Job overview
*EXPANDING SERVICE OPPORTUNITY*
Worthing Hospital is launching an exciting new 7-day front door service. We are looking for a skilled Rehab assistant to expand the current team. The service will run 8am-8pm covering patients in the A&E 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
1. 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.
2. The Therapy Assistant Practitioner will work under the direction and guidance of an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist 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.
3. 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.
4. To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
5. To participate in a 7-day rota including weekends and bank holiday within an 8am-8pm service.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & 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 & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
6. We offer:
A supportive working environment with regular supervision and CPD opportunities. Various opportunities for learning and development of clinical skills to ensure continuing development of both individuals and the team. Involvement in Service Development and clinical audits Playing a vital role in the development and success of this new 7 day service
Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you view this document and use it when completing the application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting. For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the "job description and main responsibilities" section below. 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.
Person specification
Experience/Qualifications
Essential criteria
7. Good general education including English and Mathematics
8. Relevant theoretical and practical training to NVQ III level or equivalent e.g. departmental training or courses on topics relevant to the post
Skills
Essential criteria
9. Experience working as an Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy Assistant worker or another relevant role
10. Experience working in NHS health or social care or be able to demonstrate transferable skills
11. Knowledge of roles of other members of the multidisciplinary team
12. Ability to empathise with service users and their carer’s and to demonstrate appropriate attitudes
13. Good communication, verbal and written
14. Ability to collate, organise and respond effectively to information
15. Experience of working as part of a team
Desirable criteria
16. 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
Other Requirements
Essential criteria
17. Good time management including punctuality and ability to prioritise caseload
18. Awareness of own limitations and ability to ask for guidance when needed
19. Ability to work flexibly by using own initiative, under the guidance of the lead professional
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
20. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
21. 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