To assist qualified Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists in the delivery of high-quality, protocol-driven rehabilitation to patients with complex neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. The Therapy Technician works as an integral member of the VIM multidisciplinary team, implementing treatment programmes designed by qualified therapists, supporting group sessions, maintaining the clinical environment, and contributing to the smooth operational running of the clinic.
This role does not involve independent clinical reasoning, diagnosis, or treatment planning. All clinical activity is carried out under a protocol prescribed by a qualified therapist, and the post holder must recognise and respect the boundaries of their role at all times. The Therapy Technician reports any concerns about a patient’s response to treatment or condition to the supervising therapist promptly.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Support
- Work under a protocol prescribed by a qualified Physiotherapist or Occupational therapist to implement specialist treatment programmes, including therapeutic handling, repeated functional task practice, exercise supervision, and set-up of robotic and technology-assisted equipment.
- Assist qualified therapists in treatment sessions that require two people, such as patients who are highly dependent for mobility or transfers, fabrication of splints, or complex equipment set-up.
- Deliver prescribed group therapy sessions and exercise classes independently, under the clear direction and within the protocol issued by the supervising therapist.
- Act as patient coach and motivator during individual and group sessions, both face to face and via online/tele-rehab interaction.
- Administer a prescribed and standardised outcome measure (as directed by the supervising therapist) and accurately input results into Jane App/ Excel, reporting findings to the therapy team.
- Support patients in the use of home exercise programmes and technology platforms (e.g. Physitrack), as directed by the treating therapist.
- Recognise changes in a patient’s clinical status, condition, or response to treatment, and report these promptly to the supervising therapist. Do not modify treatment programmes without therapist instruction.
- Maintain awareness of your scope of practice at all times, including the boundaries of manual handling, exercise progression, equipment operation, and patient advice.
- Operate all clinical equipment (including robotic devices, NMES units, and rehabilitation technology) competently and safely, maintaining your equipment competency record and flagging any learning needs to your supervisor.
- Perform risk assessments relevant to the physical environment and patient handling activities as directed, escalating concerns to the supervising therapist or operations manager.
Communication
- Communicate effectively with patients, their families, and carers using a range of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies, including patients who are aphasic, cognitively impaired, or who have English as an additional language.
- Motivate, reassure, and support patients to engage with their rehabilitation programme, demonstrating empathy and sensitivity at all times.
- Represent VIM Health in a professional, friendly, and proactive manner in all interactions with patients, relatives, carers, and healthcare professionals.
- Escalate any concerns raised by patients or carers regarding their care, treatment, or wellbeing to the supervising therapist promptly.
- Maintain strict confidentiality in all communications in line with VIM policy and UK GDPR 2021 / Data Protection Act 2018.
Record Keeping and Administration
- Maintain clear, accurate, and up-to-date electronic patient records in Jane App in line with VIM policy and national standards.
- Complete clinical notes and session records within 24 hours of patient contact.
- Perform administrative duties to support service delivery, including maintaining spreadsheets, stock checks, uploading patient resources to shared drives, and updating Physitrack as directed.
- Collate and prepare patient care and resource packages as directed by the therapy team.
- Document any accidents or incidents in line with VIM reporting procedures.
- Complete appointment and billing entries as directed by the supervising therapist or operations team.
Environment and Equipment
- Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic clinical and non-clinical environment at all times, following VIM infection control procedures in all areas including gym and clinical rooms.
- Identify faulty or damaged equipment, remove it from use immediately, notify the supervising therapist or operations manager.
- Report shortages or consumable needs to the clinical lead/ operations team.
- Set up clinical spaces and equipment for therapy sessions as directed, ensuring readiness before each session.
Education and Development
- Attend all VIM mandatory training sessions (manual handling, CPR, first aid, infection control) and maintain 100% compliance.
- Complete VIM equipment competency sign-offs within agreed timeframes.
- Proactively identify personal learning needs and discuss these with your supervising therapist or line manager.
- Participate in half-yearly and annual PDR meetings, setting and reviewing personal objectives as required depending on contract type.
- Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing development within the scope of the Therapy Technician role.
Organisational
- Manage your own diary and caseload to ensure prompt attendance at all sessions, meetings, and administrative tasks rebooking patients as required within their prescribed treatment plan.
- Adhere to all VIM policies and procedures including annual leave, sickness reporting, health and safety, and infection control.
- Support the operational team with clinic administration, patient correspondence, and service logistics as directed.
- Complete designated and agreed non clinical / organisational tasks within your assigned role in a timely manner, proactively flagging concerns to your supervising therapist.
- Demonstrate the VIM values of professionalism, patient-centredness, and continuous improvement in all aspects of your work.
Person Specification
| Category | Requirement |
| ESSENTIAL | Minimum Grade C/4 in GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) |
| Valid enhanced DBS certificate | |
| Demonstrable experience of working with people in a health, social care, sport, fitness, or rehabilitation setting | |
| Ability to communicate effectively with people with complex neurological or communication needs | |
| Strong interpersonal skills: empathy, patience, and the ability to motivate and support others | |
| Good time management and organisational skills | |
| Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately | |
| Physically able to meet the manual handling demands of the role | |
| Commitment to patient-centred care and continuous learning | |
| DESIRABLE | Level 3 qualification in a health, sport, exercise, or rehabilitation-related field (e.g. BTEC, NVQ, Sports Therapy, Personal Training) |
| Experience assisting in a physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or rehabilitation setting | |
| Familiarity with neurological conditions (e.g. stroke, brain injury, MS, Parkinson’s) | |
| Experience using rehabilitation or exercise technology | |
| Experience of electronic patient record systems | |
| Valid UK driving licence | |
| Interest in progressing into a qualified therapy career |
