Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or Nurse Assessor

Sussexcommunity; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a skilled Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, or Nurse Assessor to join the Hospital Intervention Team at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. This permanent part-time role requires assessment skills and an active approach to supporting patient care, ensuring timely and safe discharges within a dynamic multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years as a band 5 Physiotherapist/Occupational Therapist/Nurse.
• Recent experience in a hospital or community setting.
• Experience working within Gateway wards, or in discharge/admission avoidance teams.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess patients suitable for safe and timely discharge.
• Prevent unnecessary hospital admissions through early intervention.
• Liaise effectively with various care teams to coordinate care.

Skills

Assessment skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

BSc Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy/Nurse MSc in Rehabilitation or equivalent

Current HCPC/NMC registration

Evidence of continued professional development to diploma level or equivalent

ICES Trusted Assessor's certificate

Post graduate qualification in relevant area

IT certificate (e.g. ECDL)

Job description

Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or Nurse Assessor

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and skilled Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, or Nurse Assessor to join the Hospital Intervention Team (HIT) at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

This is a permanent part time position (up to 33 hours) at Eastbourne District General Hospital. The service hours are Mon - Fri 8:00am - 8:00pm and Sat - Sun 8:00am - 6:00pm.

About the RoleThe HIT team is a well-established, dynamic, and forward-thinking multidisciplinary team, consisting of nurses, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. We work across Emergency Departments and key gateway wards of the hospital to support admission avoidance and to facilitate timely, safe discharges. Our work directly supports patient flow across the hospital and wider healthcare system.

You will be part of a team that operates at the front door of the hospital, identifying patients suitable for early supported discharge, virtual ward referral, or community input. The role also includes opportunities to visit patients in their own homes to support rapid discharge and ensure continuity of care where needed.

Main duties of the job

Main Responsibilities

Proactively identify and assess patients suitable for safe and timely discharge

Prevent unnecessary hospital admissions through early intervention and MDT collaboration

Support virtual ward referrals and contribute to care planning for patients being managed in the community

Liaise effectively with acute, community, and social care teams to coordinate person-centred care

Contribute to service development and the ongoing refinement of interdisciplinary ways of working

What We're Looking For We're seeking experienced and enthusiastic clinicians with:

A professional registration with either HCPC (OT/Physio) or NMC (Nurse Assessor)

Clinical experience across core areas relevant to acute or community settings

Excellent assessment, communication, and problem-solving skills

A proactive, team-oriented approach to supporting patient care and system flow

The ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment

You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the interdisciplinary assessment model and may be able to rotate into other clinical areas in the future.

Please Note:All applications will be assessed against the Person Specification. Please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the key criteria. Only applicants with current HCPC or NMC registration will be considered for shortlisting.

About us

We are proud to provide 'Outstanding' care and be a great place to work

We provide safe, compassionate and high quality care to half a million people living or visiting East Sussex. We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex, the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex. Our extensive services are provided by 7000 + members of staff working from acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites and in people's own homes.

In 2020 the Care Quality Commission rated us as 'Good' overall, and 'Outstanding' for being caring and effective. The Conquest Hospital and our Community Services are rated 'Outstanding'. Eastbourne DGH rated 'Good'.

In 2020, the Trust launched its ambitious 'Building for our Future' programme. This once in a lifetime programme aims to repair, redevelop and expand our hospitals, transforming the environment in which we provide care for generations to come.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the job description attached.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• BSc Physiotherapy/ Occupational Therapy/ Nurse MSc in Rehabilitation or equivalent
• Current HCPC/NMC registration
• Evidence of continued professional development to diploma level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience
• ICES Trusted Assessor's certificate
• Post graduate qualification in relevant area
• IT certificate (e.g.ECDL)

Experience

• At least 2 years as a band 5 Physiotherapist/Occupational Therapist/Nurse
• Recent experience in a hospital or community setting
• Experience working within Gateway wards, or in discharge/ admission avoidance teams
• Some experience of clinical supervision or action learning
• Worked in multi professional teams

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of complex, multi pathologies and long term chronic conditions
• Knowledge of Legislation, DH/ NICE guidelines and clinical governance relevant to area

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£37,338 to £44,962 a yearper annum, pro rata