Job summary
We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Complementary Therapy
Assistant to join our Living Well Services team. This is a
rewarding opportunity to support patients, carers, and families by delivering a
range of complementary therapies that enhance comfort, wellbeing, and symptom
relief.
You will work closely with clinical and wellbeing teams to provide
therapies such as massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, and reiki, tailored to
individual needs in hospice, community, or outpatient settings.
The role will be working 18 hours per week.
Main duties of the job
- Deliver safe and effective complementary therapies in line with assessed needs and within your scope of practice.
- Support patients with empathy, dignity, and respect, ensuring informed consent and comfort throughout.
- Maintain high standards of hygiene, documentation, and professional conduct.
- Participate in team handovers, audits, and service development initiatives.
- Contribute to patient education, informal teaching, and peer learning.
About us
Youll be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team committed to holistic, person-centred care. We offer opportunities for professional development, reflective practice, and the chance to make a real difference in peoples lives.
Our Staff Benefits:
- 38 days annual leave each year, pro rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Various Health and Wellbeing benefits including access to complementary therapy and counselling.
- Free car parking on site
- Professional annual Registration fees reimbursed
- Pension scheme or NHS Pensions are transferable
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity benefits
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose:
To provide approved complementary therapies to patients, carers, and families, enhancing comfort, wellbeing, and symptom relief. Therapies may include aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, reiki, and other holistic practices.
Key Responsibilities:
Therapeutic Practice:
- Deliver complementary therapies based on assessed needs.
- Modify treatments within scope of competence and patient condition.
- Maintain hygiene and cleanliness of therapy areas and equipment.
- Document essential oil prescriptions (for qualified aromatherapists).
- Monitor and respond to changes in patient wellbeing during therapy.
Patient Care & Communication:
- Build trusting relationships with patients and carers.
- Obtain informed consent and maintain patient dignity.
- Provide information to support patient choice and autonomy.
- Attend multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure integrated care.
Clinical Governance:
- Adhere to national standards and organisational policies.
- Participate in audits, feedback collection, and service evaluation.
- Contribute to policy development and research initiatives.
Education & Development:
- Educate patients and carers on therapeutic interventions.
- Facilitate workshops and informal teaching sessions.
- Engage in peer review and maintain professional development.
Team Collaboration:
- Work closely with clinical staff, wellbeing teams, and volunteers.
- Attend handovers and contribute to holistic care planning.
- Support recruitment and supervision of volunteer therapists.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose:
To provide approved complementary therapies to patients, carers, and families, enhancing comfort, wellbeing, and symptom relief. Therapies may include aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, reiki, and other holistic practices.
Key Responsibilities:
Therapeutic Practice:
- Deliver complementary therapies based on assessed needs.
- Modify treatments within scope of competence and patient condition.
- Maintain hygiene and cleanliness of therapy areas and equipment.
- Document essential oil prescriptions (for qualified aromatherapists).
- Monitor and respond to changes in patient wellbeing during therapy.
Patient Care & Communication:
- Build trusting relationships with patients and carers.
- Obtain informed consent and maintain patient dignity.
- Provide information to support patient choice and autonomy.
- Attend multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure integrated care.
Clinical Governance:
- Adhere to national standards and organisational policies.
- Participate in audits, feedback collection, and service evaluation.
- Contribute to policy development and research initiatives.
Education & Development:
- Educate patients and carers on therapeutic interventions.
- Facilitate workshops and informal teaching sessions.
- Engage in peer review and maintain professional development.
Team Collaboration:
- Work closely with clinical staff, wellbeing teams, and volunteers.
- Attend handovers and contribute to holistic care planning.
- Support recruitment and supervision of volunteer therapists.
Person Specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work sensitively with patients with life limiting conditions
- Ability to follow care plans and therapy protocols
- Basic IT and record keeping skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Compassionate empathetic and patient
- Reliable and flexible in approach
- Respectful of diverse backgrounds and beliefs
- Emotionally resilient and able to manage distressing situations
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent
- Basic training or certification in one or more complementary therapies
- Willingness to undertake further training relevant to the role
Desirable
- Additional complementary therapy qualifications
- Membership of a professional body
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a care home- hospice or healthcare environment
- Experience providing hands-on support to patients or clients
- Familiarity with holistic or person-centred care approaches
Desirable
- Experience in healthcare or palliative care settings preferred
- Experience working with people with cancer-chronic illness or in end-of-life care
Knowledge and Understanding
Essential
- Understanding of the role of complementary therapies in palliative or supportive care
- Awareness of infection control and health and safety procedures
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection
Desirable
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Compassionate empathetic and patient
- Reliable and flexible in approach
- Respectful of diverse backgrounds and beliefs
- Emotionally resilient and able to manage distressing situations
Person Specification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work sensitively with patients with life limiting conditions
- Ability to follow care plans and therapy protocols
- Basic IT and record keeping skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Compassionate empathetic and patient
- Reliable and flexible in approach
- Respectful of diverse backgrounds and beliefs
- Emotionally resilient and able to manage distressing situations
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent
- Basic training or certification in one or more complementary therapies
- Willingness to undertake further training relevant to the role
Desirable
- Additional complementary therapy qualifications
- Membership of a professional body
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a care home- hospice or healthcare environment
- Experience providing hands-on support to patients or clients
- Familiarity with holistic or person-centred care approaches
Desirable
- Experience in healthcare or palliative care settings preferred
- Experience working with people with cancer-chronic illness or in end-of-life care
Knowledge and Understanding
Essential
- Understanding of the role of complementary therapies in palliative or supportive care
- Awareness of infection control and health and safety procedures
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection
Desirable
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Compassionate empathetic and patient
- Reliable and flexible in approach
- Respectful of diverse backgrounds and beliefs
- Emotionally resilient and able to manage distressing situations
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
