Overview
Physiotherapist required to join the therapy team within the West Kent community hospitals, primarily based at Tonbridge Cottage Hospital. Role delivers care across the NOF pathway, frailty, and a range of orthopaedic and medical conditions. You may provide cover at Hawkhurst and Tenterden sites when required. You will work alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists and therapy assistants to provide high-quality, person-centred rehabilitation to inpatients with diverse needs. The role offers opportunities to collaborate with local partners to improve patient care, support safe and timely discharges, and contribute to service improvement initiatives within a friendly multi-disciplinary environment.
Please note this vacancy does not meet criteria for skilled worker sponsorship; applications from candidates without documentary evidence of right to work in the United Kingdom cannot be accepted. For further details or to arrange an informal visit, contact Wakila Hettiarachchi – w.hettiarachchi@nhs.net.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Be HCPC registered with relevant postgraduate experience; able to work autonomously and as part of a team.
* Support junior colleagues and therapy assistants; demonstrate clinical competence and a proactive approach.
* Maintain good IT, written and verbal communication skills to liaise with a wide range of healthcare professionals, patients and carers.
* Travel between sites as required and contribute to safe, timely discharges and service improvements.
Qualifications, experience and knowledge
* Qualifications: Degree or diploma in Physiotherapy; current HCPC registration; evidence of updated postgraduate training/CPD. Desirable: Current practice educator qualification.
* Experience: Postgraduate clinical experience; experience working with adults and older people in physical rehabilitation; experience in a multidisciplinary team. Desirable: NHS clinical experience; supervising therapy assistants and/or junior staff.
* Knowledge: Evidence-based practice; NICE guidelines and relevant NSFs; moving & handling techniques (e.g. hoist assessment); knowledge of specialist equipment and adaptations. Desirable: understanding of current Health and Social Services agenda.
* Skills and abilities: Time management, ability to communicate complex information, strong influencing and negotiating skills; ability to contribute to service development initiatives. Personal attributes include motivation, leadership in change, and a full UK driving licence.
Additional information
* This role may require a full UK driving licence where driving is a requirement.
* We are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities; if you are unable to drive due to a disability, contact the Recruitment Team to discuss support options.
* Disclosures: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service may be required.
* UK registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
* Vaccination: We encourage staff to be vaccinated to safeguard colleagues and patients.
About us
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust is rated 'outstanding' by the CQC and is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences and strive to be a Great Place to Work.
Details
Band 6, Agenda for change; permanent, part-time. Salary £38,682 to £46,580 per annum pro rata. Location: Tonbridge Cottage Hospital, Tonbridge, TN11 0NE. Date posted: 11 September 2025. Job reference: 846-7429233-UJ.
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