Community Therapy Assistant

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust; Birtley; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A large integrated healthcare provider in the UK seeks a skilled professional to work independently in community settings, supporting therapy goals. The role involves visiting various locations, completing care documentation, and contributing to a multidisciplinary team. Candidates must have relevant healthcare experience and qualifications. This position offers a chance to make a significant impact on patient care across the community.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years NHS experience as a Healthcare Assistant.
• Ability to work across a wide geographic area.
• Evidence of relevant certificates stated in the person specification.

Responsibilities

• Support therapy goals set by healthcare professionals.
• Work independently in various community settings.
• Document care at the point of service.

Skills

Patient-centered care

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Relevant healthcare qualifications

Job description

Overview

The post holder will predominantly work independently in the community setting with adults referred to the team who present with a range of physical dysfunctions or disabilities resulting from injury, illness, surgery or chronic disease, within a range of community settings. The post holder will support short term therapy goals set by Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Associate Practitioners. The role includes joint visits and hospital based clinics such as the amputee clinic.

The nominal base is Chester Le Street Hospital, but you will be expected to independently travel across the North Durham locality, including the Shotley Bridge Hospital site and surrounding areas, depending on service needs.

The successful candidate will be expected to complete documentation at the point of care and be able to use a lone worker system in compliance with Health and Safety.

Responsibilities

• Support short term therapy goals set by Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Associate Practitioners.
• Work independently in community settings and on joint visits, including hospital-based clinics (e.g., amputee clinic).
• Travel across the North Durham locality to meet service needs.
• Complete documentation at the point of care and operate a lone worker system in line with Health and Safety policies.
• Undertake duties as required within the role and contribute to MDT (multidisciplinary team) working in the Community Therapy North Team at Chester Le Street Community Hospital.

Requirements / Eligibility

• From April 9, 2025 – Healthcare Assistants: minimum of two years NHS experience as a HCA for the Trust to be considered for sponsorship (sponsorship only if criteria met and visa expiring within 3 months).
• You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated as essential in the person specification to complete pre-employment checks.
• We provide hospital services from two acute sites (Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham) and care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale, plus over 80 other community-based settings and home visits.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm, motivation, teamwork, and the ability to lead and influence change; commitment to patient-centered, holistic care within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work across a wide geographic area within the Trust’s community rehabilitation network in Durham, Chester le Street and Derwentside.
• Evidence of relevant certificates and qualifications as stated in the person specification (essential).

About the Trust

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest integrated organisations in the country, providing hospital and community services to a population of over 650,000 with a workforce of over 7,000 colleagues. Our Vision is to Right First Time, Every Time and our mission is to provide safe, compassionate and joined-up care to the populations of County Durham and Darlington.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Other information

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents. For up-to-date visa requirements and eligibility, check online to determine whether you can apply. This post is part of the Community Therapy North Team at Chester Le Street Community Hospital within the North Durham Community Rehabilitation Team.