Paediatric physiotherapist

Position

Description

Very Special Kids believes that all children and young people have the right to

quality of life, no matter how long or short their life may be.

Position Title: Paediatric Physiotherapist -Grade 2 or Grade 3

Enterprise

Agreement:

Common Law Contract

Location: Malvern

Department: Hospice

No. Direct

Reports:

None

Reporting To: Allied Heath Coordinator

Job Purpose: As part of the Allied Health team, the Physiotherapist contributes to the

delivery of holistic, patient-centred care within the hospice and clinical

services multidisciplinary team. The role supports children and young

people with life-limiting conditions through evidence-based

physiotherapy interventions, including symptom management, pain

relief, respiratory support, and hydrotherapy. The physiotherapist also

acts as an educational resource for staff and families, promoting safe

and effective care practices.

Skills &

Experience:

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Physiotherapy or Bachelor of Applied Science

• Registered Physiotherapist with AHPRA

Additional Requirements

• WWCC

• Police Check,

• COVID Vaccination,

• Influenza Vaccination,

• Evidence of Professional Qualification

Experience

• Demonstrated experience as a Grade 2 or Grade 3 equivalent

Physiotherapist within the public health sector.

• Minimum 2-3 years' experience post-graduation working as a

Physiotherapist in the field of paediatrics and or disability in not

for profit, residential or public health setting.

• Experience working with paediatrics specifically in respiratory and

musculoskeletal care.

• Clinical expertise and theoretical knowledge in the assessment

and management of infants, children and adolescents

Skills

For example,

• Excellent verbal and written communication

• Advanced Microsoft Office skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with both verbal and non-

verbal children, as well as their families, using inclusive and

compassionate approaches.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work independently

and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Experience in supervising physiotherapy students, supporting

their learning and professional development.

• Demonstrated commitment to continuous quality improvement

processes.

• Sound understanding of manual handling principles and risk

reduction strategies.

• Experience in delivering training and education to staff or

stakeholders.

• Clinical competence in hydrotherapy techniques and their

application in paediatric care settings.

Summary of

Key

Responsibilities:

• Assess, treat, and manage infants, children, and adolescents with

complex health needs within the Hospice setting.

• To provide best practice physiotherapy assessments and

interventions for children and young people with complex needs,

including respiratory assessment and management – including

tracheostomy +/- ventilation, non-invasive ventilation & cough

assist; pain assessment and management; postural management,

moving and handling, and aquatic physiotherapy

• Conduct hydrotherapy sessions tailored to individual needs and

therapeutic goals.

• Collaborate with the Maintenance Officer to ensure safety and

compliance of the hydrotherapy pool facility.

• Develop physiotherapy plans that complement existing family and

community-based therapy plans.

• Facilitate hospice-based therapy sessions for children accessing

respite and end-of-life care.

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance

with organisational policies.

• Work Collaboratively and liaise with multidisciplinary team and

external health providers to ensure coordinated care.

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with families,

schools, allied health professionals, and external agencies.

• Provide training and education to clinical staff on physiotherapy

techniques within their scope of practice.

• Support caregivers by reducing their physical and emotional

burden through practical guidance

• Supervise physiotherapy students, supporting their learning and

development.

• Participate in research, data collection, and quality improvement

initiatives

• Engage in ongoing professional development and contribute to a

learning culture.

Quality, Safety, and Improvement

Very Special Kids employees have a responsibility and accountability to contribute to the

organisation's commitment to Quality, Safety, and Improvement by:

• Acting in accordance and complying with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and

procedures

• Actively participating in team meetings, staff forums and other sessions relevant to the

role, and as required

• Supporting an inclusive environment where all individuals are treated fairly, with respect

and receive the same opportunities

• Identifying risks, reporting, and being actively involved in risk mitigation strategies

• Participating in and actively contributing to quality improvement programs

• Complying with the requirements of the National Safety & Quality Health Service

Standards

• Complying with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards

• Complying with the principles of Patient and Family Centred Care that relate to this

position

• Complying with the principles of Child Safe Standards that relate to this position

• Leading and providing supervision of volunteers directly involved in your work

Privacy Statement: Personal Information may be collected and stored for the purpose

of recruitment and selection. The information will only be used and disclosed for the

primary purpose of its collection. Some exceptions exist. These may be obtained from

the Privacy Officer.

Approvals:

Created by: General Manager, Clinical Services

Approved by: General Manager, People & Culture

Date of Last update: October 2025