Therapy Assistant

NHS; Seaham; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking a Therapy Assistant to support therapists across community settings in delivering physiotherapy and occupational therapy interventions. Responsibilities include providing care, assisting in clinical activities, and maintaining records. The ideal candidate must have strong communication skills, an NVQ 3 or equivalent, and recent experience in physical rehabilitation. This role is based in Seaham and may involve travel. A valid UK driving licence is required.

Qualifications

• Recent experience in physical rehabilitation, including community rehabilitation.
• Evidence of communication skills across varied settings.
• Understanding of County Durham & Darlington NHS FT culture and strategy.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the delivery of core clinical programmes.
• Provide therapy care to patients, families and carers.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and report changes in patient condition.

Skills

Clear written and oral communication skills

Organisation and prioritisation abilities

Understanding of legal responsibilities within the profession

Experience working across professional boundaries

Education

Maths and English GCSE/equivalent

NVQ 3 or equivalent knowledge/experience

Tools

System One for documentation

Job description

Therapy Assistant

The closing date is 02 February 2026

To provide support to Therapists across a range of community settings, delivering high quality physiotherapy and occupational therapy interventions for patients in the East Locality of County Durham. The role is based mainly at Spectrum 8, Seaham, but may require travel across sites.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Assist in the delivery of core clinical programmes, participate in service improvement initiatives, and work within a multi‑disciplinary team that includes nursing, social work, therapy and support staff.

• Provide therapy care to patients, families and carers following assessment of health and care needs.
• Perform basic clinical activities such as venepuncture, simple wound dressings, blood glucose monitoring, and the fitting and adjustment of a range of home‑care equipment.
• Support patient independence, enable choice, and provide personal hygiene, grooming and dietary assistance as required.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and report any changes in patient condition to the registered therapist.
• Support safe and appropriate use of equipment, maintaining it in a clean and safe condition.
• Communicate effectively with clients who may have speech, hearing, learning difficulties or mental health conditions.
• Carry out home visits independently and teach patients and carers how to use equipment safely.
• Participate in health promotion, clinical quality processes and team teaching packages.

About Us

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services from Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham, and community services across a wide area including Bishop Auckland, Chester‑le‑Street and Weardale.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and BAME candidates as these groups are under‑represented in health‑care.

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Understanding of legal responsibilities within the profession.
• Clear written and oral communication skills.
• Organisation and prioritisation abilities.
• High concentration levels and capacity for moderate to intense physical effort.
• Initiative to enhance service delivery.
• Experience working across professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of system One for documentation.

Experience

• Recent experience in physical rehabilitation, including community rehabilitation.
• Evidence of communication skills across varied settings.
• Experience with transferable assessment and treatment skills between physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
• NHS experience preferred.

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel and carry small equipment daily.
• UK driving licence and access to a car.
• Suitable visa/immigration status.

Qualifications

• Maths and English GCSE/equivalent.
• NVQ 3 or equivalent knowledge/experience.
• CPD diary with evidence of reflective practice, training and clinical experience.
• Recognised relevant academic qualification.
• Understanding of County Durham & Darlington NHS FT culture and strategy.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

The post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust