Therapy Assistant Practitioner - Complex discharge

NHS; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Shrewsbury is seeking a Therapy Assistant Practitioner on a fixed-term contract to support the complex discharge of patients. This dynamic role requires working closely with physiotherapists and occupational therapists, making effective communication and prior NHS experience essential. Join a committed team aiming to enhance patient care and facilitate timely hospital discharges. If you have the necessary qualifications and skills, consider applying for this rewarding position.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate the ability to study and work at the level equivalent to a foundation degree.
• Sound knowledge of therapy interventions.
• Understanding of the Assistant Practitioner role boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement and progress treatment programmes.
• Maintain accurate treatment records.
• Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary team members.

Skills

Liaising with other agencies

Knowledge of common conditions in the acute setting

Experience in caring for patients with complex conditions

Education

GCSEs in Maths and English (Grades 9-4 / A-C)

Foundation degree equivalent knowledge

Previous Therapy Assistant experience

NHS experience

Job description

Overview

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust is seeking a Therapy Assistant Practitioner - Complex discharge on a fixed term contract until 31 March 2026. The closing date is 22 October 2025. The role involves working with our Care Transfer Hub (CTH) to cover weekends to enable the rapid discharge of complex patients listed on the no criteria to reside (NCTR) list and reduce length of stay.

You will work in conjunction with a specialist physiotherapist and occupational therapist to support essential in-hospital assessments and to assess for and provide simple equipment to enable prompt discharge from hospital. This is a fast-paced environment with a high turnover of patients and requires a skilled, dynamic and confident individual. Informal conversations about the opportunity are welcome. NHS experience is essential for this position.

Responsibilities

• To assess, plan, implement and progress treatment programmes for specific patient groups, working within designated protocols without direct supervision.
• To hold responsibility for own caseload with access to and support from a qualified therapist.
• To work within agreed protocols and own competencies, referring cases that progress to be complex back to the Therapist or to continue after advice has been given.
• To liaise with members of the multidisciplinary team and external agencies ensuring accurate and timely communication.
• To communicate effectively with other members of the multidisciplinary team, attending meetings as appropriate and actively contribute to the discharge planning process.
• To be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive treatment records in line with the Trust and Therapy Centre standards of practice and to report to external agencies.

About us

The Therapy Centre is committed to the SaTH's overall vision to provide excellent care for the communities we serve. As a member of the Therapy Services Team your contribution to the profession of Occupational Therapy will be integral in enabling patients to receive holistic assessment to enable them to recover and be discharged from the hospital environment.

The Care Transfer Hub's (CTH) vision is similar: "Putting patients and their families first, we will work together through a multi-agency approach to ensure people get the care and support they need upon discharge from hospital". The CTH is a multi-agency and inter-disciplinary discharge team which launched in October 2024. It works across partner organisations spanning health, social care and the voluntary sector to proactively manage the needs of people with moderate and complex care needs and support safe transfer via the most appropriate discharge pathway.

Job responsibilities

For full duties and responsibilities please refer to the attached document entitled Job Description.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grades 9-4 / A-C).
• Evidence of knowledge and skills sufficient to demonstrate the ability and willingness to study and work at the level equivalent to a foundation degree.
• Previous Therapy Assistant experience.
• NHS experience.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of therapy interventions acquired through training or experience within a healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of the role of the Assistant Practitioner and the boundaries of the position.
• Basic understanding of the patient condition and its impact on the therapy intervention.

Skills

• Experience in liaising with other agencies.
• Knowledge and experience of common conditions in the acute setting and the impact on therapy intervention.
• Knowledge and experience in caring for patients with complex conditions.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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

Employer name

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust