Generic Therapy Assistant for Care of the Elderly
The closing date is 02 April 2026
This generic therapy assistant post is part of the Care of the Elderly Integrated Therapy Team covering the fracture neck of femur ward, working in both a physiotherapy and occupational therapy capacity. You will assist patients in physical and functional activities as directed by the Therapist, limiting scope of practice to those treatments for which training has been given. This could include assisting mobility with a walking aid, fitting splints, supervising exercises, administrative tasks relating to the issuing of equipment and assisting in the physical patient assessments and treatments. You will contribute to the service development projects in the department. You will complete relevant competencies set for generic assistants and be directly supervised by a qualified therapist. This is a part‑time post of 18.75 hours per week including some weekend shifts (on a rota). It would suit a candidate looking for a post within school hours.
Main duties of the job
To assist patients in physical and functional treatment activities as directed by the Therapist, limiting scope of practice to those treatments for which training has been given. This could include assisting mobility with a walking aid, fitting splints, supervising exercises, administrative tasks relating to the issuing of equipment and assisting in the physical patient assessments and treatments.
To contribute to the service development projects in the department.
To develop and complete relevant competencies set for generic assistants.
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high‑quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined‑up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job responsibilities
* To monitor patients’ progress reporting changes and seeking guidance regarding further treatment from the Therapist.
* To prepare the area and equipment for treatments and be responsible for cleaning and putting equipment away after use, reporting any hazards or breakdown of equipment to the Therapists.
* To escort patients to and from treatment areas and assist them to dress, undress and use the toilet as necessary.
* To report all accidents and incidents to qualified staff in line with Trust policy.
* To establish working relationships with other members of the multidisciplinary team and to contribute to a high standard of patient care.
* At all times, to exhibit and maintain a high standard of competence in the skills taught, and a professional attitude and behaviour, gaining patient consent appropriately, observing the rules of confidentiality and respecting the patient’s rights.
* To pass on information/messages about patients from clinical colleagues to the line manager in an accurate and timely way. Similarly to accurately pass messages from the Therapist to the patient.
* To accept and act on duties delegated by the qualified Therapist.
* To record patient activity in the patient’s Therapy records in line with local policy.
* To assist the Therapists with patients who require two or more members of staff to treat them effectively and safely.
* To monitor treatment areas and ensure that they are tidied following use and that all soiled linen/dressings/unwanted splints are removed and disposed of, and any equipment/instruments are cleaned/sterilised all in accordance with service policies.
* To work in accordance with the Therapy professions codes of conduct for assistants at all times.
* To negotiate annual leave and other leave i.e. for mandatory training, with line manager enabling sufficient staffing for service needs at all times.
* To share information in a timely manner with supervising Therapist if there are concerns about a patient’s safety, condition or progress.
* To urgently report and seek guidance regarding any concerns about staff and/or patient safety to a more senior member of the team.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Educated to GCSE level or equivalent. Maths and English at level C or above or equivalent qualification.
* Willingness to undertake relevant departmental training in order to achieve required clinical competencies.
* NVQ level 3 or equivalent in a relevant related field.Portfolio evidence of relevant learning.
Experience
* An understanding of the role of Therapy Assistant.
* Practical awareness of issues affecting patient safety and risk.
* Experience of working in a Therapy department.
* Experience of responsibility for stock control or ordering.
* Experience of working as part of a health or social care team.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
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