South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Physiotherapy Assistant - Paediatrics

The closing date is 10 March 2026

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen to join the paediatric physiotherapy team based at the Childrens Centre, Durham Road. We are a Multidisciplinary Team providing a community paediatric service for children ages 0-19 years.

The post holder will work as a Physiotherapy Assistant at Band 2, working across a variety of sites to include: Special schools within Sunderland and South Tyneside, Oxclose Community school, Mainstream schools and Nurseries, Childrens Centre, Palmers Community Hospital and hydrotherapy at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Main duties of the job

You will be based in Sunderland as part of our Childrens Physiotherapy team that covers South Tyneside and Sunderland.

The post holder will work with and support experienced therapists, independently and with staff from other agencies. You will be expected to have an understanding and desire to work with children of all ages and special needs. You will be required to demonstrate competent computer skills, have good communication and organisational skills. You will have the opportunity to support our MDT, Orthotic and internal departmental clinics. You will gain experience and a working knowledge of safeguarding concerns.

The post holder will be expected to undertake any other general duties asked of them. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a large team with specialist clinicians.

You will be required to meet the travel requirements of this post

Additional site information

Palmer Community Hospital, Jarrow

Sunningdale School, Sunderland

Portland Academy School, Sunderland

Keelman's Way School, Hebburn

Bamburgh School, South Shields

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Date posted

24 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year (26/27 Pay award pending £25,272)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9155-CSAHP-0226-28

Job locations

Children's Centre

Durham Road

Sunderland

Tyne and Wear

SR3 4AG

Job description

Job responsibilities

To work as part of the Paediatric Physiotherapy team, providing assistance in delivering a rehabilitation service to a client group. To provide support and assistance to qualified physiotherapy staff clinically and administratively, to ensure highest standards of quality and efficiency of care. To participate in appropriate, continuing professional development work under the guidance of a senior member of staff. To assist the physiotherapist in a range of work procedures and practices, which require a base level of knowledge. To maintain basic communication links with client, carers and all associated professional practitioners. To complete basic clinical observations that are accurate and legally compliant and report these back to a senior member of staff if appropriate. To adhere to all Trust policies and procedures as they pertain to Personnel, Health & Safety and Child, Elder Protection issues and Continuing Health Care needs

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE

Job description

Job responsibilities

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Good organisational ability
The ability to work under pressure
Ability to work independently and under instruction following guidelines from qualified staff
Ability to prioritise workload
Evidence of the ability to communicate with a broad spectrum of individuals.
Able to present information, written and orally in a clear and logical manner
Ability to motivate people
Basic IT skills

Desirable

Evidence of working with people in a school/ nursery/ care/exercise setting
Recent proven experience of working with Clients in a hospital or NHS organization.
Experience in other therapy settings.
Previous physiotherapy assistant Experience
Intermediate IT skills

Physical Skills

Essential

Able to meet the moving and handling requirements of the post

Experience

Essential

Evidence of interaction with the public or patients
The ability to work as part of a team

Desirable

Previous Physiotherapy Assistant experience.
Some previous experience of working within Paediatrics.
Completion of related competencies.

Other

Essential

Ability to meet the travel requirements of the role.

Qualifications

Essential

Numeracy and Literacy GCSE level or equivalent
NVQ 2 in health-related subject or relevant experience

Desirable

Recognised academic qualification in a health-related topic
Intermediate IT skills

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Good organisational ability
The ability to work under pressure
Ability to work independently and under instruction following guidelines from qualified staff
Ability to prioritise workload
Evidence of the ability to communicate with a broad spectrum of individuals.
Able to present information, written and orally in a clear and logical manner
Ability to motivate people
Basic IT skills

Desirable

Evidence of working with people in a school/ nursery/ care/exercise setting
Recent proven experience of working with Clients in a hospital or NHS organization.
Experience in other therapy settings.
Previous physiotherapy assistant Experience
Intermediate IT skills

Physical Skills

Essential

Able to meet the moving and handling requirements of the post

Experience

Essential

Evidence of interaction with the public or patients
The ability to work as part of a team

Desirable

Previous Physiotherapy Assistant experience.
Some previous experience of working within Paediatrics.
Completion of related competencies.

Other

Essential

Ability to meet the travel requirements of the role.

Qualifications

Essential

Numeracy and Literacy GCSE level or equivalent
NVQ 2 in health-related subject or relevant experience

Desirable

Recognised academic qualification in a health-related topic
Intermediate IT skills

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.