Physiotherapy Support Worker

The closing date is 20 November 2026

Job summary
Band 3
Physiotherapy Support Worker Neurological and Stroke Inpatient Rehabilitation
(Full Time, 37.5 Hours)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time Band 3 Physiotherapy Support Worker to join our established and experienced Physiotherapy Team.

We are looking to recruit a motivated and innovative person to work as part of our team. This role offers the chance to combine clinical practice with leadership, supporting the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based physiotherapy to patients with a range of neurological conditions. You will have the opportunity to work across Inpatient Neurological Rehabilitation and Acute Stroke Unit.

We are committed to supporting our staff and offer:

• Excellent continuing professional development opportunities, including training, supervision, and appraisal
• Opportunities to develop leadership, teaching, and research skills
• A friendly, supportive multidisciplinary team environment

Main duties of the job
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust provide acute hospital and community-based services.

You will take a key role in the day-to-day management of the service, you will provide treatment while ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centred care.

You will also be:

• Guided by a qualified physiotherapist to be responsible for the progression of patient treatment with an individual and group setting.
• Providing support to qualified physiotherapy staff clinically and administratively
• Supporting the delivery of timely, high-quality rehabilitation and facilitate patient flow
• Contributing to service development, using evidence-based practice to inform policies and guidelines

We are looking for a candidate with:

• Experience of working in a therapy environment
• Work independently within scope of practice
• A commitment to high standards of patient care and professional development

This role may involve participation in a 7-day rota, including weekends and Bank Holidays.

Benefits include access to an onsite gym, Training and Education Centre, and availability of temporary accommodation.

We operate a No Smoking Policy. Working towards Equal Opportunities.

This post is subject to satisfactory DBS check at Enhanced level

Hours per week: 37.5

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.

Details
Date posted: 06 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: C9155-CSAHP-1126-03
Job locations: Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, SR4 7TP, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
Working in South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, the main purpose of the Physiotherapy Support Worker role is to work part of the Physiotherapy team to provide high standard physiotherapy.

The main responsibilities include:

• Work as part of a team to deliver care that focuses on the direct care needs of the individual, delivered in line with the defined plans of care.
• To provide support and assistance to qualified physiotherapy staff clinically and administratively, in order to ensure highest standards of quality and efficiency of care.
• The post holder will often be working alone without direct supervision of the Physiotherapist; however advice from a Physiotherapist is available.
• Recognise and consistently work within the boundaries of your role: unless supervised by a HCPC registrant Physiotherapist, only undertake activity that has been competency assessed.
• Comply with the Trust vision, values and behavioural compact

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE

Person Specification
Physical Skills
Essential

• Able to fulfil the health requirements of the post; taking in reasonable adjustments recommended by Occupational Health
• Ability to carry out moderate to intense physical effort throughout the working day and to work within an environment with competing demands
• Good levels of general fitness
• To meet travel requirements of post

Desirable

• Evidence of maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• Able to evidence/ demonstrate values and behaviours aligned to the Trust
• Able to use initiative and good organisational skills: timely organisation, delegation and prioritisation
• Able to present information, written and orally in a clear and logical manner
• Ability to communicate at all levels
• Ability to independently follow guidance and standards
• Ability to engage, empathise and motivate people
• Ability to work in a stressful environment with aggressive and emotional people
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Knowledge of the role of a therapy support worker
• An understanding of Physiotherapy
• Basic IT skills

Desirable

• Evidence of ability to be innovative and proactive
• Intermediate IT skills

Qualifications
Essential

• GCSE in English and Numeracy skills to level 1 or equivalent
• NVQ 3 in health related subject or relevant past experience

Desirable

• An understanding of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing
• Recognised academic qualification in a health related topic

Experience
Essential

• Evidence of interaction with the public or patients in a care setting.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Evidence of working within a therapy environment.

Desirable

• Evidence of working as a physiotherapy assistant or technical instructor in a local authority, hospital or NHS organisation
• Previous B3 therapy support worker

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 details
Employer name: South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, SR4 7TP, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Nina Lishman, n.lishman@nhs.net

Supporting documents
Discover South Tyneside, Discover Sunderland, Staff Benefits, Trust Vision and Values, Equality Diversity and Inclusion at our Trust, Privacy notice