Job Description

Do you want to work at the North West's leading specialist orthopaedic hospital?
Do you want to help patients with their rehabilitation following surgery and assist them in achieving their goals?
We are looking for an enthusiastic Therapy Assistant who would like to work in a split post between our inpatient and our outpatient Orthopaedic therapy teams working at Wrightington Hospital. The post holder will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary team members to deliver high quality care throughout the out-patient therapy pathway.
You will be given the opportunity to learn and develop with support from highly qualified and experienced colleagues.
The post is for 37.5 hours per week working 22.5 with the outpatient team and 15 with the inpatient team. The role will involve weekend working.
The role may also involve supporting the Trauma Therapy team at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary.
Please note this vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received.
Main duties of the job
To carry out a flexible patient centred programme of therapeutic activities under the direction of a Therapist. To enable patients to achieve their treatment goal and keep accurate written records and statistics as required by the service. To assist with departmental administration.
About us
Choose Well - Choose WWL
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that 'happy staff, makes for happy patients'. We have a recognised track record in staff engagement, and living our values 'the WWL Way'.
WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. With this in mind we are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.
Details
Date posted
24 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
24,937 to 26,598 a year Per annum, Pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
302-25-7449908SS
Job locations
Wrightington Hospital
Hall Lane, Appley Bridge
Wigan
WN6 9EP
Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities Key results from the job holder

• To contribute to the overall Therapy process by carrying out routine assessments and procedures within agreed competency levels
• To carry out information collection from patients/relatives as requested by Therapy staff
• To follow treatment plans as prescribed by Therapy staff and identify and select activities that meet treatment goals
• To work independently in a clinical setting with an assigned routine caseload, under the direction of a Therapist
• Instruct patients in the use of equipment and techniques to promote independence

Planning and Organisational Duties

• To be responsible for preparation of materials and equipment in order to carry out treatment sessions
• To contribute to the day-to-day organisation of activities within the team which contribute to the smooth running of the service
• To be responsible for specific routine tasks as delegated
• To attend regular meetings e.g. staff meetings, support and development groups.
• To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent and reliable attendance

Communications and Key Working Relationships

• To work as a member of the Therapy team and communicate relevant information to team members
• To be able to communicate effectively in a variety of ways with patients to gain co- operation and understanding of treatment programmes
• To maintain good working relationships
• To establish therapeutic relationships using negotiating skills in order to complete treatment activities
• To report back to Therapy staff on all treatment activities either verbally or in writing as required
• To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of clients and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs

Responsibility for Finance

• To identify deficits in resources required to carry out the job and bring to the attention of the Therapist
• To be responsible for the monitoring of materials and equipment and maintain stocks.
• To maintain timely statistics and other records as requested by the Therapy Service and the Trust

Responsibility for Human Resources

• To maintain portfolio of competencies showing evidence of life long learning
• To participate in clinical supervision sessions highlighting development needs.
• To comply with annual IPR and appraisal system.
• To contribute to the induction of new staff.

Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities Key results from the job holder

• To contribute to the overall Therapy process by carrying out routine assessments and procedures within agreed competency levels
• To carry out information collection from patients/relatives as requested by Therapy staff
• To follow treatment plans as prescribed by Therapy staff and identify and select activities that meet treatment goals
• To work independently in a clinical setting with an assigned routine caseload, under the direction of a Therapist
• Instruct patients in the use of equipment and techniques to promote independence

Planning and Organisational Duties

• To be responsible for preparation of materials and equipment in order to carry out treatment sessions
• To contribute to the day-to-day organisation of activities within the team which contribute to the smooth running of the service
• To be responsible for specific routine tasks as delegated
• To attend regular meetings e.g. staff meetings, support and development groups.
• To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent and reliable attendance

Communications and Key Working Relationships

• To work as a member of the Therapy team and communicate relevant information to team members
• To be able to communicate effectively in a variety of ways with patients to gain co- operation and understanding of treatment programmes
• To maintain good working relationships
• To establish therapeutic relationships using negotiating skills in order to complete treatment activities
• To report back to Therapy staff on all treatment activities either verbally or in writing as required
• To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of clients and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs

Responsibility for Finance

• To identify deficits in resources required to carry out the job and bring to the attention of the Therapist
• To be responsible for the monitoring of materials and equipment and maintain stocks.
• To maintain timely statistics and other records as requested by the Therapy Service and the Trust

Responsibility for Human Resources

• To maintain portfolio of competencies showing evidence of life long learning
• To participate in clinical supervision sessions highlighting development needs.
• To comply with annual IPR and appraisal system.
• To contribute to the induction of new staff.

Person Specification
Additional
Essential

• Demonstrate a commitment to personal development
• Willingness to work flexibly over 7 days
• Speak English to an appropriate standard relevant to their role, i.e. with confidence and accuracy, using correct sentence structures and vocabulary, and without hesitation.

Knowledge
Essential

• Demonstrate understanding of therapy interventions and the role of the assistant
• Health and Safety Risk awareness Knowledge of appropriate Moving and Handling methods
• A basic understanding of relevant medical conditions and appropriate therapeutic interventions
• Awareness of confidentiality
• Knowledge of appropriate Moving and Handling methods

Desirable

• Understanding of the use of mobility / aids for independence

Skills
Essential

• Ability to teach practical skills to patients/clients
• Ability to work single-handed with individuals or groups
• Practical observational skills
• Good personal organisation skills
• Able to conduct self in a professional manner
• Able to problem solve
• Able to participate in aspects of personal care with patients/clients
• Have good written, verbal and non verbal communication skills
• Able to engage patients/ clients in activities
• Ability to use own initiative within designated role
• Able to empathise with people in difficult situations
• Able to recognise and work within own personal limitations

Desirable

• Able work confidently within a hospital environment
• Able to fit/ adjust mobility / aids for independence
• Able to utilise NHS databases/ patient information systems
• Able to use basic Microsoft Office programmes

Experience
Essential

• Working as work as part of a team
• Experience working in a relevant health related area.
• Experience of working with the effects of illness and disability on adults

Desirable

• Experience of working in patients/ clients own homes
• Experience of working in a therapy/rehab service.

Qualifications
Essential

• NVQ Level III /QCF training or equivalent course in relevant area
• Evidence of basic level qualifications in both Maths and English
• Evidenced training / competencies achieved through current practical experience

Desirable

• GCSE or equivalent in English

Person Specification
Additional
Essential

• Demonstrate a commitment to personal development
• Willingness to work flexibly over 7 days
• Speak English to an appropriate standard relevant to their role, i.e. with confidence and accuracy, using correct sentence structures and vocabulary, and without hesitation.

Knowledge
Essential

• Demonstrate understanding of therapy interventions and the role of the assistant
• Health and Safety Risk awareness Knowledge of appropriate Moving and Handling methods
• A basic understanding of relevant medical conditions and appropriate therapeutic interventions
• Awareness of confidentiality
• Knowledge of appropriate Moving and Handling methods

Desirable

• Understanding of the use of mobility / aids for independence

Skills
Essential

• Ability to teach practical skills to patients/clients
• Ability to work single-handed with individuals or groups
• Practical observational skills
• Good personal organisation skills
• Able to conduct self in a professional manner
• Able to problem solve
• Able to participate in aspects of personal care with patients/clients
• Have good written, verbal and non verbal communication skills
• Able to engage patients/ clients in activities
• Ability to use own initiative within designated role
• Able to empathise with people in difficult situations
• Able to recognise and work within own personal limitations

Desirable

• Able work confidently within a hospital environment
• Able to fit/ adjust mobility / aids for independence
• Able to utilise NHS databases/ patient information systems
• Able to use basic Microsoft Office programmes

Experience
Essential

• Working as work as part of a team
• Experience working in a relevant health related area.
• Experience of working with the effects of illness and disability on adults

Desirable

• Experience of working in patients/ clients own homes
• Experience of working in a therapy/rehab service.

Qualifications
Essential

• NVQ Level III /QCF training or equivalent course in relevant area
• Evidence of basic level qualifications in both Maths and English
• Evidenced training / competencies achieved through current practical experience

Desirable

• GCSE or equivalent in English

Skills Required