University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Physiotherapy Support Worker

The closing date is 24 February 2026

Job summary

We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to join the busy In-patient physiotherapy team at Worthing Hospital - based at Worthing Hospital. This permanent band 3 post will be 37.5 hours per week (inc. some weekend working), and will involve supporting the team of physios within In-Patients. Previous experience at working at band 3 is desirable but not essential. We fully support training. The successful candidate will work as part of a team and have a key role to play in the rehabilitation of patients, assisting them to reach their full potential and helping them to get back home. You will be based in the ward setting and will be required to liaise with other members of the multi-disciplinary team on a regular basis You will carry your own caseload of patients and will be required to assess and progress their treatment as well as assisting the physiotherapists with their patients. You will provide rehabilitation to patients through mobility practice, exercise programmes, and provision of walking aids. The post would suit individuals with healthcare or fitness experience who are looking for a career within physiotherapy. Applicants should be able to work independently and as part of a team. You must also be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and organisational skills and be committed to further personal and professional development.

Main duties of the job

To work as part of a Physiotherapy Team providing a high quality and comprehensive therapy service to patients.
To work with adults and children with varied conditions, including orthopaedic, elderly rehabilitation, neurological, etc.
To work unsupervised as well as alongside qualified physiotherapists.
Take on routine procedural-based assessments and implement own treatment programme, through exercises and mobility rehabilitation individually or in groups.

To regularly evaluate and analyse basic treatment programmes and modify them without prior consultation with a qualified physiotherapist.
To assist with the clerical and professional administrative tasks required to provide an efficient and effective high-quality service.
To be prepared to participate in future 7-day service provision if applicable.
To support the MDT with discharge planning to aid patient flow through the hospital.

About us

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer abuddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

Date posted

12 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year Per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

279-7738372-FEB26

Job locations

Worthing Hospital

Lyndhurst Road

Worthing

BN11 2DH

Job description

Job responsibilities

Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for this role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.

If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Communication

To work collaboratively with relevant Team Professionals (e.g. Health Care Assistants, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Nursing staff, Orthotists) to assist achievement of patient centred goals and maximising the patients potential.
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, on a one-to-one level and to enable the patient to integrate in group activities. This will involve the effective use of verbal, written, pictorial, tactile and visual communication tools.
Educate patients and relatives on a range of topics covering Physiotherapy techniques, e.g. therapeutic positioning, exercise, mobility activities including using walking aids and indoor and outdoor mobility.
Use advanced empathetic, tactful, and interpersonal skills to encourage and empower patients and carers to maximise patients Rehabilitation potential, giving opportunity for unloading / sharing of concerns and issues and providing informal counselling.
Assist in informative / observational visits, work-shadow sessions, and specific areas of induction process e.g. new members of staff and students.
Attend Handover & MDT meetings to represent current Physiotherapy management with regards to patient progress and potential and be able to make to decisions within agreed parameters.
To liaise with other team members with regards to day-to-day issues and department management e.g. prioritisation, staff shortages, increased patient caseload.
To maintain physiotherapy records in an accurate way, in line with guidelines to ensure identified goals are achieved.
To be able to manage potentially stressful, sensitive, upsetting, terminal conditions or emotional situations in an empathic manner.

Service delivery and improvement

Attend Handover & MDT meetings to represent current Physiotherapy management with regards to patient progress and potential and be able to make to decisions within agreed parameters.
To liaise regularly with the Physiotherapist to discuss patient progress, particularly any variation in the treatment delivered or deviation from the expected outcome of the treatment plan.
To recognise improvements and deterioration in patients condition and act appropriately by informing relevant team members and supervising Physiotherapist.
Work with patients in the Inpatient /Outpatient setting. Be able to input, read and interpret monitored information to ensure patient and therapist safety during therapy session e.g. BP, HR, Temperature, SaO2 etc. Including understanding the NEW S2 scales and when to escalate concerns of patient deterioration.
Read, monitor and safely disconnect/reconnect equipment knowing when it is acceptable to do so to enable therapeutic treatment to take place in an appropriate setting.
To take responsibility for ongoing assessment, treatment, and evaluation of referred patients.
To anticipate and facilitate discharge of delegated patient caseload e.g. issuing equipment, discussing with inpatient team and make ongoing referrals as appropriate.
Is aware of own scope of practice and seeks advice when situations move outside of the scope.

People management and development

Participate in the planning and delivery of in-service training.
Assist in the induction of new staff including advising and demonstrating manual handling techniques and correct use of hoists and other specialist equipment in line with trust health and safety policy.
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.
Providing day to day support for less experienced staff within the service such as Students and Apprentices.
Responsible for carrying out duties in line with the Trusts e-rostering processes, including managing rosters, supporting staff allocation, and contributing to effective budget reconciliation and workforce planning.

Patient care delivery

To carry own caseload of patients with predictable conditions who require treatments.
Involved in the Rehabilitation of patients using knowledge of exercise-based therapy techniques.
To take responsibility for ongoing assessment, treatment, and evaluation of referred patients within their scope of practise without prior consultation with a qualified physiotherapist.
To assist nursing staff and therapists as required regarding day-to-day care of patients, e.g. transfers, maintaining hygienic environment.
To be able to correctly apply various therapeutic aids as appropriate in discussion with the Physiotherapist, e.g. splints, braces, walking aids, resistance bands, sliding boards, floor pedals, and weights.
Read, monitor and safely disconnect / reconnect equipment, knowing when it is acceptable to do so to enable therapeutic treatment to take place in an appropriate setting.
Be able to input, read and interpret monitored information to ensure patient and therapist safety during therapy session e.g. BP, HR, SaO2 etc. Including, understanding the NEW S2 scales and when to escalate concerns of patient deterioration.
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.
Take leadership during tasks undertaken with colleagues e.g. functional transfers, general mobility, and gait re-education advice.
To support Physiotherapist by undertaking skilled Physiotherapy techniques e.g. exercise instruction, gait re-education and functional transfers with individuals.
To work collaboratively with relevant Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Professionals (e.g. health care assistants, occupational therapy assistants, nursing staff, and Orthotists) to assist achievement of patient centred goals and maximising the patients potential.
Educate patients, on a range of topics covering Physiotherapy techniques, e.g. Exercises, mobility activities including using walking aids and indoor and outdoor mobility.
To have an understanding of the discharge options for patients, including onward rehabilitation options to help promote patient flow and discharge.

Job description

Job responsibilities

If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Communication

To work collaboratively with relevant Team Professionals (e.g. Health Care Assistants, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Nursing staff, Orthotists) to assist achievement of patient centred goals and maximising the patients potential.
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, on a one-to-one level and to enable the patient to integrate in group activities. This will involve the effective use of verbal, written, pictorial, tactile and visual communication tools.
Educate patients and relatives on a range of topics covering Physiotherapy techniques, e.g. therapeutic positioning, exercise, mobility activities including using walking aids and indoor and outdoor mobility.
Use advanced empathetic, tactful, and interpersonal skills to encourage and empower patients and carers to maximise patients Rehabilitation potential, giving opportunity for unloading / sharing of concerns and issues and providing informal counselling.
Assist in informative / observational visits, work-shadow sessions, and specific areas of induction process e.g. new members of staff and students.
Attend Handover & MDT meetings to represent current Physiotherapy management with regards to patient progress and potential and be able to make to decisions within agreed parameters.
To liaise with other team members with regards to day-to-day issues and department management e.g. prioritisation, staff shortages, increased patient caseload.
To maintain physiotherapy records in an accurate way, in line with guidelines to ensure identified goals are achieved.
To be able to manage potentially stressful, sensitive, upsetting, terminal conditions or emotional situations in an empathic manner.

Service delivery and improvement

Attend Handover & MDT meetings to represent current Physiotherapy management with regards to patient progress and potential and be able to make to decisions within agreed parameters.
To liaise regularly with the Physiotherapist to discuss patient progress, particularly any variation in the treatment delivered or deviation from the expected outcome of the treatment plan.
To recognise improvements and deterioration in patients condition and act appropriately by informing relevant team members and supervising Physiotherapist.
Work with patients in the Inpatient /Outpatient setting. Be able to input, read and interpret monitored information to ensure patient and therapist safety during therapy session e.g. BP, HR, Temperature, SaO2 etc. Including understanding the NEW S2 scales and when to escalate concerns of patient deterioration.
Read, monitor and safely disconnect/reconnect equipment knowing when it is acceptable to do so to enable therapeutic treatment to take place in an appropriate setting.
To take responsibility for ongoing assessment, treatment, and evaluation of referred patients.
To anticipate and facilitate discharge of delegated patient caseload e.g. issuing equipment, discussing with inpatient team and make ongoing referrals as appropriate.
Is aware of own scope of practice and seeks advice when situations move outside of the scope.

People management and development

Participate in the planning and delivery of in-service training.
Assist in the induction of new staff including advising and demonstrating manual handling techniques and correct use of hoists and other specialist equipment in line with trust health and safety policy.
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.
Providing day to day support for less experienced staff within the service such as Students and Apprentices.
Responsible for carrying out duties in line with the Trusts e-rostering processes, including managing rosters, supporting staff allocation, and contributing to effective budget reconciliation and workforce planning.

Patient care delivery

To carry own caseload of patients with predictable conditions who require treatments.
Involved in the Rehabilitation of patients using knowledge of exercise-based therapy techniques.
To take responsibility for ongoing assessment, treatment, and evaluation of referred patients within their scope of practise without prior consultation with a qualified physiotherapist.
To assist nursing staff and therapists as required regarding day-to-day care of patients, e.g. transfers, maintaining hygienic environment.
To be able to correctly apply various therapeutic aids as appropriate in discussion with the Physiotherapist, e.g. splints, braces, walking aids, resistance bands, sliding boards, floor pedals, and weights.
Read, monitor and safely disconnect / reconnect equipment, knowing when it is acceptable to do so to enable therapeutic treatment to take place in an appropriate setting.
Be able to input, read and interpret monitored information to ensure patient and therapist safety during therapy session e.g. BP, HR, SaO2 etc. Including, understanding the NEW S2 scales and when to escalate concerns of patient deterioration.
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.
Take leadership during tasks undertaken with colleagues e.g. functional transfers, general mobility, and gait re-education advice.
To support Physiotherapist by undertaking skilled Physiotherapy techniques e.g. exercise instruction, gait re-education and functional transfers with individuals.
To work collaboratively with relevant Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Professionals (e.g. health care assistants, occupational therapy assistants, nursing staff, and Orthotists) to assist achievement of patient centred goals and maximising the patients potential.
Educate patients, on a range of topics covering Physiotherapy techniques, e.g. Exercises, mobility activities including using walking aids and indoor and outdoor mobility.
To have an understanding of the discharge options for patients, including onward rehabilitation options to help promote patient flow and discharge.

Person Specification

Professional Registration

Essential

Completion of Physiotherapy apprenticeship i.e. L3 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

Experience/Qualifications

Essential

Understanding of the Job role / Physiotherapy profession
Experience of working in a team(working within health or thepublic)
Previousclinical NHS/Healthcare environment experience
Basic knowledge of human anatomy and Physiology
6 months or more of working as aPhysiotherapy /OccupationalTherapy or Healthcare assistant delivering patient care.

Desirable

An understanding or involvement in service development oraudit,and an understanding of quality issues
Basic understanding of exercise rehabilitation.
Experience in Acute hospital healthcare setting

Skills

Essential

High degree of digital literacy e.g able to use computer systems such as Teams, Powerpoint, Word, Excel etc
Ability to recognise a potentially serious situation and when to seek advice.
To recognise their own limitations and when to seek advice.

Desirable

Completion of Physiotherapy Support Workercompetencies- to aid skill development with patients in acute setting.

People Management

Essential

Ability to cope in an environment with emotional or aggressive patients.
Ability to cope with unpredictable and/or stressful working environment.
Ability to communicate effectively withdifferent typesof people e.g. patients, patient relatives, Doctors, Nurses, colleagues etc.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Specific Requirements

Essential

To be preparedtoparticipatein future 7-day service provision if applicable

Person Specification

Professional Registration

Essential

Completion of Physiotherapy apprenticeship i.e. L3 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

Experience/Qualifications

Essential

Understanding of the Job role / Physiotherapy profession
Experience of working in a team(working within health or thepublic)
Previousclinical NHS/Healthcare environment experience
Basic knowledge of human anatomy and Physiology
6 months or more of working as aPhysiotherapy /OccupationalTherapy or Healthcare assistant delivering patient care.

Desirable

An understanding or involvement in service development oraudit,and an understanding of quality issues
Basic understanding of exercise rehabilitation.
Experience in Acute hospital healthcare setting

Skills

Essential

High degree of digital literacy e.g able to use computer systems such as Teams, Powerpoint, Word, Excel etc
Ability to recognise a potentially serious situation and when to seek advice.
To recognise their own limitations and when to seek advice.

Desirable

Completion of Physiotherapy Support Workercompetencies- to aid skill development with patients in acute setting.

People Management

Essential

Ability to cope in an environment with emotional or aggressive patients.
Ability to cope with unpredictable and/or stressful working environment.
Ability to communicate effectively withdifferent typesof people e.g. patients, patient relatives, Doctors, Nurses, colleagues etc.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Specific Requirements

Essential

To be preparedtoparticipatein future 7-day service provision if applicable

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).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Certificate of Sponsorship

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Worthing Hospital

Lyndhurst Road

Worthing

BN11 2DH

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Worthing Hospital

Lyndhurst Road

Worthing

BN11 2DH

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)