Assistant Research Physiotherapist - Trauma & Orthopaedics

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Assess and treat a designated caseload of patients independently within agreed care pathways and competency frameworks.
• Deliver individual and group-based rehabilitation programmes under indirect supervision.
• Use clinical reasoning to modify treatment plans in response to patients' needs and risks (e.g. pain, mobility, falls).
• Support rehabilitation in hospital wards, clinics, and community/home settings as appropriate.
• Undertake functional, mobility and risk assessments; document and escalate any concerns.
• Assist with discharge planning and provision of minor aids/adaptations.
• Use safe moving and handling techniques; clean and maintain therapy equipment.

Research Support

• Support identification, screening, and recruitment of patients for the INITIATE Study primarily and any other research allocated to portfolio.
• Assist in coordinating participant appointments, follow-up and booking of outcome assessments.
• Collect study data using standardised measures (e.g. functional scores, PROMs), record in Case Record Forms (CRFs) or electronic systems.
• Work and engage with EDGE electronic database.
• Liaise with patients and families to provide information and support around the study.
• Maintain accurate and timely research records under guidance of Band 5 Research Physiotherapist, Lead Research Nurse and study team.

Professional and Administrative Duties

• Maintain clinical and research documentation in line with Trust, GCP, and GDPR requirements.
• Participate in peer supervision, annual appraisal, and competency-based training.
• Support junior therapy assistants and students as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and act in accordance with CSP and Trust values.
• Undertake clerical tasks including ordering equipment, filing, data entry, photocopying and cleaning log.

Communication and Team Working

• Communicate clearly and empathetically with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Attend MDT meetings, handovers and study briefings as appropriate.
• Use digital platforms (email, EPR, EDGE, study databases) effectively and responsibly.

Sustainability & Service Development

• Contribute to quality improvement, audits, and feedback cycles for service delivery.
• Support a culture of efficiency, sustainability, and continuous improvement in therapy services.

RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will work closely with and be supported by the following individuals and teams:

Internal:

• Band 4 Research Physiotherapist Day-to-day clinical and research supervision; delegated tasks and caseload management.
• Senior and Specialist Physiotherapists For training, mentorship, and input on complex cases.
• Occupational Therapists Collaborative rehabilitation planning and joint patient sessions.
• Therapy Assistants and Technical Instructors (Bands 23) Peer support, joint delivery of therapy sessions, and shared administrative duties.
• Ward-Based Nursing Teams Communication regarding patient mobility, discharge planning, and therapy needs.
• Orthopaedic and Geriatric Consultants / Junior Doctors Liaison regarding patient suitability for research, medical status, and functional progress.
• Therapy Administration and Equipment Services Coordination of equipment orders, data entry, and scheduling.
• Research & Development (R&D) Department Support in adhering to research governance procedures and study documentation standards.

External:

• Patients and Families / Carers Regular communication regarding therapy goals, education, and support during participation in the INITIATE Study.
• Research Delivery Network: West Midlands (WMRDN) May assist in coordinating study-related activities or data monitoring visits.
• Study Sponsors / INITIATE Study Coordinating Team Ensuring accurate and timely data entry and attendance at relevant training where required.
• Community Rehabilitation Teams / Social Care Staff Support for patients transitioning home with ongoing therapy or care needs.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Participation in 7-day working rota including some evenings.
• Willingness to work across multiple sites if required.
• Physical effort moving and handling patients/equipment daily

For a full comprehensive list of main responsibilities and duties, please kindly refer to job description and person specification attached.

Person Specification

Shortlisting criteria

Essential

• Previous experience working in a physiotherapy, therapy assistant or healthcare support role
• Familiarity with clinical documentation and confidentiality standards
• Understanding of infection control, safeguarding and risk assessment in a healthcare setting
• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Ability to work with a range of patients using sensitivity, tact and empathy
• Ability to follow treatment plans and adapt care based on patients' changing needs
• Ability to use basic clinical reasoning within scope of role
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Basic IT and data entry skills
• Motivated, reliable and flexible
• Commitment to high standards of care, patient dignity and confidentiality
• Enthusiasm for learning and professional development
• Ability to travel between Trust sites if required
• Willingness to participate in weekend and flexible rota cover
• Right to work in the UK and meet the physical requirements of the role
• Demonstrates understanding of Trust Values

Desirable

• Experience supporting patient care in musculoskeletal or orthopaedic settings
• Awareness of the role of research within the NHS
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training or willingness to complete
• Interest in research and evidence-based practice

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust

Address

George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust

College Street

Nuneaton

CV10 7DJ

Employer's website

http://www.geh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)