OPAL Therapy Technician (Band 4) - Therapy Technician - Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Manchester seeks a Therapy Technician to support patients in regaining independence. This full-time role involves working within a specialist frailty service, conducting assessments, and delivering therapeutic interventions. Ideal for experienced therapy assistants looking to develop their skills in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Therapy Technical Instructor or Assistant Practitioner.
• Background in health and social care.
• Flexibility and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Support Geriatricians and therapists with patient assessment and treatment.
• Assist in delivering therapeutic interventions under guidance.
• Coordinate patient care and arrange community services.

Skills

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Practical skills teaching ability

Ability to work independently

Education

Multi-professional NVQ Level 2 or 3

Care Certificate

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

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Main area: Therapy Technician Grade Band 4
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Sunday between 8am – 6pm, with potential for flexible working hours across 7 days as the service evolves)
Job ref: 349-WTWA-7161979 RL4

Site: Wythenshawe Hospital
Town: Manchester
Salary: £26,530 - £29,114 per annum (pro rata)
Closing date: 18/05/2025 23:59

Job overview

Are you ready for the next step in your career? Do you have the passion and desire to support people in regaining and maintaining their independence? Can you be a spokesperson for your patients and promote their wellbeing? If so, this may be the position for you.

The service has two posts available: one at OPAL House, and one across OPAL House and the acute OPAL therapy service.

The OPAL team is a specialist frailty service based at Wythenshawe Hospital. The acute OPAL team covers the ED, Clinical Decisions Unit, and the OPAL frailty unit, supporting discharge planning and preventing unnecessary hospital admissions.

OPAL House is a specialist reablement unit aimed at supporting older people transitioning from hospital to home following acute illness.

Following specialist competency-based training, you will support the therapy team in undertaking therapeutic activities and treatments to promote functional independence and improve patients' quality of life.

You will also conduct assessments for non-complex patients, set goals, amend treatment plans, and make discharge recommendations with the support of a registered clinician.

This role is suitable for experienced therapy assistants looking to develop their skills. You should be versatile, adaptable, and a team player with good organizational skills.

Main duties of the job

The acute OPAL Therapy Technician supports Geriatricians, frailty nurses, and therapists with patient assessment, treatment, and discharge. You will assist in delivering therapeutic interventions and action plans under the guidance of qualified therapists.

You will ensure all administrative and therapeutic functions are completed efficiently from referral to discharge, facilitating smooth patient journeys and supported discharges.

The OPAL House Therapy Technician will assist in coordinating patient care, assessments, and treatment programs, supporting safe hospital discharges and arranging community services if needed.

You will use technical and creative skills to provide group and individual activities, evaluate and modify treatment programs, and support discharge arrangements, including referrals and community care planning.

Working for our organisation

MFT is one of the largest NHS Trusts in England, with a turnover of £2.8bn. We are creating an integrated health and social care system for over 1 million patients annually.

We bring together 10 hospitals and community services across Manchester, Trafford, and beyond, fostering collaboration and innovation. Our organisation is digitally enabled, with systems like Hive, launched in September 2022, to enhance clinical quality and operational efficiency.

We are a major academic Research Centre and Education provider, supporting high-quality research and professional development. Our Green Plan emphasizes sustainability in healthcare.

At MFT, we promote inclusion, equal opportunities, and a culture of belonging, ensuring fair and transparent career development and prioritizing staff wellbeing.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For detailed responsibilities and required skills, refer to the Job Description & Person Specification documents under ‘Supporting Documents’. Please also review the ‘Candidate Essentials Guide’ for information about the Trust, benefits, and application guidance.

Diversity matters: MFT is committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity, and eliminating discrimination. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. For support with your application, contact [e-mail].

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

• Multi-professional NVQ Level 2 or 3, or equivalent
• Care Certificate

Experience

• Experience as a Therapy Technical Instructor or Assistant Practitioner
• Background in health and social care
• Life skills from work or personal experience
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Mentoring or coaching experience
• Experience as a carer or voluntary work

Skills

• Practical skills teaching ability
• Teamwork in multi-agency settings
• Ability to work independently
• Interpersonal and organizational skills
• Patient and equipment handling skills (training provided)
• Ability to work under time pressures and flexible hours
• IT skills: Word, Excel, email

Knowledge

• Understanding of NHS and social care services, guidelines, and targets
• Knowledge of conditions affecting older adults, including frailty

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Name: Martyn Atherton
Job title: Senior Occupational Therapist
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]

Additional information

To discuss these positions further, contact Martyn Atherton or Helen Turner at 0161 291 6753 or via email: [e-mail], [e-mail].