Senior Therapy Assistant | University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Christchurch seeks a compassionate Therapy Assistant to join their Interim Team. The successful candidate will provide care and rehabilitation to patients discharged from the hospital, working closely with Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists. This role requires a commitment to patient care, knowledge of assistive techniques, and a flexible approach to working a 7 Day rota. Ideal for individuals passionate about improving patient independence and quality of life.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of assistive equipment and techniques to support patients.
• Experience in providing care and rehabilitation.
• Understanding of community healthcare and patient support.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and rehabilitation to patients discharged from the hospital.
• Work under supervision of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.
• Support the Interim team with administration and training tasks.
• Work on a 7 Day rota to meet service demands.
• Support end of life patients when required.

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about caring for others? We are looking for a Therapy Assistant to join our Interim Team. The Interim service was set up in 2013 and has grown from a tiny team to a large and highly effective service supporting hundreds of patients home every year.

Background

We support patients home under a pathway known as “ICAT”, which stands for Interim Care Assessment Team. We complete our own assessment of the patient’s care needs using a rehab approach. Once a patient is assessed as needing further rehab or long‑term POC, information is gathered through assessment and fed back to the social workers to put a future plan in place for ongoing support.

As part of our assessment we often deliver and fit equipment, assess mobility and transfers and observe patient safety and abilities in their activities of daily living.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide care and rehabilitation and fitting of equipment to patients discharged from UHD to enable patients to leave the acute hospital as soon as they are suitable.
• Work in the community under the clinical supervision of the team Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.
• Ensure each patient contact is therapeutic and as per the care plan to support recovery and enable independence.
• Have a knowledge and understanding of assistive equipment, techniques and supportive services available to support patients and their families.
• Support the Interim team with administration tasks, service improvement projects and our education and training programme.
• Work over a 7 Day rota period in order to meet the demands of the service.
• Support end of life patients when required.

Service Context

UHD is investing in services across the Trust with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme. Some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have at interview.

Senior Therapy Assistants (STA)

The STA provide a 7 day service 7am‑10pm to enable patients from the acute hospital to return home through a discharge to assess approach. They assess, support and rehab patients in activities of daily living which include personal care, meal preparation, transfers, toileting and medication.

Interview Date

• 11th November 2025

Advert Closing

This advert closes on Sunday 2 Nov 2025.