Physiotherapy / Occupational Therapy Assistant

We are committed to communities where older people flourish, by providing opportunities for our residents to enjoy treasured relationships, exercise choice and feel valued.  When you join the St Monica Trust, you’ll be part of an organisation built on 100 years of trust, thanks to the people who work for us.  Our benefits and perks for permanent and fixed term jobs include a generous pension scheme, Life Assurance, at least 23 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, access to retail and other discounts, subsidised gym, restaurant, free parking and much more! At some of our villages, we even offer onsite or local affordable rental accommodation for employees looking to join us.

Job Purpose

Working as integral members of the Trust’s therapy team, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Assistants support Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists in optimising residents’ movement, function, and comfort, enabling them to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. The therapy team takes a holistic, person‑centred approach to care and works collaboratively with care teams to promote and maintain a therapeutic environment.

This is a professional role practicing within the guidance and legal framework of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations, fundamental standards of quality and safety and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy standards.

This position reports to: Therapy Manager

Responsible for:  No direct line reports

Key Results

• Assist the Physiotherapist and/or Occupational Therapist in assessing and treating residents, including those with complex care needs and/or living with dementia.

• Support and, where appropriate, lead exercise groups.

• Monitor residents’ progress and recognise changes in their condition, reporting concerns through agreed channels.

• Demonstrate physical ability, dexterity, and coordination to safely carry out physiotherapy interventions, including therapeutic handling techniques.

• Build and maintain trusting relationships with residents, ensuring dignity, respect, and confidentiality at all times.

• Manage an allocated caseload, working under professional guidance and, at times, without direct supervision.

• Follow a planned programme of duties with flexibility to maintain efficiency and prioritise tasks appropriately.

• Safely and confidently use a range of equipment, including hoists, walking aids, and activities of daily living aids.

• Support residents to practise exercises and functional skills to achieve agreed therapy goals.

• Assist in communicating therapy-related advice and education to residents to support goal attainment.

• Use appropriate motivational and engagement techniques to encourage residents in achieving their therapy goals.

• Maintain accurate and timely written records in line with Information Governance requirements and St Monica Trust policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Essential

• Highly self‑motivated with the ability to take initiative

• Demonstrates strong teamwork skills and collaborates effectively with others

• Genuine enthusiasm for supporting and improving individuals’ health and well‑being

• Friendly, approachable, and able to build positive relationships

• Well‑organised, with effective prioritisation and time‑management skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Proactive problem‑solver with a logical and practical approach

• Flexible and adaptable, able to respond to changing individual needs and varying service demands

• Educated to a minimum of three GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics

• Able to work independently and autonomously within defined policies, procedures, and boundaries

Desirable

• Demonstrates understanding of best practice in the care and support of older people and individuals living with disabilities

• Awareness and basic understanding of dementia and its impact on individuals and families

• Holds a full, current UK driving licence and has access to a vehicle insured for business use

• Experience of working within a care, health, or therapy team

• Experience of working with and/or providing support to older people

• Experience of working with individuals living with disabilities

• Confident IT skills, with the ability to use digital systems effectively

• Holds a Level 2 Diploma (or above) in Care, Health, or Therapy, or an equivalent qualification

Additional information

• Duties must be carried out in compliance with St Monica Trust’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

• This role profile contains the principal accountabilities relating to this post and does not describe in detail all the duties required to carry them out.

• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and this means that any criminal conviction, including spent convictions, must be made known at the time of the application.

Salary Ranges:

Time Type:

If you have any queries please email our Recruitment Team - [email protected]