Job Summary
We are looking to recruit Rehab Assistant Practitioners (Band 4) and trainee Rehab Assistant Practitioners (Band 3-4 progressional); this is an exciting opportunity to join the team and be part of this new centre of excellence.
The NRC will be a new, purpose-built 70-bed facility which will be built on the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough, delivering a centre of excellence to improve rehabilitation services in England. It is co-located with the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre and will share some of the world class rehabilitation facilities. Thanks to an academic partnership led by the University of Nottingham and Loughborough University, research and innovation and training and education in rehabilitation will be embedded at the NRC and central to clinical practice. We are looking for ambitious and dedicated individuals to join this journey to rehabilitation excellence, transforming outcomes for patients.
We’re offering 3 fantastic pathways to become a Band 4 Rehabilitation Assistant Practitioner (AP):
Option 1: Direct Entry to Band 4
Option 2: Progressional Band 3-Band 4 Apprentice Route – Earn While You Learn and get a Foundation Degree!
Option 3: Progressional Band 3-Band 4 Competency-Based Development Route
Whichever route you choose, you’ll be fully supported in your development and have the chance to build a rewarding career in rehabilitation.
Main duties of the job
The Rehab Assistant Practitioner (AP) is an exciting new role that promotes rehabilitation and includes skills across Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy and is a vital part of the multidisciplinary team. The aim of this role is to support the rehabilitation patients receive whilst at the NRC. There will be several opportunities at the NRC in this role, including:
Work with advanced rehab technology
Support patients in hydrotherapy
Facilitate a variety of health and wellbeing groups
Support patients in a gym setting
Use of the 300-acre rehab estate
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 2/GCSEs grade 4 or higher English and maths (Grade C or above prior to 2017) or equivalent Functional Skills.
- NVQ/QCF level 3 in healthcare or equivalent relevant qualification e.g. A-level / BTEC.
- Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-directed learning.
- Willing to proactively engage with Band 4 competencies to demonstrate appropriate level of knowledge and experience required for the role and complete within a 12-month preceptorship.
Desirable
- Foundation degree in Health and Social Care, or equivalent level 5 qualification
- Care Certificate
- Further rehabilitation qualification e.g. level 5 Rehab AP or FdSc apprenticeship
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of working as a therapy support worker (Band 3).
- To have experience of working in a rehabilitation or relevant healthcare setting.
- To have experience of managing own caseload.
- Experience working within an Interdisciplinary Team.
- To have an ability to deal with pressurised/unexpected situations.
- To have evidence of continuing personal and professional development.
- Evidence of involvement in support/development of less experienced staff.
Desirable
- Previous experience of working as a Band 4 Assistant Practitioner.
Communication
Essential
- To have effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
- To have effective rapport building and interpersonal skills.
- To have an ability to communicate complex information with patients who have impaired communication abilities.
- To have the ability to empathise with and motivate others.
- To have a commitment to patient centred non-discriminatory practice.
- Ability to work effectively as a team player as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Analytical and Judgement skills
Essential
- Ability to evaluate patient conditions and adapt treatment as necessary.
- Understanding the scope of practice as an Assistant Practitioner seeking help and direction when necessary.
- Take an active role in supervision and reflective practice, developing insights into own strength and limitations with areas for professional development.
- To be able to demonstrate a responsible attitude/professional behaviour.
- To have the ability to work flexibly as part of a team.
- To demonstrate problem solving skills.
Planning and Organisational Skills
Essential
- To have the ability to work on own initiative.
- Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise.
- Ability to deal with non-routine and unpredictable nature of workload.
- To be flexible and willing to adapt.
Physical Skills
Essential
- Able to undertake therapeutic patient moving and handling procedures.
- Able to undertake non-patient moving and handling procedures.
- To have experience of using Information Technology (e.g. basic computer skills).
Other Role Requirements
Essential
- Must be flexible with working requirements. Working patterns will be dependent on each clinical setting and may be over 7 days.
- Flexibility to work across campuses.
- Must be able to drive or can commute to the NRC
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 11 May 2025
