Musculoskeletal Therapy Assistant Practitioner

The Methodist Church in Britain; Walsall; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking a Band 4 support role in the MSK outpatient physiotherapy service. The post involves delivering rehabilitation programmes delegated by physiotherapists, assessing walking aid needs, and running group exercise classes across various locations.

The role requires independent working, evening classes, and travel between sites. Applicants should have a foundation degree in health-related fields or equivalent experience in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or

Qualifications

• Foundation degree in Health and Social Care or equivalent level 3, plus A-levels and GCSEs or equivalents including Functional Skills level 2
• Or equivalent relevant experience in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, therapy support or exercise-based practice

Responsibilities

• Deliver delegated rehabilitation programmes and report changes, lack of progress or deterioration to the physiotherapist
• Assess mobility and progress walking aids without direct physiotherapist supervision
• Measure, issue and instruct patients in the safe use of walking aids
• Progress or regress prescribed exercise programmes according to patient response and ability
• Run group exercise and rehabilitation classes, alone or with a physiotherapist
• Manage a caseload from primary and secondary care referrals and deliver assessment or treatment sessions
• Select and carry out safe moving and handling techniques for each patient
• Carry out specific physiotherapy treatments after competency-based training
• Support patients with activities of daily living where applicable
• Explain treatment and tailor communication to patients' needs, including deaf or confused patients
• Check, clean and report faults on equipment, keep clinics tidy, and monitor walking aid stock
• Keep accurate records, maintain own CPD evidence, collect audit data and help induct new staff

Skills

MSK knowledge

Independent working

Group exercise delivery

Communication

Education

Foundation degree in Health and Social Care

Equivalent relevant experience in physiotherapy/rehabilitation

Tools

IT systems

Job description

This Band 4 support role sits in the MSK outpatient physiotherapy service at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and is not a qualified physiotherapist post. The work centres on delivering rehabilitation programmes delegated by physiotherapists, assessing walking aid needs and running group exercise classes. It involves a significant degree of independent working, some evening class provision and travel between locations. Candidates need prior rehabilitation, exercise or therapy experience, as general healthcare experience alone does not meet the requirement.

What the job involves

• Deliver delegated rehabilitation programmes and report changes, lack of progress or deterioration to the physiotherapist
• Assess mobility and progress walking aids without direct physiotherapist supervision
• Measure, issue and instruct patients in the safe use of walking aids
• Progress or regress prescribed exercise programmes according to patient response and ability
• Run group exercise and rehabilitation classes, alone or with a physiotherapist
• Manage a caseload from primary and secondary care referrals and deliver assessment or treatment sessions
• Select and carry out safe moving and handling techniques for each patient
• Carry out specific physiotherapy treatments after competency-based training
• Support patients with activities of daily living where applicable
• Explain treatment and tailor communication to patients' needs, including deaf or confused patients
• Check, clean and report faults on equipment, keep clinics tidy, and monitor walking aid stock
• Keep accurate records, maintain own CPD evidence, collect audit data and help induct new staff

What’s required

Qualifications

• Foundation degree in Health and Social Care or equivalent level 3, plus A-levels and GCSEs or equivalents including Functional Skills level 2
• Or equivalent relevant experience in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, therapy support or exercise-based practice

Experience

• Relevant experience in a physiotherapy, rehabilitation, therapy assistant or exercise-based role
• Delivering and adapting exercise or rehabilitation programmes
• Mobility, walking aids and functional rehabilitation
• Delivering or supporting group exercise classes
• Administration, IT systems and record keeping, with basic IT skills

Skills & knowledge

• Working knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and common MSK conditions and their effect on movement
• Ability to work independently, use sound judgement and **escalate concerns**
• Understanding of patient safety, risk assessment and professional boundaries
• Effective communication with patients and colleagues
• Organisation, time management and prioritisation
• Ability to demonstrate exercises and give clear instructions to patients

Other

• Ability to commute to different locations to undertake a variety of duties
• Ability to work evenings to support exercise class provision
• Ability and willingness to carry out moderate to intense physical effort, including prolonged periods on the floor or at low level

Nice to have

• Previous experience in an MSK outpatient physiotherapy service
• Experience assessing suitability for walking aids and instructing in their use
• Experience progressing and regressing exercise programmes by patient presentation and response
• Experience delivering group rehabilitation or exercise classes
• Experience working within the NHS or a similar clinical setting
• Care Certificate