Rehabilitation Instructor

NHS; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional healthcare organization is seeking a passionate Rehabilitation Instructor to join their MSK Physiotherapy team at Saffron Walden Community Hospital. The role includes leading rehabilitation classes and managing individual rehabilitation sessions. Ideal candidates should have an Exercise Instructor Qualification and relevant experience in a community-based environment, aiming to improve patient outcomes through exercise and education.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Excellent pension of up to 14.5%

£8K relocation package for new hires

Staff discounts including NHS offers

Qualifications

• Exercise Instructor Qualification or equivalent required.
• Experience delivering exercise-based programs.
• Evidence of managing patients in group-based exercise programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead rehabilitation classes for various conditions.
• Manage own caseload independently.
• Develop and deliver individualized rehabilitation programs.

Skills

Experience as a rehabilitation or gym instructor

Current knowledge of musculoskeletal conditions

Ability to apply physical therapy skills

Teamwork in a community environment

Education

Exercise Instructor Qualification – Premier Training or YMCA Level 3

Sports/Physiology related degree

Job description

Rehabilitation Instructor

The closing date is 02 December 2025

We are seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Rehabilitation Instructor 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 AHPs.

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 by.

So come and join a forward‑thinking MSK team and be part of something different to improve the care and outcomes for the West Essex population.

The Trust will consider flexible working for all posts wherever the operational needs of the service are able to accommodate.

Main duties of the job

• Provide rehabilitation classes for hip or knee osteoarthritis/pain, spinal pain, or other conditions, using exercise prescription, education and strategies to improve patient performance both in group and individual settings.
• Manage your own caseload independently, including re‑assessments by observing, questioning and measuring patient abilities and needs. Support is available from HCPC‑registered physiotherapists and other Allied Health Care Professionals via various communication methods.
• Develop and deliver individualized rehabilitation treatment programmes.
• Assess, fit and demonstrate use of a wide range of equipment to promote independence.

About us

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us.
• Season ticket loans are interest‑free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Work bank: You can use the opportunity to supplement your income and develop your skills by working bank shifts.
• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Job responsibilities

• Provide rehabilitation classes and individual sessions as detailed in Main duties.
• Perform re‑assessments and deliver individualized exercise programmes.
• Fit and demonstrate use of equipment, ensuring safe use by patients.
• Maintain a clean, tidy, and safe environment and equipment.
• Participate in audit and outcome‑measure data collection and reporting.
• Provide education and self‑management support to patient groups.
• Provide expert knowledge of exercise principles to other healthcare staff.
• Contribute to professional development, training and supervision of staff where appropriate.

Key clinical responsibilities

• Obtain consent for treatment in line with Trust policy.
• Conduct clinical re‑assessments and inform progression of rehabilitation programmes.
• Facilitate goal setting and self‑management strategies with patients.
• Develop and deliver exercise programmes based on patient education.
• Liaise with referrers on progress and outcomes.
• Maintain clinical records and reports in accordance with professional and departmental standards.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with patients, carers, relatives and team members using verbal and non‑verbal methods.
• Provide continuity and efficiency of service provision as part of a multi‑professional team.
• Liaise with medical staff as required.

Information management

• Accurately collect and record audit and clinical governance data.
• Enter data into electronic systems in line with policies and procedures.
• Protect patient information in compliance with Caldicott and the Data Protection Act.

Policy/service update

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

Freedom to act

• Make decisions within the department and manage local change that does not impact other services; consult the Musculoskeletal Manager and team leader.

Effort and environment

• Perform therapeutic handling of patients, including mobilisation and mobilisation in awkward positions.
• Maintain sustained concentration over the working day, balancing management and clinical duties.
• Work with highly emotional patients when required.

Additional duties

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

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

• Exercise Instructor Qualification – Premier Training or YMCA Level 3 or equivalent.
• Relevant professional qualification such as NVQ/REPs Level 3 with evidence of anatomy/physiology.
• Sports/Physiology related degree.
• Evidence of managing patients in a group‑based exercise programme.

Knowledge

• Current knowledge and skills relating to treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.
• Ability to apply physical therapy skills across a range of clinical conditions.
• Understanding of patient safety.

Skills / Experience

• Experience as a rehabilitation or gym instructor, delivering exercise‑based programmes on a one‑to‑one or class‑based level.
• Experience of working in a community‑based environment and as part of a team.
• Experience of delivering health‑promoting interventions.
• Experience supervising other staff.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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

Employer

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.

Address

MSK Physiotherapy Department, Saffron Walden Community Hospital.

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year (pro rated for part‑time).

Contract

Working pattern

Part‑time.

Reference number

364-A-9267-A

Job locations

MSK Physiotherapy Department, Saffron Walden Community Hospital.