Job responsibilities
The Assistant Practitioner will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care across hospital, outpatient, or community settings. The post holder will manage a delegated caseload and defined client group, working autonomously within agreed protocols and under the supervision of a qualified clinician. They will support the assessment, treatment, and evaluation of patients, contributing to the delivery of Pulmonary Rehabilitation programmes and other Respiratory Outpatient clinics that promote functional independence, mobility and wellbeing. The duties will include maintaining accurate, clear, timely documentation of patient contacts, progress notes, equipment records and statistical data, in line with Trust policy.
Main tasks and responsibilities
1. To work with a delegated caseload of patients autonomously.
2. To develop and implement therapy treatment plans for individual patients and groups of patients.
3. To assist in the preparation of group sessions/activities and support the qualified clinicians with delivery. This may include ensuring equipment is safe and ready for use.
4. To carry out clinical assessments and subsequently implement a relevant treatment programme, in accordance with agreed standards, reporting back to qualified clinicians on the patients progression.
5. To include therapeutic moving and handling to support the use of specialist equipment or tools.
6. To carry out assessments for the provision of standard assistive equipment, including walking aids and other prescribed equipment that may be required to promote functional independence / mobility.
7. To adhere to all aspects of the Trusts infection control policy.
8. To contribute to the weekend rota to cover a seven-day therapy service as appropriate.
9. To understand and comply with the Trust policies relating to working with vulnerable adults and children.
10. To plan, provide and evaluate therapeutic activities for groups and individual patients, working within a framework of guidance developed with a qualified clinician.
11. To assist in administration and clerical duties relating to the area of work.
Management responsibilities
1. To ensure that patient interventions / activities can be carried out in a safe environment by contributing to the environmental risk assessment.
2. To carry out any departmental housekeeping tasks, including maintaining stock and advising on resources necessary to carry out the job, taking a lead role in ensuring orders are processed as appropriate.
3. To organise and prepare treatment sessions, group sessions and or therapeutic activities.
4. To contribute to the health and safety agenda by promoting a safe culture and undertaking specific tasks (i.e. COSHH) as part of the wider team and specifically for the area of work.
5. To demonstrate own duties to inexperienced staff and students.
Communication and relationships
1. To communicate effectively with patients, with due regard to physical, sensory, and cognitive difficulties, respecting their views, autonomy, and culture.
2. To communicate with a range of professionals within the Trust and in external agencies.
3. To be able to reassure and persuade patients to undertake the necessary therapeutic activities.
4. To work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, forming and sustaining professional relationships.
5. To monitor patients progress, recognise when adjustment to clinical intervention is necessary, and act accordingly, including liaison with the qualified clinicians.
6. To report effectively, in both written and verbal formats, to the team and supervising therapists on patients progress and own development needs.
7. To occasionally deal with upset patients and their relatives in a tactful and supportive way.
Governance
1. To review and reflect on your own practice and take an active part in your own personal appraisal and development opportunities.
2. To contribute to the ongoing improvement and modernisation of the therapy service by contributing to training and induction programmes. This may include being involved in audit and evaluation of therapeutic activities.
3. To work to local and Trust policies and procedures, for example, those regarding manual handling and lone working.
Trust policies and procedures
The post holder is required to comply with Trust policies, procedures and standards at all times.
Confidentiality
The post holder is required to maintain the confidentiality of information regarding patients, staff and other health service business in accordance with the Caldicott Guidelines, Data Protection Act and Childrens Act and all other relevant legislation as appropriate.
Risk management
Report any risks and clinical and non-clinical accidents and incidents promptly and co-operate with any investigations undertaken.
Health and safety
Be aware of their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act and must ensure that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees, patients and visitors to the Trust.
Appraisal and statutory training
All newly appointed staff will receive an initial appraisal within six months of commencing in the post.
Thereafter, appraisals will be conducted on an annual basis. The post holder will undertake all statutory and mandatory training as deemed necessary by the Trust.
Safeguarding statement
The Trust is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people, and vulnerable adults by taking all reasonable steps to protect them from harm. All staff will receive appropriate training and induction so that they understand their roles and responsibilities and are confident about carrying them out.
Infection prevention and control
To be aware of, assess and minimise these risks and comply fully with infection prevention and control policies.
This job description will be reviewed during the annual appraisal. The employee shares with the employer responsibility to suggest alterations to the scope of duties to improve the working situation and to adapt to change and facilitate service improvement. Any changes to this role specification will be made in consultation with the post holder.
Assistant Practitioner
Person specification
Essential
Desirable
Experience
Worked as a senior therapy assistant. In a therapy setting with an in-depth knowledge of therapeutic principals.
Working without direct supervision.
Ability to communicate in a variety of settings with patients of varying levels of understanding.
Applying Physiotherapy principles- able to select appropriate assessment approaches, methods and techniques in line with individual needs, evidence, and resources.
Experience of assessment- able to monitor individuals during assessments and communicate appropriate action in relation to any significant changes.
Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
Experience of working in NHS environment.
An understanding of therapy roles.
Able to communicate reasoning for therapeutic interventions.
Qualifications
Foundation degree in Health and Social Care / BTEC or equivalent level 5 qualification in a Health and Social Care subject.
Care Certificate
Skills, knowledge and competencies
An understanding of Human anatomy and physiology and how they impact on an individuals functional independence/mobility.
An understanding of therapy, which can be demonstrated by having a facilitative approach to patient care.
Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues across a number of disciplines.
Good communication skills written and verbal.
Ability to work under pressure and ability to prioritise procedures.
An understanding of the therapeutic model of care.
Able to follow instructions and procedures
Able to work in a team but use own initiative
Effective organisational skills
Specific role requirements
Communicate treatment plans and related conditions/illness to individuals, demonstrating an understanding of the role in delivering therapeutic care.
Understanding of professional standards of behaviour.
Physical skills
e.g., use of tools, equipment, minute taking, advanced computer skills
Proficient IT skills
Physically able to work undertaking therapeutic handling skills with patients.
Flexible attitude to work including working across sites EG hospital sites and other community sites.
Physical effort
e.g., pushing, pulling, moving and handling of equipment
To frequently exert physical effort in cramped conditions and sustain postures for periods of up to 40 minutes several times a day.
Ability to move and handle patients as part of their treatment programme.
Moving equipment to prepare and support group sessions.
Mental effort
e.g., level of concentration
Concentration is required to listen, observe, evaluate, document, plan and act on information gathered.
Work can frequently be unpredictable and interrupted.
Emotional effort
e.g., exposure to distressing circumstances
Deal frequently with distressing or emotional situations, such as dealing with patients and families who are distressed due to acute or terminal illness, those who are elderly, those with special needs and those experiencing prolonged ongoing deterioration.
Working conditions
e.g., environment, exposure to unpleasant or hazards
To have daily contact with patients bodily fluids, odours, dust, etc.
Last updated: November 2025
