Job summary
Internal applicants only

Working as part of the Orthopaedic Therapy Team providing assistant support to Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists working on inpatient trauma and elective orthopaedic wards.

Working independently to provide rehabilitation in patients' own homes to allow early supported discharge from hospital.

Contributing to a 7-day rota with days off in lieu for working 1 in 3 weekends and regular late shifts as part of team rota (approx 1 per week).

Main duties of the job
Essential Requirements: Formal qualification relevant to the post e.g. level 3 NVQ/Diploma in Health and Social Care. Car driver.

Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Practitioners are invaluable members of the multi-disciplinary team and work alongside Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. The post-holder will have a dynamic clinical role on the Orthopaedic wards and Day Surgery Unit supporting the therapy team with the rehabilitation of patients after surgery or injury.

The post holder will work independently both in the hospital and support Early Supported discharge in the community to provide patient-centred programmes of rehabilitation activities. The work will be in a variety of environments, e.g. pre-surgery groups, ward based or patient's home.

The post holder is required to work the hours across 5 days each week. This will include working regular weekends and late shifts.

About us
At Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust we provide 'outstanding' care to both our patients and our staff. We support staff through benefits, health and wellbeing initiatives and opportunities for personal and professional development.

• An inclusive and supportive culture - our Trust encourages staff to bring their whole selves to work and active Staff Networks identify areas for improvement.
• Staff Recognition - as well as regular appraisals, we recognise staff with our Making a Difference, Team of the Month Awards & Colleague Recognition Awards
• Employee Support and wellbeing - we have a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, counselling service and fast track physiotherapy service for employees.
• Staff Benefits - We have a range of staff benefits and schemes to support staff health, engagement, wellbeing and inclusion.

Job responsibilities
The successful candidate will have a minimum of 2 years relevant experience working as a therapy assistant (or equivalent) and have achieved a relevant qualification such as an NVQ at level 3. They will be familiar with orthopaedic procedures and pathways. They will be proactive, able to communicate with sensitivity and empathy and be an effective team worker (basic IT skills will be required).

Contact: Karen Alford on 01423 555395 or kalford@nhs.net

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Experience working as a Rehabilitation Assistant
• Experience of working with orthopaedic patients

Desirable

• Experience of community working or intermediate care
• Experience working at a Band 3 level

Qualifications
Essential

• Formal qualification relevant to the post (Level 3 NVQ/Diploma in Health and Social Care)
• Evidence of practical training or education in a health or social care setting
• Able to demonstrate a good standard of literacy and numeracy

Desirable

• First Aid qualification
• Basic Computer/word processing qualification

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
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.

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.

Employer details
Employer name: Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Harrogate District Hospital, Lancaster Park Road, Harrogate, HG2 7SX, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.hdft.nhs.uk/

Closing date: 11 November 2026
Reference number: 421-PSC-4070S

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