Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Physiotherapy Assistant

The closing date is 19 August 2025

Job summary

Physiotherapy Band 3 Therapy Assistant

Band 3, 18.75 hours per week - Hydrotherapy unit, Torbay Hospital

An exciting opportunity has arisen to support and work alongside the Rheumatology and Hydrotherapy Physiotherapy teams at Torbay Hospital . The role is to provide 1:1, 1:2 patient and group rehab sessions to a variety of patients in the pool, including Orthopaedic, Rheumatological conditions.

Experience of working with MSK conditions within healthcare or fitness settings, including supervision of exercise or running group rehab classes is an advantage.

The Hydrotherapy unit is a small team and we take pride in being able to offer this unique service to a variety of patients. Training is provided within hydrotherapy and also within the Assistant/Technician group.

For further information on why to work with us, please see our welcome film. 'A wonderful place to achieve a great life - work balance!' Devon Physical Activity Clinical Champion.

Candidates must read the job description and person specifications before making an application.

For more information please contact Bev Brodbelt (beverley.brodbelt1@nhs.net)

Main duties of the job

  • To work under the direction of a physiotherapist but frequently to work without direct supervision.
  • To manage a caseload of physiotherapy MSK hydrotherapy out patients referred by the physiotherapists within the service.
  • To assist physiotherapists in the treatment and care of MSK Physiotherapy hydrotherapy outpatients.
  • To assist specialist physiotherapists in delivery of individuals and groups including performing routine patient monitoring, supporting patient education and supervising group exercise sessions.
  • To support non-clinical activities including organisation and delegation of administration, assisting the maintenance and efficient running of the department and managing the appointment system.

About us

As an organisation Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT) values staff and the diverse experiences and contributions they bring. We pride ourselves in being an inclusive organisation where every individual has the opportunity to make a difference. We are a mindful employer recognising employee health and wellbeing as a fundamental part of our success.

TSDFT is a leader in innovation-integrated health and social care across acute and community services. Our aim is to provide high quality, safe health and social care at the right time, in the right place to support the people of Torbay and South Devon to live their lives to the full. The Physiotherapy Service is integral to ensuring that this statement of purpose is delivered to our communities. For staff this gives unequalled scope for joint working, skill sharing and learning in a supportive environment.

Why work with us

Details

Date posted

07 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

Depending on experience per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

388-7334700-PC&S

Job locations

Torbay Hospital

Newton Road

Torbay

TQ2 7AA


Job description

Job responsibilities

  • 80% of workload is clinical; running groups and 1:1 or 1:2 session, 20% patient related non-clinical activity and general administration
  • Some aspects of work will involve delivery of care as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • To undertake ongoing assessment of patients including those with diverse and complex presentations/ multi-pathologies, use basic clinical reasoning skills and manual assessment techniques to provide a basis for effective intervention
  • Deliver individualised and group MSK outpatient exercise programmes to adults and paediatrics based on knowledge of evidence-based practice and using agreed exercise protocols. Evaluate patients progress, alter treatment plans within designated protocols, and report back to the referring physiotherapist when a change in treatment or review is required
  • To facilitate exercise in the hydrotherapy pool on an individual and/or group basis and support health education

For a full Job description and role requirements please see the attached Job description & Person Specification.

Job description

Job responsibilities

  • 80% of workload is clinical; running groups and 1:1 or 1:2 session, 20% patient related non-clinical activity and general administration
  • Some aspects of work will involve delivery of care as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • To undertake ongoing assessment of patients including those with diverse and complex presentations/ multi-pathologies, use basic clinical reasoning skills and manual assessment techniques to provide a basis for effective intervention
  • Deliver individualised and group MSK outpatient exercise programmes to adults and paediatrics based on knowledge of evidence-based practice and using agreed exercise protocols. Evaluate patients progress, alter treatment plans within designated protocols, and report back to the referring physiotherapist when a change in treatment or review is required
  • To facilitate exercise in the hydrotherapy pool on an individual and/or group basis and support health education

For a full Job description and role requirements please see the attached Job description & Person Specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications and training

Essential

  • NVQ3 in diagnostic and therapeutic support (including X8, X9, X10) or equivalent.

Desirable

  • Personal trainer qualification, Level 3 or above.
  • Undergraduate study in Sports Therapy or Sport and Exercise Sciences

Knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Experience of working as part of a team.
  • Experience of conducting group exercise and patient information sessions

Desirable

  • Experience of working with MSK conditions

Specific Skills

Essential

  • Experience of working with people who can be distressed, or who have communication difficulties.
  • Competent IT skills.

Desirable

  • Previous experience as a physiotherapy assistant.
  • Previous experience of working within the NHS

Requirements due to work environment/conditions

Essential

  • Carry out treatments of people with severe physical, cognitive, behavioural and sensory impairment and poor mobility with frequent intense physical effort on a daily basis e.g. handling of heavy body parts.
Person Specification

Qualifications and training

Essential

  • NVQ3 in diagnostic and therapeutic support (including X8, X9, X10) or equivalent.

Desirable

  • Personal trainer qualification, Level 3 or above.
  • Undergraduate study in Sports Therapy or Sport and Exercise Sciences

Knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Experience of working as part of a team.
  • Experience of conducting group exercise and patient information sessions

Desirable

  • Experience of working with MSK conditions

Specific Skills

Essential

  • Experience of working with people who can be distressed, or who have communication difficulties.
  • Competent IT skills.

Desirable

  • Previous experience as a physiotherapy assistant.
  • Previous experience of working within the NHS

Requirements due to work environment/conditions

Essential

  • Carry out treatments of people with severe physical, cognitive, behavioural and sensory impairment and poor mobility with frequent intense physical effort on a daily basis e.g. handling of heavy body parts.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Torbay Hospital

Newton Road

Torbay

TQ2 7AA


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Torbay Hospital

Newton Road

Torbay

TQ2 7AA


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical Lead Rheumatology/Hydro Physiotherapist

Bev Brodbelt

tsdft.rheumatologyphysiotherapy@nhs.net

01803655345

Details

Date posted

07 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

Depending on experience per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

388-7334700-PC&S

Job locations

Torbay Hospital

Newton Road

Torbay

TQ2 7AA


Supporting documents

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