Technical Instructors / Support Workers

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Kemp Town Estate; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based healthcare provider seeks a physiotherapy support worker to join their team at Royal Sussex County Hospital. The role involves delivering high-quality physiotherapy assessment, treatments, and evaluations for diverse patient needs, from orthopaedic to neurological conditions. Candidates must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, alongside the ability to work independently and in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Flexible working options are available, and only applicants with the right to work in the UK will be considered.

Qualifications

• The candidate must have excellent communication skills to deal with patients of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.
• Experience in handling patients with various conditions is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a physiotherapy team providing comprehensive therapy.
• Evaluate and modify treatment programmes as needed.
• Facilitate communication with patients who have difficulties.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Team collaboration

Ability to work unsupervised

Job description

Job Overview

We are looking for a physiotherapy support worker (Band 3) to work within the Inpatient Physiotherapy team at Royal Sussex County Hospital. The role focuses on providing a high standard of physiotherapy assessment, treatment and evaluation to clients within the inpatient service.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of a physiotherapy team providing a high‑quality comprehensive therapy service to patients.
• Work with adults and children with varied conditions, including orthopaedic, elderly rehabilitation, amputees, neurological, etc.
• Work unsupervised and alongside qualified physiotherapists.
• Provide information and advice to patients, carers and other health and social care professionals on areas within the grade's scope of practice, e.g., advise patients on exercise treatment programmes based on procedures and set protocols.
• Take on routine procedural‑based assessments and implement own treatment programme through exercises and mobility rehabilitation individually or in groups.
• Regularly evaluate and analyse treatment programmes and modify them without prior consultation with a qualified physiotherapist.
• Provide regular feedback to physiotherapists regarding patients' progress and to the Lead Physiotherapist regarding how service delivery and policies impact patients and the service.
• Be involved with data collection/audit to monitor service, general statistic collation and outcome measures the team uses.
• Assist with clerical and professional administrative tasks required to provide an efficient and effective high‑quality service.
• Work collaboratively with relevant team professionals (e.g., Health Care Assistants, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Nursing staff, Orthotists) to assist achievement of patient‑centred goals and maximising the patient's potential.
• Communicate effectively with patients with a variety of communication difficulties (blind, deaf, dysphasic, learning difficulties/dementia, or those who do not have English as their first language) on a one‑to‑one level and enable the patient to integrate in group activities using verbal, written, pictorial, tactile and visual communication tools.
• Educate patients and relatives on a range of physiotherapy topics, e.g., therapeutic positioning, exercise, mobility activities including use of walking aids and indoor/outdoor mobility.
• Use advanced empathetic, tactful and interpersonal skills to encourage and empower patients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential, providing informal counselling where appropriate.
• Assist in informative/observational visits, work‑shadow sessions, and specific areas of the induction process (e.g. new staff members and students).
• Attend handover and MDT meetings to represent current physiotherapy management regarding patient progress and potential and make decisions within agreed parameters.
• Liaise with other team members regarding day‑to‑day issues and department management (e.g., prioritisation, staff shortages, increased patient caseload).
• Maintain physiotherapy records accurately in line with guidelines to ensure identified goals are achieved.
• Manage potentially stressful, sensitive, upsetting, terminal conditions or emotional situations in an empathic manner.

Important Information for Applicants

• This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered.

• We discourage extensive use of AI tools in applications; please present your genuine experiences and motivations.

• Flexible working options can be discussed with the recruiting/line manager.

• A DBS check will be undertaken for eligible applicants as part of our commitment to a safe working environment.

Application Process

For more details on how to apply and the Candidate Information Pack, visit: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/.