Hand Therapy Assistant Practitioner Apprentice in Brighton

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic Hand Therapy Assistant Practitioner Apprentice. This developmental role is ideal for someone passionate about patient care and rehabilitation. The successful applicant will work towards a Level 5 Assistant Practitioner Foundation Degree over two years, while simultaneously gaining practical, hands-on experience within the department.

You will support Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and upper limb surgeons in the assessment and treatment of hand and wrist injuries and conditions, contributing to high-quality, patient-centred care. A typical day may include supporting therapist-led fracture clinics, fabricating small bespoke splints (for example, for mallet injuries), or delivering one-to-one hand rehabilitation for patients requiring additional support to regain mobility and strength. Working under supervision, progressing to independent practice as competence develops.

You will be empowered to carry out agreed procedures and follow established protocols within outpatient hospital clinics at Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, and Sussex Orthopaedic Treatment Centre, Haywards Heath, with access to guidance and support from the wider multidisciplinary team.

We are looking for someone currently working in healthcare, ideally in a clinical support role with strong organisational, communication, and team-working skills, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to service development.

• Support Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists in the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with hand and wrist injuries and conditions.
• Deliver agreed, delegated treatment programmes to patients on a one-to-one basis and within therapist-led fracture or rehabilitation groups, in line with individual care plans.
• Fabricate, fit and adjust simple bespoke splints (e.g. mallet splints) under supervision, ensuring patient comfort, safety and correct usage.
• Monitor patient progress, provide feedback to supervising therapists, and contribute to the ongoing evaluation of treatment outcomes.
• Support the smooth running of hand therapy clinics within outpatient settings, including Royal Sussex County Hospital and Sussex Orthopaedic Treatment Centre.
• Maintain accurate, timely and confidential patient records in line with Trust policies and professional standards.
• Participate fully in the Level 5 Assistant Practitioner Foundation Degree programme, combining academic study with workplace learning and assessment.
• Take responsibility for own learning and development, engaging in supervision, reflective practice and competency-based training.
• Adhere to Trust policies, including infection control, health and safety, safeguarding, and information governance.
• Contribute to service development, quality improvement initiatives, and the promotion of best practice within the hand therapy service.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work-life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants. If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

• Form constructive and effective working relationships with patients, hand therapists, consultants, medical secretaries, transport, porters, fracture clinic nurses and HCAs, plaster technicians, bookers and schedulers.
• To liaise with managers, other administrative and support staff as necessary to ensure the smooth running of the department.
• Communicate complex information to staff, patients and relatives regarding their hand condition.
• Reassure, empathise and tactfully persuade patients, some of whom may have barriers to understanding.
• To sensitively deal with distressing or emotional circumstances regarding patient care such as realistic expectations of rehabilitation outcome.
• To deal with patients with complex mental and physical needs whose condition may lead to anxiety and aggressive behaviour.
• To support staff when indicated in the management of challenging patients.
• Deal with telephone queries from patients, staff and other departments and direct them to the appropriate person/department where necessary.
• Promote a pleasant and efficient image with internal and external organisations.
• To maintain accurate record keeping in line with the HCPC standards and local guidelines.
• To use interpreters when required to ensure effective communication occurs with patients who are hard of hearing or do not speak/understand enough English for the purposes of consent and engagement in treatment.
• To attend any meetings and seminars/case conferences as appropriate.

• Make suggestions to the service manager regarding opportunities for service improvement or enhanced patient care.
• Be aware of and work in accordance with the policies, procedures and philosophy of the department.
• Participate in the Hand Service Audit and research programme as required.

• To provide training and support for new staff and students.
• To provide expert knowledge and training for other healthcare professionals as and when required.
• To contribute positively to the effectiveness and efficiency of the team.
• Implement change when required and provide support for junior staff when changes are made.

• To provide a high level of patient-centred care.
• Ensure the privacy and dignity of patients is maintained during treatment sessions.
• To ensure you recognise the needs of any vulnerable patients and discuss with senior staff as appropriate.
• To be empathetic and understanding of patients and any anxieties or distress they may be under.

• Attend mandatory training updates as required.
• Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.
• Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
• Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager.
• Participate in the Trusts appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.
• Participate in in-house training programme and be proactive with regard to learning from Senior Staff within the department.

• GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 - 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents. Where relevant Enic evidence of Maths and English.
• Minimum of 48 UCAS points from at least one of the following: A Levels, T Levels, BTEC Nationals, Access to HE Diploma, NVQ Level 3, Equivalent qualifications.
• Awareness of the role of a Hand Therapist.

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.