Job summary
Band 3 Physiotherapy Assistant - MSK OutpatientsLocation: Sussex MSK Health - Adur & Worthing (Base: Worthing)Flexible working and job share applications welcomed We are seeking a motivated and enthusiasticBand 3 Physiotherapy Assistantto join our friendly and supportiveMusculoskeletal (MSK) Outpatient Team at Sussex MSK Health in Adur & Worthing for 30 hours per week. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience inexercise, rehabilitation, or therapy supportwho is looking to develop their skills and knowledge within the MSK field. We are looking for someone who:
- Is a clear and compassionate communicator
- Works well as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Has a good understanding of rehabilitation principles
- Brings previous experience in exercise, rehab, or as a physiotherapy/therapy assistant (desirable)
- Committed to delivering high-quality patient care.
In this role, you'll support patients throughout their rehabilitation journey, helping them reach their full potential. You'll work closely with a team of experienced Physiotherapists who will provide ongoing support, supervision, and guidance.
What we offer: - A welcoming, experienced team environment
- Access to a robust In-Service Training (IST) programme
- Regular clinical supervision and development opportunities
The post is based in
Worthing, but some travel to other sites may be required. We welcome applications for
part-time roles and job shares.
Main duties of the job
To assist the Outpatient Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy Team deliver flexible, patient centred programmes of therapeutic activities, exercises and interventions for patients referred to the MSK Adult Physiotherapy service and the Hydrotherapy Pool.To support the day-to-day management of the hydrotherapy pool. To support the administrative function and day to day running of the department.oTo work as part of a Physiotherapy Team providing a high quality and comprehensive therapy service to patients.oTo work with patients with varied conditions in the outpatient MSK serviceoTo work unsupervised as well as alongside the qualified physiotherapists.oTo provide information and advice to patients, carers and other health and social care professions on areas within the grades scope of practice, e.g. advise patients on exercise treatment programmes based on procedures and set protocols.
About us
We are the main provider of NHS community services across East and West Sussex, with 6,000 staff serving 1.3 million people. We deliver essential care to adults and children, helping them manage their health, avoid hospital admissions, and reduce hospital stays.
Our Trust vision is to provide excellent care at the heart of the community. We offer opportunities across medical, clinical, support, and corporate services.
Why work for us?o Positive 2024 NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeingo Varied environments: community hospitals, patients' homes, and bases across Sussexo Flexible working options: part-time, flexi-time, annualised hours, and flexi-retiremento Excellent training, development, and research opportunitieso Accredited Living Wage Employer, we ensure fair pay for all our staffo Cost-effective workplace nurseries in Crawley, Hove, and Brightono Active EMBRACE, Disability & Wellbeing, LGBTQIA+, and Religion & Belief networkso Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust
Our values--Compassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence--guide everything we do.
We embrace diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from ethnically diverse, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We aim to create an inclusive environment and support reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
This post may close early if sufficient applications are received.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To communicate effectively with patients with a variety of communication difficulties e.g. blind, deaf, dysphasic, learning difficulties / dementia, and for people who do not have English as their first language. This will involve the effective use of verbal, written, pictorial, tactile and visual communication tools.
Use empathetic, tactful and interpersonal skills to encourage, empower and motivate patients to maximise their rehabilitation potentialTo liaise with other team members with regards to day to day running of the MSK Physiotherapy ServiceTo communicate effectively with all other disciplines involved with an individuals careTo use effective communication skills with patients who may present with complex needs such as chronic pain.To consistently maintain accurate and comprehensive records in line with guidelines and ensure confidentiality is maintained. Initiate documentation for assessment, transfer and discharge and be conversant with uni and multi-professional documentation.Educate patients and relatives on a range of topics covering Physiotherapy techniques, e.g. exercise, mobility activities including using walking aids and indoor and outdoor mobility.Assist in informative / observational visits, work-shadow sessions and specific areas of induction process e.g. new members of staff and studentsTo support and participate in appropriate work-related projects as requiredTo comply with University Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust policies and procedures.To highlight an discuss any issues with the service with the team lead in a professional mannerTo attend and actively participate in relevant in-service and mandatory statutory training e.g. infection control, child protection, data protection, moving and handling, fire safety, resus etc and to ensure that evidence of attendance of self and staff is recorded within the departmental data spreadsheet and updated as appropriate.To be involved in planning and delivering training to peers as requiredTo support peers and other more junior members of the team and assist in the induction of new staff. Including demonstrating processes and IT systemsTo ensure compliance with the Trust Hand Hygiene Policy and demonstration of this through audit and appraisal.Maintain personal development through course attendance, participation in Individual Performance Review (IPR), application in practise of skills and speciality competencies.Contribute to the development and delivery of patient care by participating in team departmental or MDT training e.g. through problem solving discussions.Involved in the Rehabilitation of patients using knowledge of exercise based therapyTo be able to correctly apply various therapeutic aids as appropriate in discussion with the Physiotherapist, e.g. splints, braces, walking aids, resistance bands, floor pedals, and weights.To support Physiotherapists by undertaking skilled Physiotherapy techniques e.g. exercise instruction, gait re-education and functional transfers with individuals.Educate patients, on a range of topics covering Physiotherapy techniques, e.g. exercises, mobility activities including using walking aids and indoor and outdoor mobility and to lead education group sessions.Working without direct supervision to treat patients individually or in conjunction with other members of the team.To understand the relevance of the therapeutic potential of equipment within treatment planning.Be competent to set up and operate therapeutic and gym equipment in line with the Trusts Health & Safety Guidelines e.g. monitoring and maintaining the safety and condition of the equipment.To assess, measure, label, adjust to size and issue walking aids as appropriate and various standard splints.To work effectively with 1:1 patient sessions or taking a group of patientsTo support patient care poolside
Job description
Job responsibilities
To communicate effectively with patients with a variety of communication difficulties e.g. blind, deaf, dysphasic, learning difficulties / dementia, and for people who do not have English as their first language. This will involve the effective use of verbal, written, pictorial, tactile and visual communication tools.
Use empathetic, tactful and interpersonal skills to encourage, empower and motivate patients to maximise their rehabilitation potentialTo liaise with other team members with regards to day to day running of the MSK Physiotherapy ServiceTo communicate effectively with all other disciplines involved with an individuals careTo use effective communication skills with patients who may present with complex needs such as chronic pain.To consistently maintain accurate and comprehensive records in line with guidelines and ensure confidentiality is maintained. Initiate documentation for assessment, transfer and discharge and be conversant with uni and multi-professional documentation.Educate patients and relatives on a range of topics covering Physiotherapy techniques, e.g. exercise, mobility activities including using walking aids and indoor and outdoor mobility.Assist in informative / observational visits, work-shadow sessions and specific areas of induction process e.g. new members of staff and studentsTo support and participate in appropriate work-related projects as requiredTo comply with University Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust policies and procedures.To highlight an discuss any issues with the service with the team lead in a professional mannerTo attend and actively participate in relevant in-service and mandatory statutory training e.g. infection control, child protection, data protection, moving and handling, fire safety, resus etc and to ensure that evidence of attendance of self and staff is recorded within the departmental data spreadsheet and updated as appropriate.To be involved in planning and delivering training to peers as requiredTo support peers and other more junior members of the team and assist in the induction of new staff. Including demonstrating processes and IT systemsTo ensure compliance with the Trust Hand Hygiene Policy and demonstration of this through audit and appraisal.Maintain personal development through course attendance, participation in Individual Performance Review (IPR), application in practise of skills and speciality competencies.Contribute to the development and delivery of patient care by participating in team departmental or MDT training e.g. through problem solving discussions.Involved in the Rehabilitation of patients using knowledge of exercise based therapyTo be able to correctly apply various therapeutic aids as appropriate in discussion with the Physiotherapist, e.g. splints, braces, walking aids, resistance bands, floor pedals, and weights.To support Physiotherapists by undertaking skilled Physiotherapy techniques e.g. exercise instruction, gait re-education and functional transfers with individuals.Educate patients, on a range of topics covering Physiotherapy techniques, e.g. exercises, mobility activities including using walking aids and indoor and outdoor mobility and to lead education group sessions.Working without direct supervision to treat patients individually or in conjunction with other members of the team.To understand the relevance of the therapeutic potential of equipment within treatment planning.Be competent to set up and operate therapeutic and gym equipment in line with the Trusts Health & Safety Guidelines e.g. monitoring and maintaining the safety and condition of the equipment.To assess, measure, label, adjust to size and issue walking aids as appropriate and various standard splints.To work effectively with 1:1 patient sessions or taking a group of patientsTo support patient care poolside
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Completion of Physiotherapy apprenticeship i.e. Level 3 Diploma in Allied Healthcare Support OR Health care related qualification at NVQ level 3 or above OR Equivalent experience as physiotherapy assistant or Occupational Therapy assistant Or Level 2 or above gym instructor CIMSPA accreditation Or Degree or equivalent sports therapy
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a team
- Previous clinical NHS/Healthcare environment experience
- 6 months or more of working as a physiotherapy / occupational therapy or Healthcare assistant delivering patient care
Desirable
- Previous experience at Band 2 Physio assistant/tech role
Skills
Essential
- Understanding of the Job role / Physiotherapy profession
- Basic knowledge of human anatomy and Physiology
- Proactive in own learning and develop knowledge and skills
Desirable
- An understanding or involvement in service development /audit, and an understanding of quality issues
- Basic understanding of exercise rehabilitation.
- Evidence of own development of knowledge and skills e.g. Portfolio / CPD (continuing professional development)
- Previous healthcare related courses
Other Requirements
Essential
- Available for weekend duties and altered working patterns where clinically appropriate
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Completion of Physiotherapy apprenticeship i.e. Level 3 Diploma in Allied Healthcare Support OR Health care related qualification at NVQ level 3 or above OR Equivalent experience as physiotherapy assistant or Occupational Therapy assistant Or Level 2 or above gym instructor CIMSPA accreditation Or Degree or equivalent sports therapy
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a team
- Previous clinical NHS/Healthcare environment experience
- 6 months or more of working as a physiotherapy / occupational therapy or Healthcare assistant delivering patient care
Desirable
- Previous experience at Band 2 Physio assistant/tech role
Skills
Essential
- Understanding of the Job role / Physiotherapy profession
- Basic knowledge of human anatomy and Physiology
- Proactive in own learning and develop knowledge and skills
Desirable
- An understanding or involvement in service development /audit, and an understanding of quality issues
- Basic understanding of exercise rehabilitation.
- Evidence of own development of knowledge and skills e.g. Portfolio / CPD (continuing professional development)
- Previous healthcare related courses
Other Requirements
Essential
- Available for weekend duties and altered working patterns where clinically appropriate
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.
