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Employer University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Sussex County Hospital Town Brighton Salary £27,485 - £30,162 Per annum, pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 28/01/2026 23:59
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard‑working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form: https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job overview
We are looking for a Therapy Assistant Practitioner to expand the current Department, and on the Emergency Floor. The team provides rapid and comprehensive assessment, working within an integrated therapy model creating a seamless service across Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, enabling an efficient journey for the patients.
The Integrated Front Door Therapy Team consists of Occupational therapists and Physiotherapists, and we are looking to expand with this new Rehab Assistant role. There is a strong multidisciplinary approach on the acute floor with collaborative working across wider professions.
The successful candidate should be pro‑active, flexible and demonstrate excellent communication, clinical and organisational skills required to manage in a fast‑paced environment providing excellent assessment, discharge planning and placing a key focus on admission avoidance.
Main duties of the job
Assisting in providing Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy interventions for patients assessed by the team. Once deemed competent, the post holder will be able to assess non‑complex patients, progress them and plan discharges appropriately, liaising with key personnel and outside agencies accordingly.
The Therapy Assistant Practitioner will work under th e direction and guidance of an Occupational Therapist or P hysiotherapist within the team but may work without being directly supervised but with immediate access to a therapist on site or by telephone/bleep. Other members of the team may also request tasks to be undertaken which will support them in managing the workload on a daily basis .
The post holder will be expected to use a minimal amount of clinical judgement and freedom to act when undertaking their work whilst remaining within agreed protocols.
To work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
To participate in a 7-day rota including weekends and bank holiday within an 8am-8pm service.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role‑specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
Communication
· To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with medical, nursing, social workand therapy colleagues to ensure relevant informationregardingpatients’ status and plans are provided.
· Instruct patients in the use of walking aids and provide advice to patients and carersregardingsafety issues associated with walking aids according toUHSussexprotocols and progress patient’s mobility and function once competent to complete.
· To use basic skills of explanation and reassurance to encourage patients to undertake their treatment programme and to communicate effectively with patients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential including patients who have communication difficulties understanding e.g. Dementia, learning difficulties, non-English speaking.
· Tomaintainrecords according to theRoyal College of OccupationalTherapy, CharteredSociety ofPhysiotherapyand trust standards.
· Tomaintainaccurate,comprehensiveand up-to-date patient-related documentation in line with Trust and departmental policy and procedures (SOAP notes).
· To gain valid informed consent andhave the ability towork with the guidance of an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.
· Maintaining,alwaysa kind, caring and professional attitude towards patients,relativesand colleagues within the clinical setting, taking into consideration dignity, privacy, confidentiality, cultural and religious needs.
Service delivery and improvement
· Toassistsenior staff in the measurement and evaluation of delegated work and current practicesthrough the use ofaudit and outcome measures.
· To undertake standard treatment programmes on a delegated caseload of patients who have been previously assessed by the Occupational Therapistor Physiotherapistand progress within a protocol set by theOccupational Therapist orPhysiotherapists.
· Tomaintainhigh standardsof clinical care for patients, working in partnership to achieve identified patient specific goals as agreed with registered professional.
· Evidence of training and successful completion of competencies will berequiredbefore the post holder can undertake the role fully.
People management and development
· To become proficient and competent in the various areas required by undertaking competency assessment specifically designed by senior therapists.
· To activelyparticipatein supervision and appraisals
· Toassisttherapists in the promotion of service users’ self-management oflong-termconditions.
· To provide basic spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to relatives, carers and other professionalsregardingsafety issues associated with mobility aids and daily living equipment according to departmental policy
· To promote the understanding of the aims of physiotherapy and occupational therapy and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care.
· Attend regular mandatory and statutory training according to Trust policies
· Tobe responsible formaintainingown personal development by activelyparticipatingin formal and informal departmental training programmes by attending in-service training sessions, deliveringpresentationsand training sessions, attending relevant courses, completingcompetenciesand undertaking reflective practice.
· Be responsible forown personal development, including keeping up to date with Mandatory training and training relevant to the area of practice.
· Identifyown development needs andtake action to enhanceown knowledge skills and areas of competence asappropriate,consideringorganisational needs andobjectives.
· Plan your development andobjectiveswith support from the Team manager and supervisor.
· To aid in providing induction, training,supportand supervision to less experienced staff and students to aid others development asappropriate.
· Attend regular reviews with your supervisor and have yearly appraisals following the Knowledge Skills and Framework review process.
· To keep up to date CPD portfolio.
· Undertake a link role asrequired.
· Act as a professional role model.
· Responsible for carrying out duties in line with the Trust’s e-rostering processes, including managing rosters, supporting staff allocation, and contributing to effective budget reconciliation and workforce planning.
· ToassisttheOccupational Therapistand Physiotherapistin moving, handling, assessment, activities of daily living and treatment programmes.
· To carry out non-complexinitialassessments within their own scope of practice.
· To report progress and variances on treatment to theappropriatedisciplineat the earliest possible opportunity.
· To provide administrative support;photocopying, filing, emailing, completing onwardsreferralsand answering telephone calls.
· To attend multi-disciplinary meetings as directed by Physiotherapy or Occupational therapystaff .
· To be flexible in meeting the needs of the8am-8pmservice andparticipatingin a7-dayrota.
· To be responsible and accountable for all aspects of delegated work .
· To organise the delegated caseload effectively and efficiently onaday-to-daybasis with guidance from the Occupational Therapistor Physiotherapistwhen needed.
· To undertake basic mobility treatment plans of patients previously seen byan OccupationalTherapistor Physiotherapist.
· To undertake stair assessments withatherapist.
· To undertake assessments of activities of daily livingand report to the therapist.
· To completebaseline observations andinterpret the findings to guide assessments and treatments.
· To workwiththe therapists to carry out treatment programmes to develop independence with Activities of Daily Livingprior to returning home.
· To communicate effectively with patients,carersand family to gain/provide theappropriate information.
· To report and record any accident or untoward incident to the Line Managerand as per trust guidance.
· Toassistin progression ofpatientsfunctional abilitieswithin scope of practice
· To work with the on-site therapy team having direct supervision when required, or immediate access to a therapist either by telephone or bleep.
· Toidentifychanges inpatientscondition (improvement or deterioration) and recognize within the postholderscapabilities, when to inform senior staff.
· Tomonitorand evaluate individualised care plans.
· To contributetoappropriate,safeandtimelydischarge planning within your own scope of practice including onward referrals and liaison with other agencies.
· To undertake any other duties as may bedeemednecessary by the senior Occupational Therapistsor Physiotherapists.
· To support therapists across the site,if the need arises,within your own scope of practice.
· To provide basic spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to patients, relatives,carersand other professionals,regardinguse and safety issues associated with daily living equipment/aids according to department policy.
· To issue daily living equipment/aidsanddemonstrateits use as agreed by atherapist .
· To promote the understanding of the aims of occupational therapyand physiotherapyand to ensure a consistent approach to patient care.
· Tobe responsible forthe equipment used in carrying out occupational therapy and physiotherapy duties and to ensure the safe use of equipment and reporting of faults by self and others includingpatientscarers and other health professionals.
· Todemonstratea basic understandingofClinical Governance and Risk Management and its application to work.
Person specification
Skills
* Experience working as an Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy Assistant worker or another relevant role
* Experience working in NHS health or social care or be able to demonstrate transferable skills
* Good communication, verbal and written
* Proven competency training in fitting and assessing for daily living equipment and carrying out activity of daily living assessments, basic mobility, progression of mobility, stair assessment, taking exercise classes and providing individual exercise programmes
Specific Requirements
* Physically able to carry out a job that requires taking weight in the therapeutic handling of patients
* Good time management including punctuality and ability to prioritise caseload
Freedom to Act
* Recognises own limitations and seeks advice and guidance from more experienced colleagues as appropriate.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications
Further Information
For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.
For help with the application process for Non‑Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Name: George Browne
Job title: Operational Lead Physiotherapist RSCH
Email address: georgina.browne4@nhs.net
Telephone number: Ext: 64064
Additional information
Or contact Elizabeth Tungate on: elizabeth.tungate@nhs.net
Or George Browne on Tel: 01273 696955 Ext: 64064
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