Aquatics Therapy Assistant

CHAILEY HERITAGE FOUNDATION; Chailey; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced Workplace Pension

Retail and leisure discounts

Healthcare Cashplan

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Health & Wellbeing Resources

Death in Service benefit

Free tea/coffee/kitchen facilities

Onsite Café and free parking

Free flu jabs

Job summary

Chailey Heritage Foundation is seeking an Aquatics Therapy Assistant to support aquatic therapy sessions for children and young people with complex needs. You will work closely with NHS physiotherapy colleagues to deliver programmes aimed at movement, development and individual goals.

The role requires a confident swimmer, care experience, and a calm, team‑oriented approach. Onsite work in North Chailey with a 32.5 hour week and benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Confident swimmer with ability to achieve and maintain NPLQ or willingness to complete the qualification.
• GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above.
• Experience in care or club setting.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate aquatic therapy programmes and sessions with NHS Physiotherapy input.
• Support children and young people with complex physical needs in the water.
• Assist with personal care before/after sessions.
• Maintain safe, welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Record outcomes and monitor progress per Aquatics Therapy Curriculum.
• Collaborate with aquatics, education, care and physiotherapy teams.
• Support pool operations and health and safety standards.

Education

GCSE English/Maths

NPLQ

Tools

Water-based care

Job description

Aquatics Therapy Assistant

A hands-on role where every splash supports progress

We’re looking for a confident swimmer with a calm, caring approach to join us as an Aquatics Therapy Assistant. You’ll be part of a supportive, person-centred team delivering aquatic therapy sessions that support movement, physical development and individual goals for the children and young people at Chailey Heritage Foundation.

This is an active, collaborative role for someone who enjoys working closely with others, being in the water and using movement and interaction to support each young person.

LOCATION: Onsite (North Chailey, BN8 4EF)

HOURS: 32.5 hours per week, all year round

SALARY: £25,882 FTE (£22,734 per annum actual)

What You’ll Be Doing

• Facilitating aquatic therapy programmes and sessions, including individual programmes created by our on-site NHS Physiotherapy team
• Supporting children and young people with complex physical needs in the water
• Supporting young people with personal care before and after aquatic sessions
• Creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment
• Monitoring progress and recording outcomes in line with our Aquatics Therapy Curriculum
• Working closely with colleagues across aquatics, education, care and physiotherapy
• Supporting activities and programmes across The Activity Place and Specialist Services when required
• Supporting pool operations and maintaining high health and safety standards

What We’re Looking For

• A confident swimmer with the swimming ability and level of fitness needed to achieve and maintain the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
• NPLQ qualified, or willing to complete the qualification with training provided
• Experience of working in a care or club setting
• GCSE Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent, in English and Maths
• A calm, caring approach and confidence working as part of a team
• An interest in supporting children and young people with complex needs and a willingness to learn

It would be great if you also have:

• ASA/STA Level 1 or 2 Teaching Aquatics qualification
• Lifeguarding experience
• Experience working with, teaching or supporting people with disabilities or complex needs

Why Join Us?

At Chailey Heritage Foundation, you’ll be part of a supportive team doing work that matters, helping children and young people with complex disabilities take part in aquatic therapy and activities shaped around their individual needs.

You’ll work alongside colleagues from different disciplines, with training and support to build your skills and confidence in the role.

THE REWARDS GO BEYOND SALARY…

We know that feeling valued goes beyond the payslip. Here, you’ll have access to practical benefits and everyday support for your health, wellbeing and finances.

• Enhanced Workplace Pension
• Retail and leisure discounts
• Healthcare Cashplan
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health & Wellbeing Resources
• Death in Service benefit
• Free tea/coffee/kitchen facilities
• Onsite Café and free parking
• Free flu jabs

Safeguarding is our priority

Chailey Heritage Foundation is committed to safe, ethical recruitment. We only advertise roles via our official website and trusted channels – we never ask for payment or bank details to apply. We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of children and young adults. Employment will be subject to the receipt of two satisfactory professional references, an enhanced DBS certificate and occupational health clearance. It is an offence to apply for any job in regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults if you are barredfrom doing so. As part of our recruitment process, Chailey Heritage Foundation (CHF) collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. CHF is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data to meet its obligations under GDPR. Please ensure you have reviewed our privacy policy prior to completing an application with us.