Pulmonary Rehabilitation Assistant
The closing date is 22 March 2026.
Please note: at this stage, the role is open only to colleagues currently employed within Kent and Medway NHS Trusts, the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Medway Community Healthcare. Nursing vacancies are also open to Student Nurses and Newly Qualified Nurses.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation service in Whitstable supports adults with chronic respiratory conditions to improve their functional ability, breathlessness management and overall quality of life. We provide high-quality programmes that include holistic pre- and post-assessments, structured exercise sessions, education and self-management support delivered in group settings across community venues.
Patients frequently tell us how transformative the service is, with feedback such as: “The people were very friendly and helpful and got me to exercise every day instead of sitting in this chair. It has changed my life.”
The service is delivered by an experienced multidisciplinary team. We work closely with integrated care partners across Kent to continually develop the respiratory pathway and ensure patients receive coordinated, person-centred care. Staff benefit from regular in-service training, clinical supervision, protected CPD time and opportunities to contribute to local clinical interest groups. As part of a Trust rated Outstanding by the CQC and accredited by the Royal College of Physicians, you will be joining a service committed to excellence and ongoing development.
Main duties of the job
As a Band 3 Pulmonary Rehabilitation Assistant, you will support the Clinical Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist (Band 7) and wider team to deliver a high-quality pulmonary rehabilitation service. You will assist in group exercise and education, support patients through their rehabilitation programme and help them build confidence in managing their condition.
Your role will include preparing sessions, supporting patients during exercise, monitoring progress, and contributing to holistic assessments under the guidance of qualified clinicians. You will help deliver self-management education, encourage safe and effective participation, and provide reassurance and motivation to patients throughout their programme.
You will also play a key part in maintaining accurate records, supporting onward referrals, ordering equipment when required and contributing to the smooth running of the service. Working closely with Physiotherapists, Therapy Assistant Practitioners and administrative colleagues, you will help ensure patients receive timely and compassionate care.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop your clinical skills within respiratory rehabilitation, supported by regular supervision, training and CPD time. Hours are flexible between 22.5 and 37.5 per week, and working patterns can be discussed. An informal visit is encouraged if you would like to explore how we can support your next career step.
About us
Rated outstanding by the CQC, we deliver high standards of patient care and excellent services to improve the health of our communities. We seek outstanding people who share our values: Compassionate, Aspirational, Responsive, Excellent.
We know a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion leads to better patient care and a happier workforce. We welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.
We ask for information about protected characteristics on our application forms. This isn’t visible to shortlisting or interviewing unless you choose to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme due to disability. Short listers will see two ticks to apply the principles of the scheme to your submission.
The data we collect helps ensure we attract diversity in our applicants, provide equitable career opportunities, and support us in being a Great Place to Work.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we encourage flexible working arrangements. We will support you to work flexibly in a way that suits us both.
See where you can go with KCHFT career pathways.
Job responsibilities
As a community Trust, many roles require the ability to drive. If driving is a requirement, you will be asked to confirm you hold a full UK driving licence or a full driving licence issued by an EU country. If you are unable to drive due to a disability, please contact the Recruitment Team via kentchft.recruitment@nhs.net for support.
The job description and person specification provide all you need to know about this role. Please review the criteria in the person specification and describe how you meet them in your application. If you need an alternative format for the application form, contact our recruitment team. All information provided should be true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
Still have questions? The recruiting manager can be contacted via the job advert for details.
We encourage timely applications as vacancies may close early if there is high interest.
At KCHFT we strongly encourage colleagues who have direct or social contact with patients to be fully vaccinated to protect everyone’s safety.
Find out more about the community difference here.
Good luck! We cant wait to meet you and welcome you to #teamKCHFT, #cometocommunity.
Person Specification
Qualifications, training and experience
* You will have either: A Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Level 3 (e.g., NVQ Level 3, apprenticeship, BTEC or equivalent) or demonstrable equivalent experience.
* Functional Skills at Level 2 (Literacy and Numeracy) or GCSE grade A-C/4-9 in English and Maths or equivalent.
* Recent experience of healthcare/working as a health care assistant, gained through education, work experience or previous employment.
* A full, valid UK driving licence or EU driving licence.
* You may have the Care Certificate, but if not, support to achieve this within the first 3 months.
Knowledge and Skills
* Customer-focused approach and ability to provide patients and families with a high-quality experience.
* Ability to use IT systems and databases.
* Knowledge of up-to-date clinical practice, adherence to evidence-based procedures and clinical effectiveness frameworks, and understanding of the role and remit of a health care worker.
* Ability to signpost clients and families to alternative services to support behaviour change and improve health.
* Awareness of developments within the NHS is advantageous.
* Full UK driving licence and ability to travel independently in a timely manner.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
£24,937 to £26,598 a year pro rata per annum
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