Therapy Assistant
The closing date is 28 January 2026.
Do you want to work for our friendly and very innovative children's therapy team in Southend?
We are looking for an enthusiastic therapy assistant to assist in therapy sessions, help in our groups and carry out therapy programmes as well as support with some of the administrative processes.
We are based in the Lighthouse Child Development Centre and are part of the wider children's community services. We work at various locations including schools, nurseries and patients' homes.
You will be working under the supervision of qualified Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and senior therapy assistants.
Main duties of the job
Main Duties:
* Work with a supported and supervised caseload.
* Carry out delegated tasks as part of a treatment programme of monitoring and reviewing progress within given criteria.
* Carry out treatment programmes to clients on an individual or group basis.
* Report and document variances in a patient's condition or planned pathway of care.
* Participate in skill sharing and acquisition of clinical competencies, in line with the competency frameworks.
* Maintain high standards of clinical care as defined by the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).
* Support daily administration tasks and ordering of equipment.
About us
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.
* Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
* Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
* If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
* We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.
* 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
* Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
* Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
* £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us.
* Season ticket loans are interest‑free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.
Work that wraps around your needs
* Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
* Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.
Job responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES CLINICAL
To be responsible and accountable for all aspects of your delegated work including the management of children and families in your care.
To organise your delegated caseload on a day to day basis effectively and efficiently with regard to priorities and use of time.
To review and reflect on your own practice through regular participation in clinical supervision and annual appraisal with nominated supervisor, as per trust policy.
To be responsible for maintaining and developing own competency to practice in line with agreed appraisal through CPD activities and maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development.
To participate in continuing professional development activities individually and as part of the service ensuring own personal development.
To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives in line with the post's competency framework.
To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
To participate as necessary in service development, service audit and outcome measurement to ensure the provision of evidence‑based practice.
Communication and working relationships
To build professional rapport with children and young people and their families, communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture, ensuring that they are involved in and informed about their care.
To use effective communication skills to encourage patients to participate in treatment, adapting approach to meet diverse needs of client group, seeking guidance from colleagues where necessary.
To maintain confidentiality and dignity at all times and ensure equality and diversity needs are supported.
To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other members of the team regarding children's status, reporting back to the registered clinician, providing verbal or written feedback as appropriate.
To report effectively to the team/registered staff member on children's/young persons progress and performance in relation to their goals.
To attend child‑centred multi‑disciplinary meetings as directed by registered staff.
To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up‑to‑date patient‑related documentation including electronic patient records.
To work effectively as a team member in providing and facilitating a high standard of care at all times.
Gain valid informed consent and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with children and young people who lack capacity to consent to treatment.
To undertake tasks as delegated by registered staff members and feedback on clients' performance and progress, documenting interventions and outcomes in progress notes as per record‑keeping policy.
To report and document variances in a child's condition or planned pathway of care.
To recognise clinical risk within own case load and potential risks to others, complying at all times with the requirements of health and safety regulations, seeking appropriate guidance from senior colleagues as required.
Work in line with the EPUT lone worker policy where lone working is integral to the role.
To demonstrate a basic understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management and its application to your work.
To be responsible for competent use and maintenance of equipment relevant to service area when working directly with children and young people, and to support other team members.
To work effectively and flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
To undertake any other duties, in line with the grade, as may be deemed necessary by registered staff.
The post holder may have tasks or responsibilities delegated to them, appropriate to their level of competence.
The Delegation Policy sets out the expectation of staff regarding the safe delegation of clinical care and therapeutic interventions to unregistered practitioners and support workers.
Flexibility
This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of the role. The post holder may be required to carry out other duties commensurate with their banding and competence.
Policies and procedures
The post holder is required to familiarise themselves with all Trust policies and procedures and to comply with these at all times.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES
In addition to the above duties you will also be expected to perform the below key activities in line with your job role;
* Complete mandatory training in line with Trust policy and procedures.
* Participate in the staff appraisal process and to undertake for any staff you manage.
* Keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy.
* Provide management supervision where appropriate.
Person Specification
Corporate
* Ability to travel independently across sites and across Trust boundaries to attend meetings/training, etc. as required.
* Full UK Drivers Licence.
* Access to own vehicle.
Education
* GCSE Maths and English or equivalent and IT skills.
Knowledge
* Basic understanding of statutory health and social services.
* Ability to understand work related boundaries and refer matters of importance to a senior colleague.
* Basic level of theoretical knowledge relevant to clinical setting.
* Knowledge/experience of ordering equipment.
* Knowledge/experience of participating in individual sessions or groups with qualified/registered therapists.
Skills/Experience
* Excellent verbal communication and ability to build rapport.
* Able to give instructions to people that can be followed and easily interpreted for programmes.
* Ability to prioritise and plan delegated work including clinical and administration tasks from a variety of sources to meet deadlines and perform effectively under pressure.
* Ability to record information accurately.
* Experience of working with children and/or young people in a caring environment, either in health, social or voluntary services.
* Experience of working within a rehabilitation or therapy setting.
Personal Qualities
* Ability to work with others and independently as an effective member of the team.
* Ability to perform under pressure.
* Practical, resourceful and reliable.
* Commitment to development of skills and attainment of competencies.
* Ability to manage strong emotions, sensitive issues.
Additional Qualities
* Ability to work in situations where no support or advice are immediately available.
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 name
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
£24,937 to £26,598 a year pro rata.
#J-18808-Ljbffr