Job Description

Fonthill House

Job Title: Physiotherapy Assistant

Accountable to: Physiotherapist

Hourly Rate: 12.50 rising to 13.50 once competencies are completed

You will be an enthusiastic, well-motivated, friendly and professional individual who will be joining an established physiotherapy team which consists of a Lead Physiotherapist, Physiotherapist, advanced rehab practitioners and rehab assistants.

You must be able to work on your own as well as closely within a small team. You will also need to liaise with the Fonthill multi-disciplinary team (MDT), liaising with nurses, carers, GPs, dieticians and other allied health professionals, as well as communicating effectively and sensitively with relatives.

Your caseload will be extremely broad and include residents who are temporary and require rehabilitation post hospital admission in order to return home; residents who are long term and are struggling with mobility, transfers or function; residents who are palliative and may need regular assessment as their ability to mobilise or transfer changes; residents who require assistance to maintain range of movement to their limbs; working with residents who have learning disabilities in order to help maximise their physical potential; provide chest physiotherapy to aid sputum clearance; lead weekly in-house exercise classes.

There will also be times when you are required to assist with activities of daily living which may include washing, dressing and personal care.

Please find below further information regarding this role.

Education

You will be educated to at least GCSE level with a grade C / 4 or above in both English and Maths.

Clinical

Assist the physiotherapist in the rehabilitation of residents by providing a range of physio prescribed treatments including exercise, gait re-education, manual handling advice, balance exercises, chest physiotherapy and the delivery of exercise classes.

To manage the rehabilitation of residents as prescribed by the physiotherapist, working without direct supervision, responsible for assessing resident progress and reporting back to the physiotherapist.

Supply appropriate walking aids to residents, and educate and advise residents in the safe use of this equipment.
Lead exercise classes for residents identified by the physiotherapist; be aware of the level of activity which is appropriate for each individual and monitor responses throughout the session; to be able to adjust level of effort accordingly and to understand when continuing may not be safe or appropriate.

Assist staff with moving and handling of residents using a mechanical aid (e.g.hoist, saraflex)

Once trained, to provide manual chest clearance techniques to aid the removal of sputum.

On a daily basis to encourage residents and their carers in an active approach to regaining and maintaining their optimum level of function. This requires empathy, sensitivity and good interpersonal skills.

Use effective communication tools on a daily basis, both verbal and non verbal, to communicate treatment programmes to residents who have barriers to understanding or communicating.

On a daily basis maintain accurate records of work undertaken within the standards as set out by both the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) and Fonthill House. Understand that your records are legal documents and as such, record keeping should be accurate and timely.

To liaise with the physiotherapists and other appropriate clinical staff as necessary, regarding resident care, in particular highlighting any variations to expected outcomes from treatment programmes you deliver.

To attend In-service training as required.

Manage and prioritise your own caseload.

Monitor and develop your own performance, aiming to achieve and maintain a high standard at all times. This will include self directed learning, clinical supervision, annual appraisal and reflective practice.

To support residents with activities of daily living which may include washing, dressing and personal care, as and when required.

Any other appropriate duties as delegated by the Physiotherapy Lead or physiotherapist.

Physical demands of the job

The role is a very physically demanding one and involves treating residents who will have varying degrees of impaired mobility and who will require your physical support.

Daily work in confined, awkward spaces which may involve moving and handling residents, items of furniture and equipment. It will also require you to spend time with residents on the floor whilst providing treatment.

You may also be required to go swimming with residents and support them with their treatment whilst always maintaining their safety.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 12.50-13.50 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

Canteen Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee mentoring programme
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 06/06/2025