Position: Physiotherapy Assistant

Reporting to: Physiotherapy Manager

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

The Physiotherapy Assistant will work under the direction and guidance of the Physiotherapist to support the provision of Physiotherapy Services. The primary role of the Physiotherapy Assistant is to assist the Physiotherapist in the implementation of the treatment programme as determined by the Physiotherapist. The role involves collaborating with the Physiotherapist, while demonstrating knowledge of the practice of the Physiotherapist, and the role of the Physiotherapy Assistant.

The Physiotherapy Assistant will understand and demonstrate skills required to support the patient in all aspects of the physiotherapy intervention. Familiarity with human anatomy and physiology, medical conditions and their clinical features will be present in some degree depending on pre-existing experience and training.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Physiotherapy Assistants are accountable for their actions in the delivery of patient care for which they have been trained and must not undertake any duty for which they are not trained. If the Physiotherapy Assistant feels that certain requests are beyond their capabilities, they should make this known to the person(s) making the request.

The Physiotherapy Assistant will only take instruction in relation to any patient specifically from a Physiotherapist.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS:

The primary recognised qualification for Physiotherapy Assistants is the FETAC (NCVA Level 5) Health Care Support Certificate including the modules on Physiotherapy Assistant Theory and Physiotherapy Assistant Practice. Other qualifications may also meet competency requirements and will be assessed on an individual basis.

Microsoft office knowledge preferred.

PERSONAL CONDUCT:

The Physiotherapy Assistant must conduct themselves in a manner that conveys respect of the individual and ensures safe patient care. The personal characteristics that indicate these principles include:

Confidentiality

At all times, maintain patient’s confidentiality.

Courtesy

Be courteous in all dealings with patients, colleagues and visitors.

Accountability

Take responsibility for own actions.

Communication

Respond to patients, colleagues and visitors appropriately, record all information accurately and report all relevant information. Be able to work as a team member.

Hygiene Standards

Read and understand the infection control policies. Deliver a high standard of patient care

Dignity and Privacy

All patients are entitled to have their dignity and privacy maintained in the hospital setting.

Health and Safety

Know and understand the Health and Safety regulations and apply them in the workplace.

DUTIES:

The Physiotherapy Assistant role will involve some of the following activities, along with others that may be necessary in the context of specific therapy situations.

Maintaining a Safe Environment: The Physiotherapy Assistant will participate in maintaining a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff, by maintaining vigilance to identify potential hazards and by taking the necessary steps to remove the hazards.

These steps will include:

• Ensure all practices adhere to the Infection Control and Prevention Policy.
• Assist in keeping all relevant practice areas clean and tidy.
• Move or assist in moving equipment and furniture as necessary.
• Tidy and clean each treatment area and change sheets when vacated after patient use.
• Returning equipment to proper storage areas.
• Attending to the hygiene of equipment such as electrotherapy units, hot pack machine, exercise equipment, patient chairs and other department equipment.
• Attend to spillages, when necessary, as quickly as possible to prevent accidents.
• Assist in the disposal of clinical waste according to hospital policy.
• Assist with patient mobility under direction of the Physiotherapist.
• Escort / transport patients within the hospital when necessary.
• Remain with patients who require supervision as directed.
• Prepare treatment areas for the reception of new patients.
• Report broken or unsafe items that need repair.
• Order physiotherapy stock items and maintain enough stock in room.
• Answer phone calls and make phone calls as advised by  physiotherapist.
• Admin jobs as advised by physiotherapist.

COMMUNICATING:

• Communication skills will be used to provide a caring service to the public in a courteous and effective manner.
• Operate in accordance with the values of the hospital. These values include integrity and openness, respect and support, caring, commitment and loyalty to the organisation.
• Demonstrate a range of listening skills appropriate to the context of different patient, visitor and ward situations
• Contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the physiotherapy department by communicating openly with the physiotherapy staff.
• Be perceptive in interpreting non-verbal communication.
• Use a range of communication methods to exchange information with the physiotherapist.
• Participate in constructing a physical environment that communicates comfort and care to patient.
• Direct all enquiries about a patient’s condition to Physiotherapist. 
• The Physiotherapy Assistant has an obligation in relation to maintaining confidentiality. This applies to information accessed through interactions with the patient and their relatives, or through interactions with other hospital staff.

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the physiotherapist in the assessment of patients and the implementation of treatment interventions as directed by the Physiotherapist
• Carry out one to one interventions under the direction of the Physiotherapist
• Prepare the patient and the environment for treatment as directed by the Physiotherapist
• Organise and supervise therapeutic activities, with individual patients/groups as directed by the Physiotherapist
• Demonstrate knowledge and training in the application of physiotherapeutic modalities as appropriate e.g. ice, heat, as directed by the Physiotherapist
• Demonstrate knowledge and training in the safe use of physiotherapy equipment during therapeutic interventions as directed by the Physiotherapist
• Observe general behaviour, ability and response of the patient to a therapeutic intervention and reports the observation to the Physiotherapist
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a patient’s needs to involve and motivate the patient in the physiotherapeutic process

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Understand the responsibilities and accountability of the role of Physiotherapy Assistant within the team
• Recognise the importance of a good working relationship with frequent communication between the Assistant and the supervising Physiotherapist.
• Communicate effectively and appropriately with a range of different service users and providers
• Observe confidentiality in relation to patient/organisation information
• Document physiotherapy interventions as outlined by local policy
• Adhere to Health and Safety Principles when carrying out duties.
• Identify potential hazards and emergency situations and follows local procedures to manage those situations appropriately.
• Maintain order, cleanliness, and tidiness of treatment areas and equipment, in accordance with local departmental guidelines.
• Carry out departmental stock control, ordering and receiving supplies, monitoring equipment and reporting faulty equipment as outlined by local departmental policies and procedures.
• Carry out administrative duties (eg. filing, answering telephone, recording statistics, photocopying) as outlined by local departmental policies and procedures.
• To assist in managing department stock, ordering and receiving supplies, monitoring equipment and reporting faulty equipment as outlined by local departmental policies
• Undertake training and further learning to develop the personal skills required to improve the standard of patient care.
• The job description is a guide to the range of tasks and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as assigned by the Physiotherapy Manager.
• The job description will be subject to review and will allow for the future development of new skills.

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS 6TH FEBRUARY 2026

Bon Secours Health System is an equal opportunities employer. Our values of Human Dignity, Compassion, Stewardship, Service and Integrity guide everything we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees have the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, abilities and perspectives, and provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require any assistance, please contact [email protected]