Job overview
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual with good organisational skills to join our Neurological Physiotherapy Team at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath as a full time Band 2 Physiotherapy Assistant (37.5 hours per week) on a 1-year fixed term contract (maternity leave cover).
The Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath in the heart of mid Sussex is part of University Hospitals Sussex and benefits from being close to Brighton as well as the South Downs.
The job combines a mixture of practical and administrative skills to ensure our inpatients with acute and long-term neurological conditions receive the best possible care to promote their independence and a safe discharge. The successful candidate will be key members of the Neurological Physiotherapy Team, based between the Acute Medical Wards and at the Sussex Rehabilitation Centre, and will work under supervision and guidance of trained physiotherapists.
Applicants need to be flexible, reliable, with strong interpersonal skills and it would be an advantage to have good IT skills. You must enjoy working as part of a team, and be able to complete manual handling tasks. Experience of working in a caring role or rehabilitation setting is required. The successful applicant will work as part of a supportive team and receive training and support to ensure you have the appropriate skills. You will also be required to work weekends as part of the orthopaedic weekend service.
Main duties of the job
Responsibilities include assisting with patient’s rehabilitation sessions, providing direct intervention (including exercise and mobility) as prescribed by Physiotherapists, supporting the maintenance of equipment and the completion of administrative tasks including diary management, data collection and equipment ordering.
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
To assist physiotherapists in the assessment and rehabilitation of inpatients with neurological conditions across the Acute Medical Wards and within the Sussex Rehabilitation Centre in order to promote independence with mobility and functional tasks.
To provide individual interventions (including exercise and mobility practice) as prescribed by Physiotherapists and support group activities.
To provide support to the team with administration and housekeeping duties.
To actively promote and develop equality and diversity practices and promote equity of access of care for patient.
Physiotherapy Assistants are supervised by a Senior Physiotherapist and will have direct access to a physiotherapist or suitably qualified clinician at all times.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. GCSE or equivalent English and Maths C/4 or above
Desirable criteria
2. NVQ level 3 or A Levels in health/science related subject
Experience
Essential criteria
3. Experience working in care/rehab setting
4. Experience working as part of a team
Desirable criteria
5. Experience working in healthcare as PTA/Rehab Assistant/HCA
6. Experience withing in neuro rehab
7. Experience working as part of a multi disciplinary team
Skills
Essential criteria
8. Evidence effective written and verbal communication skills
9. Able to work independently and good time management
10. Evidence of basic computer skills
Desirable criteria
11. Experience working with those with communication and cognitive difficulties
12. Experience of manual handling in the clinical setting
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
13. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
14. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
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