model of service delivery, with provision at Universal, Targeted and Specialist tiers. We offer assessment and treatment to children and young people with a wide variety of conditions, including cerebral palsy, autistic spectrum disorder and developmental coordination disorder. We also carry out home assessments and advise on equipment, housing adaptations and rehousing. The team works closely with colleagues in the wider multiagency team supporting children, young people and their families to achieve their maximum potential.
An exciting development opportunity that is part of this role is that the postholder will support the service's moving and handling specialist to deliver manual handling advice and training to mainstream settings for CYP with physical disabilities. The postholder will receive full training to undertake this support role.
Continuing Professional Development is actively supported through access to training, regular supervision, peer support meetings and staff appraisal scheme.
We can offer:
- Regular supervision, managerial supervision and a well-established appraisal system
- CPD opportunities, including in-service masterclasses
- Opportunities to work alongside other therapists/assistants to deliver intervention to children/young people requiring support
- An initial induction period where you will have the opportunity to observe and shadow your team.
About us
We're delighted that you're exploring a career with HCT. As an organisation, we're committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and rewarding work environment -- one where you'll feel valued and empowered to make a real difference.
At HCT, we put patients, their families, and carers at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is simple yet powerful: Outstanding Services and Healthier Communities. Our dedicated staff take pride in being Innovative, Caring, and Agile, working together to turn this vision into reality.
Working with us comes with a host of benefits designed to support your wellbeing and work-life balance:
- Generous annual leave(27 days rising to 33 with long service)
- Flexible working arrangementsto help balance personal and professional life, including up to 5 days of carers leave (pro rata)
- Employee Assistance Programmeoffering 24/7 confidential support for personal or work-related issues
- Cycle to Work and Car Lease Schemes
- Blue Light Card and NHS Discounts
- Health and wellbeing support, including free flu jabs, Physiotherapy referrals, eye care vouchers
- Occupational Pension Scheme
- Enhanced sick pay above statutory entitlements
We celebrate diversity and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds, ages, and communities to apply.
You've taken a fantastic first step by considering HCT. We're excited about the possibility of welcoming you to our team and taking the next step in your journey with us.
Details
Date posted
03 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum (pro rata)
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time
Reference number
812-25-KWCYP40
Job locations
Peace Children's Centre
Peace Prospect
Watford
WD17 3EW
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see Job Description attached, which details the responsibilities within this post.
The successful candidate will have some experience of working with therapists and/or with children and must be computer literate and able to demonstrate good working knowledge of a variety of computer systems and programmes. They will need to be enthusiastic and motivated, and have good communication, clinical reasoning and organisational skills. They must be a team player but be able to work autonomously and have the ability to champion the needs of patients.
If you are keen to be part of our well established and professional therapy team, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us for an informal chat and further details about this opportunity.
If theres high interest in this role, we may close applications earlier than the advertised deadline, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
A full valid driving licence and access to a car to use regularly for business purposes is essential (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).
In addition to the basic salary, this post attracts a High Cost Area Supplement of 5% of basic salary subject to a minimum payment of £1,303 and a maximum payment of £2,198 per annum pro rata (pro rata where applicable and dependent on base location).
Word versions of documents are available if needed to allow for any adaptations to be made i.e. font, colour, background, convert to Read Aloud.
Interview date is set for: 21st October 2025
Job descriptionJob responsibilities
Please see Job Description attached, which details the responsibilities within this post.
The successful candidate will have some experience of working with therapists and/or with children and must be computer literate and able to demonstrate good working knowledge of a variety of computer systems and programmes. They will need to be enthusiastic and motivated, and have good communication, clinical reasoning and organisational skills. They must be a team player but be able to work autonomously and have the ability to champion the needs of patients.
If you are keen to be part of our well established and professional therapy team, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us for an informal chat and further details about this opportunity.
If theres high interest in this role, we may close applications earlier than the advertised deadline, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
A full valid driving licence and access to a car to use regularly for business purposes is essential (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).
In addition to the basic salary, this post attracts a High Cost Area Supplement of 5% of basic salary subject to a minimum payment of £1,303 and a maximum payment of £2,198 per annum pro rata (pro rata where applicable and dependent on base location).
Word versions of documents are available if needed to allow for any adaptations to be made i.e. font, colour, background, convert to Read Aloud.
Interview date is set for: 21st October 2025
Person Specification
Physical Skills
Essential
- To administer therapeutic techniques as delegated by the qualified therapist including using medical equipment and manual techniques
- To handle children and babies in a therapeutic manner.
Qualifications
Essential
- Documented evidence of formal knowledge and training to NVQ level 3 or equivalent
- Documented evidence of formal training, knowledge and experience of specific childhood conditions and therapy practices relating to these conditions e.g. cerebral palsy, DCD, various syndromes and disorders leading to developmental delay
Experience
Essential
- Documented evidence to indicate skills and knowledge in movement and anatomy, Normal child development, therapy techniques, disorders and delays of child development
- Knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety, manual handling and risk awareness, safeguarding children
- Describe your IT skills, including your knowledge of computer systems and programmes and e-mail systems
- Describe any experience you have in working with other professionals to support a child/young person
Skills & Aptitudes
Essential
- To be able to use knowledge, skills, experience to make sound judgements and informed decisions.
- To be able to analyse problems and use problem solving skills to reach an appropriate solution
- Give an example of how you have adapted your communication skills in order to work effectively with children, families or professionals
- Describe how you manage your workload and prioritise tasks when working independently
Other Requirements
Essential
- Hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
Physical Skills
Essential
- To administer therapeutic techniques as delegated by the qualified therapist including using medical equipment and manual techniques
- To handle children and babies in a therapeutic manner.
Qualifications
Essential
- Documented evidence of formal knowledge and training to NVQ level 3 or equivalent
- Documented evidence of formal training, knowledge and experience of specific childhood conditions and therapy practices relating to these conditions e.g. cerebral palsy, DCD, various syndromes and disorders leading to developmental delay
Experience
Essential
- Documented evidence to indicate skills and knowledge in movement and anatomy, Normal child development, therapy techniques, disorders and delays of child development
- Knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety, manual handling and risk awareness, safeguarding children
- Describe your IT skills, including your knowledge of computer systems and programmes and e-mail systems
- Describe any experience you have in working with other professionals to support a child/young person
Skills & Aptitudes
Essential
- To be able to use knowledge, skills, experience to make sound judgements and informed decisions.
- To be able to analyse problems and use problem solving skills to reach an appropriate solution
- Give an example of how you have adapted your communication skills in order to work effectively with children, families or professionals
- Describe how you manage your workload and prioritise tasks when working independently
Other Requirements
Essential
- Hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
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.
Employer details
Employer name
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust
Address
Peace Children's Centre
Peace Prospect
Watford
WD17 3EW
Employer's website
https://www.hct.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust
Address
Peace Children's Centre
Peace Prospect
Watford
WD17 3EW
Employer's website
Salary range
- £27,485 - £30,162 per year