Technical Instructor

NHS; Jarrow; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job description

Go back South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Technical Instructor

The closing date is 16 February 2026

We have an exciting opportunity for a Therapy Technical Instructor to join our community team within the Autism and Learning Disability Service, in South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

The role of the Therapy Technical Instructor is to support qualified Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy staff to provide skilled assessment and treatment of individuals with a Learning Disability and/or Autism.

Excellent communication skills are needed, as is the determination and commitment to build positive therapeutic relationships which facilitate engagement and build an understanding of individuals needs in order to support them to engage positively.

Main duties of the job

To carry out specific therapy treatment which may require moderate physical effort e.g. moving and handling patients, using bending, kneeling, crouching and stretching positions and may include cramped conditions e.g. between a patient's bed and furniture.

To work flexibly across boundaries of care to support clients on identified need.

To carry out assessments of clients without direct supervision guided by protocols and guidelines provided by the physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

To treat clients individually in a variety of settings sometimes without the direct supervision or presence of a therapist.

To develop treatment plans, amend and progress client programmes as appropriate, seeking guidance from therapists as necessary.

To accurately record in the patient's notes any treatment/intervention given in accordance with the guidelines for documentation and legal requirements.

To support patients with ADLs. This may include development of domestic skills, money management, meal preparation, washing and dressing, assistance with mobility and travel training.

To carry out travel training which may involve walking distances and supporting service users using public transport.

To check and maintain therapy equipment and to set up equipment for clients in accordance with relevant procedures/instructions.

To manage own workload within existing resources and report any problem areas to the therapists.

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.

Job responsibilities

To work within the Community Learning Disabilities Team within the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Service providing care to clients in their own homes, residential care settings and day services.

To carry out therapy and treatment programmes with the guidance of the Therapists.

The post holder will carry out planned health and/or social care interventions as designated by the Therapists and will work unsupervised in a range of locations including the clients' homes.

The post holder will work flexibly across boundaries of care to support clients on identified need.

FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION SEE ATTACHMENT

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

Person Specification

Qualifications

• NVQ level 3 in a health related subject
• or
• Record of personal development and reflective practice

Physical skills

• Driving skills will be required to navigate the local area and drive independently.
• Expectation to stand, sit, kneel whilst supporting clients.
• Ability to facilitate physical management programmes. eg assisting to move clients limbs, support mobilization, use a hoist and sling (frequent moderate effort).

Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of the role of the occupational therapist and physiotherapist
• Excellent communication skills verbal and written.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently in community settings following guidance from qualified staff.
• Ability to motivate people.Ability to use a practical problem solving approach.
• Health and safety risk awareness.
• Awareness of moving and handling legislation.
• Knowledge of hydrotherapy and rebound therapy.

Experience

• Experience of working with adults with learning disabilities.
• Experience of working as part of a team.
• Experience of working as a physiotherapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, health care assistant or other relevant role.
• Experience of working using own initiative.
• Experience of group working.
• An understanding of multi-agency working
• Previous experience as a technical instructor.
• Experience of working with adults with physical and cognitive complex needs.
• Some experience/understanding of orthotics/wheelchairs
• Experience of working within mental health

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 name

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust