Job summary

Please note the Trust are not able to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship for this role. Applicants are requested to consider this when making their application. Please visit Gov.UK for further information.

We are looking to recruit an Assistant Practitioner into our South Tyneside Wheelchair Service to work alongside and support our existing wheelchair therapists and admin team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a small, dynamic and specialist team working with children and adults across South Tyneside to assess for and provide wheelchairs and accessories. The Service is part of the Acute Therapy Services Directorate within the division of Clinical Support and is based at South Tyneside District General Hospital.

Main duties of the job

Clinically - you will hold your own caseload of lower need service users which will require you to be organised with the ability to prioritise and manage your time effectively and efficiently. At times you will also need to assist the wheelchair therapists with more complex cases so you must be able to work as part of a team. You will need to be innovative and practical with good problem-solving skills and have an awareness of people and their environments.

Physically - you will need to be able to drive to community visits and be able to lift equipment in and out of a vehicle. The role also requires some moving and handling of patients with and without the use of equipment and the use of tools to adjust wheelchairs and accessories when necessary.

Communication you will need to have excellent communication skills both face to face and, on the telephone, and must be able to document your patient assessments and interventions effectively using electronic patient records.

Administrative you will also support the Team with ordering, stock control and audit.

The Post is Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week with a flexi time system in operation.

Pre-application enquiries and visits are very welcome.

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under-represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements. If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Person Specification
Essential

• Ability to assist clients with mobility and transfers.
• Ability to lead in the moving and handling of clients with and without the use of assistive aids and equipment.
• Ability to demonstrate proficient IT / keyboard skills.
• Ability to manoeuvre wheelchairs and associated equipment and to lift them in and out of a vehicle.
• Ability to sit at a work station to complete administrative duties of the role.
• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the role.
• Experience of working with adults and / or children with physical or mental health difficulties.
• Experience of using standard wheelchairs and accessories.
• Experience of moving and handling objects and people.
• Level 3 qualification in Health or Social Care.
• Knowledge of a range of wheelchairs and associated equipment and their appropriate use to meet individual assessed needs.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective time management skills.
• Ability to set own daily priorities.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
• Ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team.
• Basic understanding of Clinical Governance.
• Basic IT skills.
• Ability to present information written and orally in a clear and logical manner.
• Understanding of health and safety relating to work activities.

Desirable

• Ability to adjust wheelchairs and accessories using hand tools when necessary.
• Experience working with physiotherapy or occupational therapy teams.
• Experience of non standard wheelchairs.
• Healthcare Certificate.
• Presentation skills.

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.

Employer contact
Andrea Gibson, andrea.gibson1@nhs.net, 01915656256

Closing date: 03 November 2026
Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year (Agenda for Change, Band 4)
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Contract: Permanent