Overview
As a therapy assistant, you\'ll work closely with registered therapists to support assessment and deliver treatment sessions, both in clinic and community settings. Your role will involve preparing therapy spaces, demonstrating exercises and activities, supporting families with therapy plans, and helping children reach their full potential through play-based and functional interventions.
The ideal candidate will have experience working with children, excellent communication skills, and a caring, adaptable approach. Some knowledge or experience in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or special educational needs is desirable, but full training will be provided. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in children\'s lives whilst being part of a supportive multidisciplinary team.
You must hold an RQF accredited NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care (or NHS Care Certificate). Certificates from short online healthcare courses are not accepted as they are not accredited.
Responsibilities
* Support the delivery of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy to children and young people with a wide range of physical, sensory and learning needs, under the guidance of registered therapists.
* Implement treatment programmes and assist in therapy sessions, both individual and group-based, across clinic and community settings.
* Manage your own diary and carry out delegated interventions and therapy programmes with minimal supervision.
* Assist with hydrotherapy sessions, ensuring safe transfers and providing support in the water and poolside, while maintaining infection control and safety procedures.
* Monitor and maintain specialist therapy equipment; support children with mobility and positioning; complete safety checks; demonstrate correct use to parents, carers and staff after appropriate training.
* Demonstrate effective communication with children with complex needs or communication barriers; organise clinics, manage appointments, respond to enquiries, and support administrative tasks that contribute to service delivery.
* Contribute to service development, attend training and supervision, and uphold high standards of care and professionalism.
* Assist with clinic organisation, scheduling, and record-keeping to ensure efficient use of clinic time and resources.
* Assist with the organisation and delivery of hydrotherapy sessions, including poolside duties and pool safety checks.
* Follow infection control and health and safety guidelines; undertake equipment safety checks and report issues to the therapist or team leader.
* Support the education and induction of staff and students on placement within the service.
Qualifications and Skills
* RQF accredited NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care (or NHS Care Certificate) is required.
* Experience working with children and strong communication skills; a caring and adaptable approach.
* Desirable knowledge or experience in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or special educational needs; willingness to undergo full training.
* Ability to work under supervision and independently as appropriate; good organisational and documentation skills.
* Ability to use moving/handling techniques and to operate and maintain therapy equipment after appropriate training.
* Ability to work with emotionally demanding situations and maintain professional boundaries and safeguarding practices.
Working for our organisation
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. We value our staff and believe that happy staff make happy patients. We are committed to equality of opportunity and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults.
Work schedule: Monday - Friday; no weekend or on-call requirements. This role is full-time (37.5 hours).
Additional Information
We welcome applications from all sections of society and are dedicated to delivering high standards of care and professional development. Please note this description reflects the range of duties and responsibilities and may be updated to meet service needs.
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