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Job summary

Main area
Hydrotherapy
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 3
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Part time - 18.75 hours per week (Able to be flexible within service requirements.)
Job ref
388-7334700-PC&S
Employer
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Torbay Hospital
Town
Torbay
Salary
per annum pro rata
Closing
19/08/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust logo

Physiotherapy Assistant

NHS AfC: Band 3

Job overview

Physiotherapy Band 3 Therapy Assistant

Band 3, 18.75 hours per week – Hydrotherapy unit, Torbay Hospital

An exciting opportunity has arisen to support and work alongside the Rheumatology and Hydrotherapy Physiotherapy teams at Torbay Hospital .  The role is to provide 1:1, 1:2 patient and group rehab sessions to a variety of patients in the pool, including Orthopaedic, Rheumatological conditions.    

Experience of working with MSK conditions within healthcare or fitness settings, including supervision of exercise or running group rehab classes is an advantage.

The Hydrotherapy unit is a small team and we take pride in being able to offer this unique service to a variety of patients.  Training is provided within hydrotherapy and also within the Assistant/Technician group.

For further information on why to work with us, please see our welcome film.  ‘A wonderful place to achieve a great life - work balance!’  Devon Physical Activity Clinical Champion.

Candidates must read the job description and person specifications before making an application.

For more information please contact Bev Brodbelt ([email protected])

Main duties of the job

  • To work under the direction of a physiotherapist but frequently to work without direct supervision.
  • To manage a caseload of physiotherapy MSK hydrotherapy out patients referred by the physiotherapists within the service. 
  • To assist physiotherapists in the treatment and care of MSK Physiotherapy hydrotherapy outpatients.
  • To assist specialist physiotherapists in delivery of individuals and groups including performing routine patient monitoring, supporting patient education and supervising group exercise sessions.
  • To support non-clinical activities including organisation and delegation of administration, assisting the maintenance and efficient running of the department and managing the appointment system.

Working for our organisation

As an organisation Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT) values staff and the diverse experiences and contributions they bring.  We pride ourselves in being an inclusive organisation where every individual has the opportunity to make a difference.  We are a mindful employer recognising employee health and wellbeing as a fundamental part of our success.

TSDFT is a leader in innovation-integrated health and social care across acute and community services.  Our aim is to provide high quality, safe health and social care at the right time, in the right place to support the people of Torbay and South Devon to live their lives to the full. The Physiotherapy Service is integral to ensuring that this statement of purpose is delivered to our communities. For staff this gives unequalled scope for joint working, skill sharing and learning in a supportive environment.

Why work with us

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

  • 80% of workload is clinical; running groups and 1:1 or 1:2 session, 20% patient related non-clinical activity and general administration
  • Some aspects of work will involve delivery of care as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • To undertake ongoing assessment of patients including those with diverse and complex presentations/ multi-pathologies, use basic clinical reasoning skills and manual assessment techniques to provide a basis for effective intervention
  • Deliver individualised and group MSK outpatient exercise programmes to adults and paediatrics based on knowledge of evidence-based practice and using agreed exercise protocols. Evaluate patients’ progress, alter treatment plans within designated protocols, and report back to the referring physiotherapist when a change in treatment or review is required
  • To facilitate exercise in the hydrotherapy pool on an individual and/or group basis and support health education

For a full Job description and role requirements please see the attached Job description & Person Specification.

Person specification

Qualifications and training

Essential criteria
  • NVQ3 in diagnostic and therapeutic support (including X8, X9, X10) or equivalent.
Desirable criteria
  • Personal trainer qualification, Level 3 or above.
  • Undergraduate study in Sports Therapy or Sport and Exercise Sciences

Knowledge and experience

Essential criteria
  • Experience of working as part of a team.
  • Experience of conducting group exercise and patient information sessions
Desirable criteria
  • Experience of working with MSK conditions

Specific Skills

Essential criteria
  • Experience of working with people who can be distressed, or who have communication difficulties.
  • Competent IT skills.
Desirable criteria
  • Previous experience as a physiotherapy assistant.
  • Previous experience of working within the NHS

Requirements due to work environment/conditions

Essential criteria
  • Carry out treatments of people with severe physical, cognitive, behavioural and sensory impairment and poor mobility with frequent intense physical effort on a daily basis e.g. handling of heavy body parts.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyPositive about disabled peopleAge positiveImproving working livesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.The Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (enei) is the UK's leading employer network covering all aspects of equality and inclusion issues in the workplace.Disability confident committedArmed Forces Covenant - Silver 2025

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Bev Brodbelt
Job title
Clinical Lead Rheumatology/Hydro Physiotherapist
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01803655345
Additional information

Please do not hesitate to contact the department, either by phone or email for a visit if your are interested in the position.

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