Therapy Assistant Practitioner MSK and Orthopaedics
Closing date: 07 June 2026
An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Therapy Assistant Practitioner to join our MSK and Orthopaedic Therapy Service within Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. The role is a permanent part‑time position (18.75 hours per week) and will be worked Wednesday – Friday, with a half day on Wednesday. It is a job share with another individual currently working the first half of the week.
The post holder will work within the MSK and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy teams, delivering exercise‑based classes, treating a caseload of non‑complex outpatients, supporting pre‑ and post‑operative management of orthopaedic patients on the ward, and contributing to administrative duties. The role also includes assistance with data collection for service improvement and housekeeping tasks within the outpatient department as required.
The MSK and Orthopaedic Service covers three sites (Worcester, Redditch, Kidderminster). This role will be based at Kidderminster but may require travel across all sites.
Job Responsibilities
Main duties of the job include:
* Provide direct high‑quality therapeutic care and support to a defined group of patients.
* Plan and deliver individual or group tasks independently, understanding role boundaries and ensuring appropriate supervision.
* Apply principles, policies, protocols and procedures within a defined patient group, making judgments to plan and progress treatment as per the competencies set by the Registered Therapist.
* Coordinate and assist with the training and management of other Therapy Support Workers, contributing to service development.
* Participate in staff development, including supervision and delegation of tasks to non‑registered staff.
* Work flexible hours, including extended daily patterns and participation in a relevant weekend or bank‑holiday rota.
Domain 1: Formal Knowledge and Experience
* Demonstrate substantial experience in health and care settings, including the relevant field of work.
* Show commitment to NHS values, personal and professional development.
Domain 2: Supporting Service Users
* Develop, manage, and maintain positive relationships with service users, families, and carers.
* Provide information, advice, and guidance to service users and the wider health team.
* Recognise health inequalities and apply appropriate interventions.
* Refer service users to suitable services and understand relevant legislation and regulations.
* Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team and demonstrate principles of team working.
Domain 3: Clinical, Technical and Scientific Roles and Responsibilities
* Apply evidence‑based practice and develop knowledge of clinical and scientific theory within the field of practice.
* Understand role boundaries, supervision and delegation, and follow procedures, protocols and plans.
* Asses and treat patients within scope, record actions and obtain valid consent.
* Use assessment tools to facilitate early discharge planning and liaise with the MDT.
* Plan, implement, progress and monitor own treatment interventions and adapt to changes.
* Manage equipment selection, fitting, and safe use for patients and staff.
* Respond to emergencies and initiate first aid when required.
Domain 4: Communication and Information Management
* Communicate effectively with patients, carers, and the MDT, using verbal and non‑verbal skills.
* Provide and receive complex and sensitive information, adapting style to individual needs.
* Maintain accurate treatment records, adhering to confidentiality and data protection.
Domain 5: Safe and Inclusive Environments
* Contribute to a healthy and safe working environment, recognizing and managing risks.
* Report adverse incidents, near misses and complaints timely and take appropriate action.
* Ensure safe use of mechanical, electrical and medical equipment.
Domain 6: Research and Service Improvement
* Participate in audits, service evaluation and quality improvement projects.
* Contribute to research governance, ethics and protocols.
* Disseminate research findings to relevant stakeholders.
Person Specification
Personal Qualities
* Enthusiastic and committed to the role in Worcestershire.
* Proactive in self‑development and team working.
* Confidential and professional.
* Responsible, reliable, flexible, well‑organised with initiative.
* Problem‑solving ability.
Experience
* Senior Therapy Assistant or equivalent experience with diverse patient groups.
* Experience in an acute or healthcare setting with direct patient contact.
* Demonstrated use of a range of therapy skills including grading and progression.
* Support and training of other staff.
* Experience of group work and fitting adaptive equipment.
Qualifications
* Level 2 functional skills or Maths & English GCSE (grades 9‑4 or A*‑C).
* National Care Certificate.
* Foundation degree in Health and Social Care or equivalent level 5 qualification, or level 5 apprenticeship in a relevant AHP profession.
* Attendance at healthcare related courses (e.g. Dementia awareness, stroke specialist seating).
* Relevant further education (BTEC Therapy Support Worker, NVQ3 in healthcare or equivalent).
Other Job Requirements
* Ability to meet physical, emotional and challenging demands of the role.
* Meet moving and handling requirements.
* Work contracted hours over seven days, extended daily pattern as required.
* Contribute to the Therapy Weekend and Bank Holiday rota.
* Full driving licence, access to vehicle or alternative transport, and ability to commute between sites.
Skills/Knowledge
* Knowledge of basic aims and principles of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.
* Manage and prioritise caseload independently.
* Work autonomously, recognising role boundaries.
* Effective written and verbal communication skills.
* Ongoing CPD activity and evidence‑based practice.
* Patient handling and leadership/management skills.
* Understand professional, legal and clinical governance.
* Experience with Electronic Patient Records.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check to identify any previous criminal convictions.
Employer Name
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
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