Job Description

Band 3 Physiotherapy Assistant - MSK Outpatients

Location:

Sussex MSK Health - Adur & Worthing (Base: Worthing)

Flexible working and job share applications welcomed



We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Band 3 Physiotherapy Assistant to join our friendly and supportive Musculoskeletal (MSK) Outpatient Team at Sussex MSK Health in Adur & Worthing for 30 hours per week.



This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in exercise, rehabilitation, or therapy support who is looking to develop their skills and knowledge within the MSK field.

We are looking for someone who:

Is a clear and compassionate communicator



Works well as part of a multidisciplinary team



Has a good understanding of rehabilitation principles



Brings previous experience in exercise, rehab, or as a physiotherapy/therapy assistant (desirable)



Committed to delivering high-quality patient care.



In this role, you'll support patients throughout their rehabilitation journey, helping them reach their full potential. You'll work closely with a team of experienced Physiotherapists who will provide ongoing support, supervision, and guidance.

What we offer:

A welcoming, experienced team environment



Access to a robust In-Service Training (IST) programme



Regular clinical supervision and development opportunities



The post is based in Worthing , but some travel to other sites may be required.

We welcome applications for part-time roles and job shares .



To assist the Outpatient Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy Team deliver flexible, patient centred programmes of therapeutic activities, exercises and interventions for patients referred to the MSK Adult Physiotherapy service and the Hydrotherapy Pool.

To support the day-to-day management of the hydrotherapy pool. To support the administrative function and day to day running of the department.

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To work as part of a Physiotherapy Team providing a high quality and comprehensive therapy service to patients.

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To work with patients with varied conditions in the outpatient MSK service

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To work unsupervised as well as alongside the qualified physiotherapists.

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To provide information and advice to patients, carers and other health and social care professions on areas within the grades scope of practice, e.g. advise patients on exercise treatment programmes based on procedures and set protocols.



We are the main provider of NHS community services across East and West Sussex, with 6,000 staff serving 1.3 million people. We deliver essential care to adults and children, helping them manage their health, avoid hospital admissions, and reduce hospital stays.



Our Trust vision is to provide excellent care at the heart of the community. We offer opportunities across medical, clinical, support, and corporate services.



Why work for us?

Positive 2024 NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing Varied environments: community hospitals, patients' homes, and bases across Sussex Flexible working options: part-time, flexi-time, annualised hours, and flexi-retirement Excellent training, development, and research opportunities Accredited Living Wage Employer, we ensure fair pay for all our staff Cost-effective workplace nurseries in Crawley, Hove, and Brighton Active EMBRACE, Disability & Wellbeing, LGBTQIA+, and Religion & Belief networks Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust

Our values -- Compassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence --guide everything we do.



We embrace diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from ethnically diverse, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We aim to create an inclusive environment and support reasonable adjustments during recruitment.



This post may close early if sufficient applications are received.



To communicate effectively with patients with a variety of communication difficulties e.g. blind, deaf, dysphasic, learning difficulties / dementia, and for people who do not have English as their first language. This will involve the effective use of verbal, written, pictorial, tactile and visual communication tools.



Use empathetic, tactful and interpersonal skills to encourage, empower and motivate patients to maximise their rehabilitation potential



To liaise with other team members with regards to day to day running of the MSK Physiotherapy Service



To communicate effectively with all other disciplines involved with an individual's care



To use effective communication skills with patients who may present with complex needs such as chronic pain.



To consistently maintain accurate and comprehensive records in line with guidelines and ensure confidentiality is maintained. Initiate documentation for assessment, transfer and discharge and be conversant with uni and multi-professional documentation.



Educate patients and relatives on a range of topics covering Physiotherapy techniques, e.g. exercise, mobility activities including using walking aids and indoor and outdoor mobility.



Assist in informative / observational visits, work-shadow sessions and specific areas of induction process e.g. new members of staff and students



To support and participate in appropriate work-related projects as required



To comply with University Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust policies and procedures.



To highlight an discuss any issues with the service with the team lead in a professional manner



To attend and actively participate in relevant in-service and mandatory statutory training e.g. infection control, child protection, data protection, moving and handling, fire safety, resus etc and to ensure that evidence of attendance of self and staff is recorded within the departmental data spreadsheet and updated as appropriate.



To be involved in planning and delivering training to peers as required



To support peers and other more junior members of the team and assist in the induction of new staff. Including demonstrating processes and IT systems



To ensure compliance with the Trust Hand Hygiene Policy and demonstration of this through audit and appraisal.



Maintain personal development through course attendance, participation in Individual Performance Review (IPR), application in practise of skills and speciality competencies.



Contribute to the development and delivery of patient care by participating in team departmental or MDT training e.g. through problem solving discussions.



Involved in the Rehabilitation of patients using knowledge of exercise based therapy



To be able to correctly apply various therapeutic aids as appropriate in discussion with the Physiotherapist, e.g. splints, braces, walking aids, resistance bands, floor pedals, and weights.



To support Physiotherapists by undertaking skilled Physiotherapy techniques e.g. exercise instruction, gait re-education and functional transfers with individuals.



Educate patients, on a range of topics covering Physiotherapy techniques, e.g. exercises, mobility activities including using walking aids and indoor and outdoor mobility and to lead education group sessions.



Working without direct supervision to treat patients individually or in conjunction with other members of the team.



To understand the relevance of the therapeutic potential of equipment within treatment planning.



Be competent to set up and operate therapeutic and gym equipment in line with the Trusts Health & Safety Guidelines e.g. monitoring and maintaining the safety and condition of the equipment.



To assess, measure, label, adjust to size and issue walking aids as appropriate and various standard splints.



To work effectively with 1:1 patient sessions or taking a group of patients



To support patient care poolside