Physiotherapy Assistant - Respiratory

We are looking for a motivated individual to work as a Physiotherapy Assistant within our Respiratory Physiotherapy team. This role provides high quality Physiotherapy treatment and evaluation to clients within the Inpatient Respiratory Physiotherapy service at St Richard's Hospital, Chichester. The interview for this post will be face to face only with a practical element. You will have excellent opportunities for your own skills development and will work within a strong and supportive MDT, alongside an established peer group of Physiotherapy Support Workers. This is a dynamic, forward-looking and innovative department within University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.

St Richard's Hospital is located adjacent to the South Downs National Park, in Chichester, with good transport links to London and across Southern England. We invite you to discuss any aspect of this opportunity further or visit us informally.

Date posted: 07 October 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 3

Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 per annum, pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time

Reference number: 279-7522739-OCT25

Job location: St Richard's Hospital, Chichester, PO19 6SE

• To support physiotherapy and inpatient teams to deliver the best patient care possible.
• To carry own caseload of patients with predictable conditions who require treatments. Liaising with physiotherapist as required. The size of the caseload will be small in nature initially and will increase over time.
• Involved in the rehabilitation of patients.
• To assist nursing staff and therapists as required regarding day to day care of patients, e.g. transfers, maintaining hygienic environment.
• Read, monitor and safely disconnect / reconnect equipment, knowing when it is acceptable to do so to enable therapeutic treatment to take place in an appropriate setting.
• Be able to read and interpret monitored information to ensure patient and therapist safety during therapy session (e.g., BP, HR, SaO2). Request support if uncertain.
• To assess, measure, label, adjust to size and issue walking aids as appropriate and various standard splints.

Essential

• Previous clinical NHS/Care/sports environment experience
• 5 GCSEs Grade A-D including English and Maths or Level 1 Functional Skills

Desirable

• Evidence of self development
• Member of CSP

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Paid or voluntary work with ill or disabled
• Experience with people with specialty conditions
• Understanding of the job role / Physiotherapy profession

Desirable

• 6-12 months working as a PTA

Skills

Essential

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Ability to present information, written and orally, including patient records
• Ability to cope in an environment with emotional or aggressive patients
• Ability to cope with unpredictable and/or stressful working environment
• Ability to recognise a potentially serious situation and when to seek advice
• Ability to organise / prioritise own workload
• Being flexible and adaptable to the team requirements
• Keen to learn and develop knowledge and skills

Desirable

• Experience of communicating with people with communication difficulties (e.g., dementia, language barriers)
• Ability to communicate effectively with different types of people (patients, relatives, Doctors, Nurses, colleagues)

We are an inclusive employer that values diversity and patient-first care. We support staff wellbeing and development, and strive to create a supportive environment with flexible working where possible. We are Disability Confident (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Please see the Job Description and Person Specification for full details. This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under current UK immigration rules.