Integrated Therapy Assistant

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust; Polegate; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A community healthcare provider in East Sussex is seeking an Integrated Therapy Assistant to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEN+D) in schools and nurseries. The role requires good communication skills and a desire to develop in therapy. The position may require driving, and the salary ranges from £27,485 to £30,162 per annum pro rata.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children with SEN+D in relevant settings.
• Experience of communicating with parents/carers.
• Experience of implementing therapy programmes under guidance.

Responsibilities

• Work with families to implement therapy plans.
• Assist Occupational and Physiotherapists in clinics and schools.
• Drive to perform job duties as required.

Skills

Sound communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to use own initiative

Good organisational and time management skills

Education

Foundation Degree Level study (Level 5) or equivalent

Functional Skills at Level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy

Job description

Overview

Integrated Therapy Assistant role in East Sussex within the East Sussex Children's Integrated Therapy and Equipment Service (ESCITES) provided by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust. Based in Polegate with travel around the county, part of the Integrated Care Team consisting of Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Integrated Therapy Assistants. Three main bases: Crowborough, Polegate and Hastings. Closing date: 02 October 2025.

Main duties of the job

The job involves working with families and school/nursery staff to implement therapy plans written by therapists and offering advice on the needs of the children and young people you work with. You will also work directly with Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists in clinics and schools when they need assistance. The successful applicant will have good communication skills and a desire to develop their skills and knowledge, particularly in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Our support and induction includes regular meetings with your line manager, clinical supervision and appraisal, as well as internal and external training opportunities.

As a location, East Sussex offers rural countryside and seaside towns with easy access to Gatwick and London via regular rail services.

Car owner/driver is essential, subject to the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995).

About us

Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we are committed to delivering high standards of patient care and improving community health. We value compassionate, Aspirational, Responsive, Excellent people. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from varied backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

We collect information about protected characteristics to ensure diversity and equitable access to opportunities. Short listers will see two ticks for the guaranteed interview scheme where applicable.

We support flexible working arrangements where possible and welcome discussions to accommodate personal and family commitments.

See where you can go with KCHFT career pathways.

Job responsibilities

As a community Trust, driving may be required to perform duties. You will be asked to confirm you have a full UK driving licence if driving is a requirement of the role. If you are unable to drive due to a disability, please contact the Recruitment Team at [e-mail] quoting the vacancy reference number for support.

The job description and person specification provide details about this role. Please review the criteria in the person specification and describe in your application how you meet them. If you need an application form in an alternative format, let the Recruitment Team know. All information provided should be true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

For questions, please contact the recruiting manager via the details found in the job advert.

Please apply as soon as possible as vacancies may close early if there is high interest.

We encourage colleagues with direct or social contact with patients to be fully vaccinated to protect staff and patients.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Evidence of Foundation Degree Level study (Level 5) or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Functional Skills at Level 2 (Literacy and numeracy/ GCSE grade A-C or equivalent in English and Maths).

Experience

• Recent demonstrable experience of working with children with SEN+D in relevant settings (e.g., preschool, school, NHS).
• Experience of working and communicating with parents/carers within a relevant setting.
• Experience of carrying out programmes under the advice of a therapist/other professional (e.g., teacher).
• Experience of working independently.
• Experience of safeguarding procedures.
• Experience of delivering training.

Knowledge

• Awareness of professional issues and recent developments in the NHS and Primary Care including Clinical Governance, NICE, Essence of Care.
• Basic knowledge of how therapy can support children's functioning.
• Knowledge of child development and the impact of SEN+D on child development/function.

Skills and Abilities

• Sound communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to use own initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including observation and listening.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• The ability to adjust treatment programmes according to client needs on own initiative.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to work under pressure.
• Demonstrates the ability to be a good team player.
• Ability to move between locations in a timely manner.

Ability to manage

• Able to support the implementation of local and national health agendas under the guidance of the Registered Practitioner.
• Ability to prioritise care delivery in a professional manner, considering Trust policies and procedures.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 per annum pro rata