Job overview
This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants
We have an exciting opportunity to join the outpatient frailty and neuro team at the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath.
We are looking for a Physiotherapy technical instructor (Band 3) to join our Balance and Bone Health and Neurology rehab teams to work alongside qualified Physiotherapists in providing rehabilitation for adults living in the community suffering with a wide variety of conditions.
The team is looking to recruit an enthusiastic, well organised and team-orientated physiotherapy technical instructor, to support the team's superb patient-focused delivery of care. The role will include managing your own one to one patient caseload, providing group classes and associated administrative support.
The role would especially suit therapy assistants and technical instructors that have a particular interest and desire to work in frailty or neurology and an ambition to develop the skill and experience in this area of physiotherapy.
Main duties of the job
To assist the physiotherapists in the assessment and treatment of outpatients across the Mid Sussex area, diagnosed with frailty or neurological conditions in order to promote independence with mobility and daily activities. To encourage management of long term conditions and injuries.
Duties will include assessing patients already assessed by qualified physiotherapists, providing exercise plans, leading group sessions, issuing of equipment and completing the administration duties around these roles.
Physiotherapy technical instructors are directly supervised by a senior physiotherapist. Once relevant competencies have been achieved you will manage a delegated caseload of patients with non-complex presentation, within clearly defined parameters, without direct supervision and report back to the qualified therapist as necessary. The physiotherapy technical instructor (Band 3) will also be able to progress exercises and mobility of some of the patients on their caseload as well as leading them in class based exercise.
The role includes supporting the physiotherapy team with non-clinical (administrative) tasks and duties as required.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
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.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Candidate Information Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
Communication
To use basic communication skills to encourage patients to undertake their treatment programme.
To communicate effectively with patients especially those who have significant barriers to understanding such as cognitive, visual and hearing impairment.
To communicate effectively with all other disciplines / other parties involved in the patient’s care.
To ensure timely and effective communication with the physiotherapists on all professional matters.
To ensure notes are written to HCPC standards.
To communicate sensitively regarding information in an understandable form to patients, carers and other staff members.
To provide instruction to patients in a group setting i.e. Exercise classes.
Service Delivery and Improvement
Ensure stock of physio equipment is maintained at the designated level.
Photocopying, filing and scanning, as requested
Retrieve, as requested, patient notes other medical records from various sources.
Provide administrative support to the outpatient frailty and neurology physiotherapy team, as required.
Maintain updated and accurate records of patient’s treatment in line with the department’s documentation policy.
Maintain and collate activity statistics.
Assist, as requested, with producing patient related information including discharge summaries. To be competent in basic word and excel skills and other IT systems.
Become familiar and use Trust IT systems including Careflow, Sharepoint Bamboo, Mediviewer.
As needed, work cohesively with other physiotherapy support staff and physiotherapy teams across the hospital.
To participate in service improvement projects, audit and team meetings/Huddles.
People Management and Development
Maintain professionalism in public/ ward areas.
Maintain patient confidentiality and dignity at all times.
Adhere to Trust and departmental policies and procedures, inc. The Health and Safety at Work Act.
Participate in the department’s annual appraisal scheme.
Attend and participate in departmental/ specialty in-service training as directed by senior or superintendent staff.
To support the progress and learning of students and provide feedback to clinical educators.
Patient Care Delivery
To organise your delegated caseload on a day-to-day basis effectively and efficiently with regard to priorities, use of time and the needs of the rest of the team.
Assist the physiotherapist and/or other technical instructors in patient care, moving and handling and treatment programmes.
Undertake basic prescribed assessments, treatments or exercise programmes on a delegated caseload of patients that have previously been assessed by a physiotherapist. This can be on a one to one or group basis. Progress and modify treatment in light of patient performance independently and within competency framework. Progress and variances reported to the appropriate physiotherapist at the earliest opportunity and clearly documented.
To be able to interpret and gather relevant basic information regarding a patients past medical history and presenting condition from a patients’ medical notes, and to understand how this may impact upon their physiotherapy treatment.
To be able to assess or reassess patients using appropriate patient outcome measures (training can be given).
Prepare patients and treatment areas for activity i.e. the initial greeting of patients and carers, assisting with dressing, undressing etc.
Maintain a clean, safe and tidy working environment, including cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
To be responsible for the effective and safe operation of equipment during treatment sessions, the cleaning of equipment used and the reporting of any faults that would otherwise compromise patient care and safety.
Undertake basic mobility assessment on patients. Measure and instruct in the use of the appropriate walking aid, progress and modify mobility independently and within competency framework
Provide relevant advice to the patient/ carer regarding safety issues associated with the mobility aid being used and according to departmental policy and as per manufacture instructions.
To provide education to patients’, relatives and carers with regards to their physiotherapy treatment and discharge planning
To reassess patient’s condition in all aspects of physical health – report any relevant changes to physiotherapist / MDT / and or carer.
Complete as appropriate a mobility aid/ appliance loan form accurately upon issue of equipment if required by team.
To determine an appropriate physiotherapy discharge plan for non-complex patients and achieve this in a timely manner, within limits set by a protocol/guideline, and in discussion with the physiotherapist.
To liaise with, and make referrals to community and outpatient services, including the completion of relevant forms.
Learning and Development
Attend mandatory training updates as required.
Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.
Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager
Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.
This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
1. Evidence of previous experience working as therapy assistant
Desirable criteria
2. Previous experience working as a physiotherapy technical instructor
3. Previous experience working with frail or neuro patients
Communication
Essential criteria
4. Demonstrates ability to present information clearly
5. Evidence of communication with colleagues and patients/relatives
Desirable criteria
6. Experience of communicating with people with significant barriers to communication
Skills
Essential criteria
7. Evidence of excellent time management and organisational skills
8. Experience of exercise instruction
9. Evidence and examples of working within an effective team
Desirable criteria
10. Experience of leading group exercise sessions
11. Evidence and examples of working under own initiative
Equality Diversity Inclusion
Essential criteria
12. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
13. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issue
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