Podiatrist Degree Apprentice

This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Podiatry Service at Livewell Southwest in a developmental role.

You will be employed by the Podiatry Service and will work towards completing a BSc (Hons) degree in Podiatry as a Level 6 apprentice. This undertaking will encompass distance learning provided by the University of Plymouth alongside workplace learning over a 3 year period, with the aim to successfully complete the apprenticeship in September 2029.

During this time you will need to attend University sessions and complete clinical hours as set out in the degree programme. You will need to complete and pass academic modules and clinical practice to the required standard in order to progress through the course programme, ensuring a timely achievement in accordance with the academic programme requirements. All necessary assessments will need to be completed and passed in order to achieve a BSc (Hons) degree in Podiatry.

The role of an Apprentice Podiatrist is to continuously develop their skills and knowledge as they progress through the degree programme. You will learn to provide effective skills and interventions working in partnership with the individual and their relevant family members/support network, maintaining clinical records to the required standard, so that on successful completion of the programme you will have the qualification to manage and be responsible for a Podiatric clinical caseload with appropriate registered peer support.

Main duties of the job

As a BSc (Hons) Podiatry Apprentice you will have the opportunity to work in your chosen field whilst being supported to develop the skills and knowledge to progress through a Programme of study.

Whilst working at Band 3/4 level for 'on the job' days you will assist Registered staff in providing care to patients in a variety of settings such as patient's homes, clinics, locations used for providing nail surgery & Derriford Hospital. Your role would also include support for the team such as stock management & preparation of documentation & rooms for various aspects of care provision. As we provide care at sites across Plymouth & the South Hams area you may be required to travel to clinics at different sites or accompany staff on home visits within this area. Please see the job description for more details.

Your scheduled "off the job" days will be those where you attend your University training or undertake supervised, supported clinical practice to develop the required skills & apply the knowledge learnt through your studies. You may need to also undertake further study in your own time.

Please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route

We may close the advert early if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity

All Livewell Southwest staff are expected to be able & willing to work across a 7 day service.

About us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.

As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.

We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.

We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.

Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.

Job responsibilities

This is a summary of the main aspects but please read the attached job description in full

• To be responsible for organising and prioritising designated caseload, demonstrating effective clinical reasoning and safe provision of appropriate equipment with support from the clinical teams as required.
• To contribute to decision-making related to patient/service user care through active participation in communication networks, which may include multi-disciplinary/multi-agency meetings, case conference or providing written reports.
• The Apprentice will also be required to provide support to the smooth running of the departments or team. This can include (but is not limited to) organising appointments, dealing with goods and maintaining stock levels at all sites where clinics are held, attending meetings or coordinating diaries.
• Develop and improve practical and theoretical knowledge, competence and skills throughout the (enter occupation) degree, Higher Apprenticeship programme and maintain all evidence required.
• Complete the level 6 degree qualification.
• Take part in regular tripartite learning reviews with your employer and degree Apprenticeship Team/Practice educators.
• Engage in reflective practice including management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions, and reflecting on answers given.
• Is proactive in seeking opportunities to develop own knowledge and skills, achieving clinical competencies and Degree / Level 6 qualification within agreed timeframes.
• To ensure timely completion of electronic patient record reflecting any activities undertaken as well as recording of care plans
• The apprentice may have responsibilities across multiple sites within our commissioned areas and will need to be able to travel to each. These will include UHP, Mount Gould site, other satellite clinics and/or home visits as required.
• To work under both direct and indirect supervision from other members of the Podiatry clinical team and with the guidance of workplace clinical educators.
• To organise own time, manage and prioritise referrals, caseload and treatment ensuring that appropriate decisions are made regarding patient care.
• To respond to referrals and identify patients requiring a Podiatry intervention, in line with specific team priorities, ensuring that any intervention is timely.
• Develop, by the end of the degree Apprenticeship Programme, the ability to work without direct supervision, delivering care independently in line with the individuals defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the apprentice Podiatrist, accessing clinical and care advice when needed.
• To attend all components of the Degree programme and complete assignments and assessments in and out of the workplace as directed.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience within a relevant health or social care setting or for school leavers a demonstrable understanding of these areas.
• Awareness of the Podiatry role within the MDT.
• Experience of prioritising own time and working to deadlines.
• Experience of collecting/recording information on paper and computer systems.
• Experience of good customer relations and effective communication skills, including face to face, telephone and written.
• Experience within a relevant health or social care setting as a Therapy Assistant/HCA/other appropriate clinical role.
• Experience working within a health care setting.
• Experience of working in an MDT.
• Experience of working with medical conditions.

Qualifications

• 120 UCAS tariff points which can be achieved through relevant level 3 qualifications including access to higher education, A-Level, T Levels or BTEC or a level 3 qualification in health and social care related course.
• Level 2 English Qualification (GCSE Grade 4-9 or A-C), Level 2 Functional Skills English, Key Skills level 2 communication or equivalent.
• Level 2 maths Qualification (GCSE Grade 4-9 or A-C), Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, Key Skills level 2 application of number (numeracy) or equivalent.
• GCSE minimum grade C/4 in a science subject.

Skills

• Ability to work independently using own initiative.
• Able to work flexibly as part of a team.
• Ability to demonstrate caring values and principles.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good written and verbal skills.
• Ability to organise and prioritise.
• Able to work within an MDT.
• Committed to personal development.
• Motivation, drive, enthusiasm and confidence.
• Able to maintain judgement under pressure.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the Podiatry profession and process, its application in clinical practice and its role within the organisation.
• Awareness of the impact of poor health on overall wellbeing and awareness of the positive impact of activity on health and wellbeing.
• Knowledge of NHS and healthcare systems.
• Application of risk assessments and considerations in practice.
• Awareness of patient‑centred approach.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to frequently travel independently and in a timely manner between Livewell Southwest sites and community locations including areas not served by public transport.

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.

Full-time,Part-time,Job share,Flexible working

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