Rehabilitation Instructor

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare trust in the UK is seeking a passionate Rehabilitation Assistant to join their MSK Physiotherapy team in Saffron Walden. The role involves leading rehabilitation classes and managing individual sessions for service users. The ideal candidate has experience in rehabilitation techniques, excellent communication skills, and the ability to assess and progress patient conditions. Benefits include flexible working options and a comprehensive package.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Excellent pension scheme

Staff discounts

Relocation package

Interest-free season ticket loans

Work bank shifts available

Flexible working from day one

Qualifications

• Experience in leading rehabilitation classes and individual sessions.
• Ability to assess and manage a caseload independently.
• Knowledge in various rehabilitation equipment and its use.

Responsibilities

• Lead rehabilitation classes for service users.
• Develop and deliver individualised rehabilitation programmes.
• Communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.

Skills

Rehabilitation techniques

Patient communication

Exercise prescription

Team collaboration

Education

Relevant health care qualification

Job description

About the role

We are seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Rehabilitation Assistant to work within the MSK Physiotherapy team at Saffron Walden Community Hospital and with our wider MSK team across West Essex. You will be responsible for leading rehabilitation classes and one-to-one rehabilitation sessions for our service users at the Saffron Walden department.

You will be part of the Integrated MSK Service (IMSKS) which is supported by a high ratio of senior to junior clinical staff ensuring comprehensive supervision, training and development opportunities to expand knowledge, skills and scope of practice. EPUT has an excellent reputation in supporting professional development and AHP's.

West Essex is a diverse area stretching northwards from its boundary with Greater London into the heart of rural Essex. Transport links are excellent, with access to London Underground in the south and the M11 and M25 close to hand.

We offer flexible working for all posts wherever operational needs permit.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead rehabilitation classes and one-to-one rehabilitation sessions for service users.
• Provide rehabilitation classes for conditions such as hip or knee osteoarthritis, spinal pain, and apply exercise prescription, education and strategies to improve patient performance in group and individual settings.
• Manage own caseload independently, performing re-assessments by questioning, observing and measuring patient abilities and needs; support available from HCPC registered physiotherapists and other allied health professionals.
• Develop and deliver individualised treatment programmes of rehabilitation.
• Assess, fit and demonstrate use of a wide range of equipment to promote independence.
• Provide safe and competent use of gym equipment, patient appliances and aids; ensure physiotherapy students attain competency prior to use.
• Modify and progress exercises individually or within groups according to care plans set by registered physiotherapists and osteopaths.
• Link with exercise referral schemes and other agencies to promote integrated care.
• Provide expert knowledge and information on exercise principles to other healthcare staff; deliver educational sessions to patient groups to promote self‑management.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe environment and equipment.
• Participate in audit and outcome measure data collection and reporting; carry out clerical and administrative duties as required.
• Obtain informed consent for treatment in accordance with Trust policy, using verbal and non‑verbal communication skills with diverse patients and carers.
• Undertake clinical re‑assessments to evaluate patient progression and inform programme modification; seek advice from referrers if progress is unsatisfactory.
• Facilitate, monitor and evaluate goal setting with patients to optimise potential and promote self‑management.
• Facilitate self‑management strategies and formulate long‑term condition management plans.
• Liaise with referrers on progress and outcomes as indicated on the care plan.
• Maintain clinical records and reports; follow guidelines, protocols and procedures in accordance with professional, legal and departmental standards.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, carers, relatives and colleagues using verbal and non‑verbal methods, including explaining, instructing, persuading, motivating, negotiating and reassuring.
• Commit to a team approach to provide continuity and efficiency of service provision.
• Liaise with multi‑professional team, colleagues and medical staff as required.

Information Management

• Actively involved in accurate and timely collection of data and information for audit and clinical governance.
• Input data and information accurately using the latest versions of policies and procedures in manual and electronic systems.
• Ensure precautions are adhered to when transferring information, only disclosing patient identifiable information in line with Caldicott and the Data Protection Act.

Policy and Service Updates

• Write and update policies for use within the department and contribute to policies for the West Essex Musculoskeletal Service.

Freedom to Act

• Authority to make decisions within the department and manage local change that does not impact on the wider MSK service; consult the MSK Manager and team leader on changes affecting other services.

Effort and Environment

• Therapeutic handling of patients, including mobilization and spinal mobilisations which may involve awkward positions such as crouching and kneeling.
• Maintain sustained concentration throughout the working day; balance management and clinical duties.
• Prepare for occasional work with highly emotional patients.

Additional Duties

• Complete mandatory training in line with Trust policy and procedures.
• Participate in the staff appraisal process and undertake for any staff you manage.
• Keep updated on all matters relating to Trust policy.
• Provide management supervision where appropriate.
• Collaborate with key partner organisations, service users, carers, clinicians and other practitioners to deliver services 7‑day a week, 24‑hours a day, working shifts where operationally required.

Professional Information and Requirements

• Provide professional references with business contact information covering last three years of employment history; personal or character references not accepted.
• As a newly appointed employee, you are responsible for incurring the cost of your initial DBS check; amount will be deducted from first salary.
• COVID‑vaccination required for those employed in care homes or deployed to CQC‑registered care homes; vaccination or exemption must be documented.

Equal Opportunities and Legal

• Our Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from people with experience of using mental health services.
• We hold the Disability two tick symbol and are committed to employing more people with learning disabilities.
• Requests for accessible application forms (Braille, audio tape, etc.) can be made to the Recruitment Department.

Benefits and Working Arrangements

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, increasing to 33 days after 10 years of service.
• Excellent pension up to 14.5% of pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts including Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8,000 relocation package for moves to Essex.
• Season ticket loans, interest‑free, to cover travel costs.
• Work bank shifts available to supplement income and develop skills.
• Flexible working available from day one for most roles.