Therapy Assistant Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has become available for a Therapy Assistant Practitioner to join our supportive, forward-looking Therapy Team.
We are seeking individuals to provide delegated treatment and rehabilitation to patients and support them in their discharge from the acute hospital in a timely manner. You will have your own clinical caseload and undertake assessments under the direction of both Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. You will gain experience across our Respiratory, Surgical and Cardiac wards and work with a wide multidisciplinary team.
We are an innovative team and always looking at how we can improve what we provide to our patients and improve our services. We are looking to expand how the team deliver lung ultrasound to our patients and developing new roles within the Intensive Care Unit. This gives a great opportunity for our Therapy Assistant Practitioners to support and grow within their clinical role and scope on the wards as part of the team. We are particularly interested in candidates who share our passion for service development and increasing the profile of Therapy Assistant Practitioners to improve patient outcomes.
Therapy Assistant Main Duties
We are looking for positive, proactive candidates who wants to work as part of a dynamic team in a busy clinical environment. You would play a key role in gathering information from patients and their relatives/carers to understand their social, environmental and living circumstances, and the impact of their illness or surgery on daily activities. You will be responsible for managing a caseload of patients, providing therapy and rehabilitation following a range of conditions which may impact patients physically and psychologically. You will plan and implement functional and cognitive interventions to support patients in achieving their goals, providing adaptive equipment and aids and evaluating outcomes of treatments.
You will also support flow throughout the hospital with timely assessments and planning discharges as part of each individual patient’s recovery journey to prevent delay. This will include liaison with and referring onto appropriate agencies as needed. You will also undertake administrative duties to support the functioning of the department.
In return, we would strive to offer suitable candidates a supportive, friendly working environment within a team who are open to new ideas. Opportunities for learning and working with the wider multidisciplinary team will be available and strongly encouraged.
Core working hours are 8.00am-4.00pm but flexibility can be discussed, and you will work as part of our seven-day roster.
Preparing for a Therapy Assistant Interview in the United Kingdom
General and Motivational Questions
- Tell me about yourself and why you want to be a therapy assistant.
Sample Answer: “I have a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care and two years’ experience as a healthcare support worker, where I assisted with mobility exercises. I’m drawn to this role because I love helping patients regain independence—it’s rewarding to see progress, like when I supported a stroke patient to walk unaided. I’m excited about contributing to the NHS’s patient-centered approach.” - What do you know about the role of a therapy assistant in the UK?
Sample Answer: “Therapy assistants support qualified therapists by implementing treatment plans, such as guiding exercises or daily living activities, while adhering to protocols like infection control. In the NHS, we prioritize multidisciplinary teamwork and the 6Cs to improve patient outcomes.” - Why do you want to work for this organization/NHS trust?
Sample Answer: “I’m impressed by your trust’s focus on community rehabilitation programs, like the falls prevention initiative, which aligns with my passion for proactive patient care. I want to contribute to your values of compassion and commitment.” - What is your greatest strength as a therapy assistant?
Sample Answer: “My empathy and communication skills—I build rapport quickly, which helps motivate reluctant patients. For example, I once encouraged a anxious elderly patient to engage in hydrotherapy by explaining benefits in simple terms, leading to consistent attendance.”
Experience and Behavioral Questions
- Describe your relevant experience supporting therapy sessions.
Sample Answer: “In my previous role at a care home, I assisted physiotherapists with exercises for post-op patients, monitored progress using tools like outcome measures, and collaborated with nurses to adapt plans, ensuring safe and effective care.” - Tell me about a time you worked in a multidisciplinary team.
Sample Answer: “In a hospital ward (Situation), I needed to coordinate a patient’s discharge plan (Task). I liaised with the OT, physio, and social worker (Action), resulting in a tailored home exercise kit that reduced readmissions (Result). This highlighted the importance of clear communication.” - How do you handle a confused or upset patient?
Sample Answer: “I stay calm, use simple language, and validate their feelings—e.g., ‘I understand this is frustrating; let’s take it slowly.’ I’d de-escalate, involve a senior if needed, and document per safeguarding protocols.” - Describe a time you disagreed with a therapist’s assessment or plan.
Sample Answer: “During a session, I noticed a patient’s pain response wasn’t aligning with the plan (Situation). I respectfully raised it with the OT (Task/Action), suggesting a modification based on my observations. We adjusted it, improving the patient’s comfort and compliance (Result).” - Tell me about a challenging day and how you managed it.
Sample Answer: “On a busy shift with multiple patients (Situation), I prioritized urgent mobility assessments (Task) by triaging with the team and using downtime for admin (Action). This kept sessions on track without compromising care (Result).” - How do you ensure patient compliance with therapy programs?
Sample Answer: “I build trust through encouragement, set small achievable goals, and educate on benefits. For instance, I used visual aids for a dementia patient, increasing participation from 50% to 90%.”
Technical and Knowledge-Based Questions
- What therapeutic techniques are you familiar with?
Sample Answer: “I’m experienced in manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, and using equipment like TENS units or resistance bands. I always follow HCPC guidelines for safety.” - Explain different massage therapy techniques and their benefits.
Sample Answer: “Techniques include effleurage for relaxation and lymphatic drainage, petrissage for muscle relief, and deep tissue for chronic pain. Benefits range from pain reduction to improved circulation, tailored to patient needs.” - How do you follow protocols and procedures during sessions?
Sample Answer: “I adhere to NICE guidelines and trust policies, such as risk assessments before exercises and infection control via PPE. I double-check equipment and document everything in the patient’s electronic records.” - What equipment have you used, and how do you ensure safety?
Sample Answer: “I’ve used ultrasound machines, gym balls, and parallel bars. Safety involves pre-use checks, patient consent, and monitoring for contraindications like recent surgery.” - How do you maintain patient confidentiality and safeguarding?
Sample Answer: “I follow GDPR and NHS policies—sharing info only on a need-to-know basis and reporting concerns via the trust’s safeguarding lead. Training in adult/child protection is essential.”
Scenario-Based Questions
- What would you do if a patient reports pain during an exercise?
Sample Answer: “Stop immediately, reassess positioning, and use the pain scale. I’d inform the therapist, adjust the plan compassionately, and log it to prevent recurrence.” - How would you support a non-English speaking patient?
Sample Answer: “Use translation apps or interpreters, visual demos, and simple gestures. I’d involve family if appropriate, ensuring cultural sensitivity per Equality Act 2010.” - Describe how you’d handle a colleague not following hygiene protocols.
Sample Answer: “Address it privately and professionally first, then escalate to a supervisor if needed, emphasizing patient safety and CQC standards.”
Role-Specific or Closing Questions
- Are you comfortable providing in-home services?
Sample Answer: “Yes, I’ve done community visits, ensuring risk assessments and carrying emergency kits. It’s rewarding to adapt therapy to real-life settings.” - Do you have any questions for us?
Always prepare 2-3: E.g., “How does the team support CPD?” or “What are the biggest challenges in current caseloads?”
Tips for Success
- Dress Code: Smart business casual (e.g., shirt, trousers/skirt; no jeans). For NHS, avoid strong scents.
- Research: Review the job description, NHS values, and recent trust news (e.g., via their website).
- Preparation: Practice with a mock interview; highlight NVQ/Level 3 quals and any apprenticeships.
- Format: Expect 30-60 minutes; may include a practical demo or group task.
To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.