Job summary
Assistant Practitioner: Permanent (22.5 hours)

We are looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate and motivated Assistant Practitioner to join our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service.

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting people living with chronic respiratory conditions to improve their exercise capacity, confidence, independence and overall quality of life. You will contribute to the assessment, delivery and monitoring of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes across a range of community settings.

The role offers an excellent opportunity for an Assistant Practitioner who is passionate about supporting people with long-term conditions and helping them achieve meaningful improvements in their health and wellbeing.

Main duties of the job
We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working in a health or social care environment.
• Holds an appropriate Assistant Practitioner qualification or equivalent experience.
• Has an understanding of long-term respiratory conditions and the impact they can have on people's physical, psychological and social wellbeing.
• Is confident supporting people with exercise and physical activity.
• Has good communication and interpersonal skills and can build positive relationships with patients and colleagues.
• Can work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team while also managing delegated tasks independently.
• Is able to recognise when a patient's condition or exercise response requires further clinical assessment or escalation.
• Demonstrates a compassionate, person-centred approach to care.
• Is organised, reliable and able to manage competing priorities.
• Is committed to continuing professional development and maintaining clinical competence.

About us
We hold a unique position in the Stockport community as the provider of healthcare and we are one of its largest employers.

We believe that the best organisations are those that reflect the communities they serve. We are therefore seeking to improve the diversity of our workforce to make it truly representative of our local population.

We actively encourage applications irrespective of race, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage & civil partnership, or pregnancy or maternity. Recognising those communities that are underrepresented within our workforce, we would particularly welcome applications from you.

If you require support with your application please contact a member of the recruitment team, who can discuss alternative application methods.

We recognise that flexible working is important. We take requests for flexible working seriously, consider any request we receive and try to work with you, so we can explore if your request may fit with the needs of the service.

Benefits we offer to you:

• Between 27-33 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• NHS pension scheme membership
• Salary sacrifice schemes for lease cars, home electronics and more, to make your salary go further
• NHS Staff discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary finance - for loans, savings, budget planning and tips on managing debt
• Stockport Credit Union - for local financial advice

Job responsibilities

• To work in the community as part of an MDT delivering exercise and education as part of the Pulmonary and Heart Failure Rehabilitation Programme.
• To deliver rehabilitative domiciliary programmes and intervention as required, under the guidance of qualified community therapy staff and progress rehabilitation programmes in line with own competencies.
• To assess for and provide walking aids in the patients own home or clinic setting as required.
• To contribute to the efficient running of the Pulmonary and Heart Failure Rehabilitation Service.
• To contribute to the supervision of junior staff and students.
• To follow all Trust standards, policies and procedures, appropriate to the band/position.
• To maintain accurate and up to date electronic data and records using the approved system eg EMIS clinical notes and following national and local standards.
• To participate in staff appraisal and implement personal development plans.
• To work within the limitations of the post and seek help and advice when unsure. Any other duties appropriate to the band/position as directed by senior staff, Team Leader, Operational Lead or Directorate Manager.

Person Specification
Essential:

• Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (or equivalent qualification or equivalent experience in relevant clinical area)
• GCSEs (Grade C or above) in Maths and English Language (or New GCSE Grade 4-9) OR Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English or Equivalent (not entry level 2)
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
• Knowledge of respiratory conditions including COPD and Interstitial Lung Disease
• Knowledge of the evidence-based principles underlying Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Working knowledge of relevant therapy interventions/exercise appropriate to clinical area
• Knowledge of when to seek advice and escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice
• Awareness of cultural diversity issues
• Awareness of dignity and respect issues
• Awareness of barriers to communication
• Experience of working as a therapy assistant or as an Assistant Practitioner in a relevant health/care setting
• Experience of delivering exercise therapy in 1:1 and/or group settings
• Experience of working with patients with a wide range of disabilities and complexities
• Experience of monitoring/interpreting patients' vital signs and ability to take action as appropriate within scope of practice
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Excellent Organisational skills
• Positive inter-personal skills
• Understanding of professional conduct
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Good observational skills
• Health, safety and risk awareness
• Good time management skills
• Ability to handle sensitive situations
• Commitment to lifelong learning
• Able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the Service
• Desire to learn and constantly develop knowledge and skills
• Ability to move and handle patients
• Ability to travel to different locations transporting equipment as required

Desirable:

• ECDL or equivalent IT qualification
• Working knowledge of health-related policies
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary setting
• Experience in staff induction and student education
• Social care experience
• Ability to teach practical 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 details
For questions about the job, contact:
Clinical Lead for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service, Marie Gregory, marie.gregory@stockport.nhs.uk, 01612044770

Closing date: 27 October 2026. Date posted: 15 October 2026. Pay scheme: Agenda for change. Band 4. Contract: Permanent. Working pattern: Part-time. Reference number: 362-AHP4COPD-10-26.