Job Description

Are you passionate about helping people with chronic respiratory conditions live more active, independent, and fulfilling lives? We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our friendly and dedicated Pulmonary Rehabilitation team at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) as a Physiotherapy Assistant.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service is part of the Community Care Group and is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based rehabilitation programmes to patients across County Durham and Darlington. Our aim is to support patients in managing their respiratory conditions such as COPD, bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis, enhancing their quality of life and promoting self-management through tailored exercise and education.
This is a permanent position with part time hours. It is predominantly based at Bishop Auckland Hospital, Darlington Memorial Hospital and Sedgefield Community Hospital however the post is trust wide and you will be required to cover all sites when necessary.
Main duties of the job
The role is designed to support the delivery of a comprehensive, community-based Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) exercise programme specifically tailored for individuals living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other long-term respiratory conditions.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a cornerstone of best practice in the management of chronic respiratory disease. It is a structured, evidence-based intervention that combines individually prescribed exercise with education and self-management support. This role plays a vital part in promoting pulmonary rehabilitation as an essential, accessible, and life-enhancing service within the community.
The primary aim of the service is to empower patients to take control of their condition through increased understanding, physical conditioning, and improved confidence. The successful candidate will contribute to programmes that help reduce symptoms such as breathlessness, improve functional and maximal exercise capacity, and enhance health-related quality of life. By actively supporting patients in their rehabilitation journey, the role also contributes to reducing the burden of disability and preventing hospital admissions.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented
Full s can be found in the adverts supporting documents
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two years of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months)
Details
Date posted
12 June 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
24,625 to 25,674 a year per annum, pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
C9439-2526-0242
Job locations
Bishop Auckland General Hospital
Cockton Hill Road
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 6AD
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full job description for further details.
As a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Assistant, your role will involve supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care across a range of community settings. You will work closely with qualified physiotherapists and members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure the smooth and effective running of the programme.
Key Responsibilities:
Assisting physiotherapists with the assessment of patients suitability for pulmonary rehabilitation, including gathering baseline data and health information.
Performing objective assessments such as incremental shuttle walk tests (ISWT), strength testing, and other outcome measures to inform clinical decision-making.
Supporting the delivery of both individual and group-based exercise sessions, delivered face-to-face and non face-to-face (tel calls).
Contributing to the educational component of the programme by delivering or supporting sessions on topics such as breathlessness management, pacing, and self-management strategies.
Assisting with the collection and input of service data for the National Respiratory Audit Programme (NRAP) and other clinical audits to support service improvement and evaluation.
Undertaking administrative tasks such as ordering equipment, booking patient appointments, generating and sending appointment letters, and processing onward referrals.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care respiratory teams, fostering excellent communication and professional relationships to ensure integrated care.
Desirable Criteria:
Confident in using IT systems; experience with SystmOne would be an advantage.
Previous experience in delivering or supporting rehabilitation or exercise-based programmes within a community or healthcare setting.
Essential Requirements:
You must be a car owner with a valid driving licence and be willing to travel between multiple sites during the working day. Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full job description for further details.
As a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Assistant, your role will involve supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care across a range of community settings. You will work closely with qualified physiotherapists and members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure the smooth and effective running of the programme.
Key Responsibilities:
Assisting physiotherapists with the assessment of patients suitability for pulmonary rehabilitation, including gathering baseline data and health information.
Performing objective assessments such as incremental shuttle walk tests (ISWT), strength testing, and other outcome measures to inform clinical decision-making.
Supporting the delivery of both individual and group-based exercise sessions, delivered face-to-face and non face-to-face (tel calls).
Contributing to the educational component of the programme by delivering or supporting sessions on topics such as breathlessness management, pacing, and self-management strategies.
Assisting with the collection and input of service data for the National Respiratory Audit Programme (NRAP) and other clinical audits to support service improvement and evaluation.
Undertaking administrative tasks such as ordering equipment, booking patient appointments, generating and sending appointment letters, and processing onward referrals.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care respiratory teams, fostering excellent communication and professional relationships to ensure integrated care.
Desirable Criteria:
Confident in using IT systems; experience with SystmOne would be an advantage.
Previous experience in delivering or supporting rehabilitation or exercise-based programmes within a community or healthcare setting.
Essential Requirements:
You must be a car owner with a valid driving licence and be willing to travel between multiple sites during the working day.
Person Specification
Experience
Desirable

• Recent or current experience delivering pulmonary rehab in the NHS. Basic competency training in: mobility assessment, objective measures, progression of mobility and exercises, stair assessment, gym classes, & individual exercise programmes. Theoretical and practical training to NVQ III level. Able to use own initiative

Qualifications
Essential

• Experience of working as a Band 2 therapy assistant or relevant role. Learning to NVQ III level in healthcare related area or equivalent.

Desirable

• Experience of delivering exercise prescription to adult with long term conditions
• BTS fundamentals of pulmonary Rehab

Special Requirements
Essential

• Valid UK driving license and access to a suitably insured vehicle for the purposes of travelling between hospital sites independently

Desirable

• Ability to meet physical demands of the job
• Commitment, motivation and adaptability.

Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential

• CPD diary to include evidence of reflective practice, training and clinical experience. Assistant-level skills within the chosen speciality. Ability to organise and prioritise. Ability to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner. Ability to concentrate frequently throughout the working day. Ability to carry out moderate to intense physical effort throughout the working day. IT skills

Desirable

• Advanced IT skills. Experience working with patients with chronic respiratory disease. Experience of using Sys1.

Statutory Registration
Essential

• No statutory registration required

Desirable

• Member of the CSP

Person Specification
Experience
Desirable

• Recent or current experience delivering pulmonary rehab in the NHS. Basic competency training in: mobility assessment, objective measures, progression of mobility and exercises, stair assessment, gym classes, & individual exercise programmes. Theoretical and practical training to NVQ III level. Able to use own initiative

Qualifications
Essential

• Experience of working as a Band 2 therapy assistant or relevant role. Learning to NVQ III level in healthcare related area or equivalent.

Desirable

• Experience of delivering exercise prescription to adult with long term conditions
• BTS fundamentals of pulmonary Rehab

Special Requirements
Essential

• Valid UK driving license and access to a suitably insured vehicle for the purposes of travelling between hospital sites independently

Desirable

• Ability to meet physical demands of the job
• Commitment, motivation and adaptability.

Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential

• CPD diary to include evidence of reflective practice, training and clinical experience. Assistant-level skills within the chosen speciality. Ability to organise and prioritise. Ability to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner. Ability to concentrate frequently throughout the working day. Ability to carry out moderate to intense physical effort throughout the working day. IT skills

Desirable

• Advanced IT skills. Experience working with patients with chronic respiratory disease. Experience of using Sys1.

Statutory Registration
Essential

• No statutory registration required

Desirable

• Member of the CSP

NHS