Therapy Assistant Practitioner

Job overview

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to join an experienced team of Children’s Physiotherapists working within a purpose‑built Child Development Centre, as well as in local mainstream and specialist schools. This is a part‑time position, working a minimum of four days per week, with final hours negotiable upon appointment.

We are seeking a skilled Therapy Assistant Practitioner to support the work of the physiotherapists and to undertake independent duties across a range of settings. This includes the Child Development Centre, special and mainstream schools, the hydrotherapy pool, and the child’s home. The successful candidate will demonstrate confidence, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering high‑quality care to children and their families.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will manage their own caseload and provide treatment to children, undertaking highly skilled support work to assist the physiotherapist in the assessment and management of children within the community. They will follow agreed protocols and progress treatment plans in response to clinical observations.

The post holder will teach parents and carers physiotherapy handling techniques and will be responsible for setting up and demonstrating the safe use of equipment. They will also deliver treatments independently, without direct physiotherapist supervision, across a range of settings including special schools, mainstream schools, nurseries, and home environments.

In addition, the post holder will take responsibility for a delegated area of specialism and will be required to carry out housekeeping and administrative duties within the Paediatric Physiotherapy Department.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Deliver and teach children, parents, and carers physiotherapist‑designed exercise and treatment programmes, either individually or in group settings, without direct supervision.
• Use clinical reasoning skills to update and progress treatment within the framework set by the physiotherapist.
• Hold delegated responsibility for an agreed area of specialism (e.g., hydrotherapy, orthotics).
• Check, fit, adjust, and teach others about rehabilitation equipment used by children with complex needs. Order equipment via Millbrook, ensure it is safe and in good working order, and report any issues promptly.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, ensuring that feedback from therapy sessions is communicated to the appropriate MDT members.
• Communicate with parents and carers in a timely manner, providing routine updates regarding their child’s treatment session.
• Receive information from the MDT, parents, and children that may be sensitive in nature, including diagnosis, prognosis, and end‑of‑life matters, and relay this information sensitively to colleagues and MDT members.