Assistant Therapy Practitioner – Sponsorship Available

Employer: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-time (37.5 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays)
Salary: £26,530 – £29,114 per year
Visa Sponsorship: Available

Job Summary

Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dedicated and passionate Assistant Therapy Practitioner to join the North Home First rehabilitation service. The role involves delivering high-quality rehabilitation to patients with a variety of physical health conditions, including:

• Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Parkinson’s disease
• Neurological conditions
• Spinal injuries
• Cancer rehabilitation
• Post-surgical recovery
• General frailty and amputee rehabilitation

The successful candidate will work alongside qualified therapists on complex cases and autonomously within their scope of practice. This is a dynamic role, which will be evaluated and adjusted based on service needs, local population demands, and feedback.

The role requires home visits, making independent assessments and working closely with the Home First Team to provide patient-centered care.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Care and Rehabilitation

• Manage a caseload of adult patients with multiple complex health needs.
• Perform independent, holistic assessments at the patient’s home, using manual assessment techniques, analytical and clinical reasoning skills.
• Support patients’ physical, psychological, and emotional needs through tailored rehabilitation plans.
• Carry out and progress rehabilitation programmes set by qualified therapists.
• Conduct secondary assessments post-hospital discharge, including triage, subjective and objective assessments.
• Set and review SMART goals for each patient.
• Discharge patients appropriately, completing onward referrals, timely discharge summaries, and signposting to community and voluntary groups.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential:

• NVQ Level III in Health and Social Care OR a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care OR equivalent knowledge and skills acquired through experience.
• GCSE Grade C or above in English and Maths.
• Strong written and spoken English skills.

Desirable:

• Additional courses related to rehabilitation (e.g., Upper Limb Course, Bobath-based courses).
• Participation in previous in-service training related to rehabilitation or neurology.

Experience

Essential:

• Recent experience as a Therapy Assistant in an NHS or private healthcare setting.
• Experience working with patients requiring nursing, therapy, or social care.
• Experience in a multi-disciplinary team (MDT).
• Familiarity with care and treatment plans.
• Experience working in a changing healthcare environment.

Desirable:

• Community rehabilitation experience.
• Experience in neurological rehabilitation.
• Experience working in group therapy settings.
• Experience supporting individuals with complex communication, cognitive, and mental health needs.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential:

• Experience working in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently while reporting back to the team.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures.
• Assessment and provision of equipment to support rehabilitation.
• Strong written communication skills (accurate and legible documentation).

Desirable:

• Awareness of health and safety regulations and risk management.
• Basic knowledge of normal movement, spasticity, and rehabilitation approaches (e.g., facilitation techniques, balance re-education).
• Experience using assistive technology in rehabilitation.
• Experience with assessment techniques such as range of movement, muscle power, and goniometry.

Personal Attributes

Essential:

• Access to a car for work-related travel.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Flexibility to work 37.5 hours per week, including weekends, bank holidays, and evening shifts (until 8:00 PM).
• Ability to demonstrate empathy toward patients and their families.

Desirable:

• Commitment to the Trust’s values and behaviors.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess any previous criminal convictions.

Visa Sponsorship

• Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship is available for eligible candidates.
• Applications from job seekers requiring sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applicants.
• Criminal record certificates may be required for candidates applying for entry clearance into the UK.

For further details, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Closing Date: 12 April 2025