We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Paediatric Therapy Assistant to join our friendly team in Wigan. This role supports Paediatric Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services, working with children and young people with a variety of developmental, physical and sensory needs. This is a full-time position (37.5 hours) Monday–Friday.
As a therapy assistant, you will work closely with registered therapists to support assessment and deliver treatment sessions, both in clinic and community settings. Your duties include preparing therapy spaces, demonstrating exercises and activities, supporting families with therapy plans, and helping children reach their full potential often through play-based and functional interventions.
The ideal candidate will have experience working with children, excellent communication skills, and a caring, adaptable approach. Some knowledge or experience in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or special educational needs is desirable, but full training will be provided.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in children’s lives whilst being part of a supportive multidisciplinary team.
You MUST hold RQF accredited NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care (or NHS Care Certificate). We cannot accept certificates from short online healthcare courses as these are not accredited.
Main duties
* Support the delivery of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy to children and young people with physical, sensory and learning needs, under the guidance of registered therapists.
* Implement treatment programmes and assist in individual and group therapy sessions across clinic and community settings; manage your own diary and carry out delegated interventions with minimal supervision.
* Assist with hydrotherapy sessions, ensuring safe transfers and providing support in the water and poolside, while maintaining infection control and safety procedures.
* Monitor and maintain specialist therapy equipment, support mobility and positioning, complete safety checks, and demonstrate correct use to parents, carers and staff after appropriate training.
* Demonstrate safe use of therapy equipment (e.g., standing frames and specialist seating) to parents, carers, education staff and other professionals after training.
* Assist with clinic organisation, appointments, enquiries, and administrative tasks; contribute to service development and participate in supervision and training as required.
* Support planning and delivery of therapy services, while ensuring high standards of care and professionalism.
Working for our organisation
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) provides acute hospital and community services in the Wigan Borough. WWL values staff and supports a positive working environment with its values “the WWL Way.” The Trust places patients at the heart of care and seeks applicants who share its values and beliefs.
WWL welcomes applications from all sections of society.
Person specification
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care (or NHS Care Certificate)
Experience
* Extensive experience working in a therapy/rehabilitation setting, especially with children.
* Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team and with parents/carers and education staff.
* Experience with routine clerical tasks and working in Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy services.
Skills
* Ability to teach practical skills to patients, parents/carers and education staff; work alone with individuals or groups; problem-solving; strong written and verbal communication; good personal organisation; confidentiality and health and safety awareness.
* Ability to present information clearly, understand basic relevant medical conditions, and work within Trust policies and procedures.
* Willingness to learn and travel within the borough as required; adaptable to service needs and optional outside core hours.
Knowledge
* Understanding of therapy interventions and the role of the assistant; moving and handling knowledge; awareness of confidentiality; understanding of SEND and inclusive practice.
Other
* Possession to travel across the borough; reliable; commitment to lifelong learning; English language proficiency suitable to the role.
For applications, you may contact the WWL Recruitment Team if you have difficulty applying online.
The Trust reserves the right to close adverts earlier than the stated closing date if there is a high volume of applications.
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