Rehabilitation Assistant Needed In London: Visa Sponsorship Available

Full Time
London, United Kingdom
Posted 3 months ago
33,094 - 36,195 USD / Year
Applications have closed

NHS

Rehabilitation Assistant Job Summary

West and North Neighbourhoods, Camden are excited to be able to advertise for a Band 4 Rehabilitation Assistant.

Working to support the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy needs of people in Camden, the therapy team provide holistic assessment and treatment plans in community. This role will assist us to provide rehabilitation programmes for patients in the west and North of Camden who have complex physical needs or require further therapeutic progression to achieve their goals and independence.

The rehabilitation assistant You will help prevent our patients being admitted to acute services and support their discharge from hospital. Aiming to improve their independence in functional skills, this role will require use of your empathy, communication and partnership working skills. You will have the opportunity to have supervised support from the neighbourhood therapists and nursing teams and work in co-operation with the wider multi-disciplinary team in providing rehabilitation needs and discharge planning to maintain patient flow. Previous experience of working in a physical rehabilitation role is essential.

Interviews will be taken place in a face to face format

Rehabilitation Assistant Main Duties

To undertake specific skilled support work to aid rehabilitation of patients, to achieve optimal independence with or without the assistance of others.
To provide flexible programmes and interventions of therapeutic activities, under the guidance of the neighbourhood therapy team
Follow treatment plans as agreed
Work without direct supervision, monitoring progress and minor adaptations to interventions as required, including low level assessments.
Participate in planned therapy interventions both in 1:1 settings and groups settings

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

NVQ 3 Health and Social care / Foundation degree (willing to work towards)
Educated to GCSE standard

Experience

Essential

Work experience in health and social care setting preferably understanding of rehabilitation and MDT working
Therapy background in Community/ A&E, with transferable skills
Autonomous working

Knowledge

Essential

Understands & promotes equality, diversity and human rights
Understanding of confidentiality in the workplace

Key Skills/ Abilities

Essential

Develop the skills to work autonomously in community setting
Willing to develop own skills and competencies’ within the MDT
Ability to recognise the deterioration of a patient
Ability to work under pressure organise self and demonstrate good time management
Health & safety and risk awareness
Good written/verbal communication skills, including IT skills ( typing)
Awareness of limitations and when to seek advice to solve clinical difficulties
Ability to prioritise tasks

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

1. What is a Rehabilitation Assistant?

A Rehabilitation Assistant (often Band 3 or Band 4 in the NHS Agenda for Change system) is a support worker who helps deliver rehabilitation programs to patients. They assist qualified therapists in implementing treatment plans, promoting independence, mobility, and daily living skills. The role focuses on hands-on support in hospitals, community teams, stroke rehab, neurological units, or home settings — it’s a key part of multi-disciplinary teams including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and speech therapists.

2. What are the main responsibilities?

Typical duties include:

Carrying out delegated rehabilitation exercises and programs (e.g., mobility practice, strengthening, functional activities like dressing or cooking)
Assisting with patient mobility, transfers, and use of equipment (hoists, walking aids)
Supporting personal care and activities of daily living while encouraging independence
Monitoring and reporting patient progress to therapists
Administrative tasks (e.g., recording contacts, ordering equipment, arranging appointments)
Working in patients’ homes, wards, or rehab units — often in community or early supported discharge teams

Band 4 roles may involve more independent assessment or caseload management once competent.

3. How does it differ from a Physiotherapy Assistant or Healthcare Assistant?

Physiotherapy Assistant — More focused on physical/mobility rehab under physiotherapists (e.g., exercises for strength/movement).
Rehabilitation Assistant — Broader role, often combining physio and occupational therapy elements (e.g., functional daily activities, holistic independence).
Healthcare Assistant — More general personal care (washing, feeding) with less emphasis on structured rehab programs.

Many roles overlap, and some are called “Rehabilitation Support Worker” or “Therapy Assistant.”4. What are the entry requirements and training?No formal qualifications are always required, but employers typically look for:

Good literacy/numeracy (GCSE level or equivalent)
Experience in care, health, or voluntary work (especially with older people/disabilities)
Full UK driving licence (for community roles)

Most provide on-the-job training, including the Care Certificate (mandatory for Band 3+). Further options include NVQs, apprenticeships in health/social care, or specific rehab modules (e.g., stroke-specific e-learning). Band 3 often starts with basic training and progresses; Band 4 may require more competencies.5. What is the salary in the UK (as of early 2026)?In the NHS (Agenda for Change):

Band 2/3 entry-level: Around £22,000–£26,000 per year (approx. £11–£13/hour)
Band 3 common starting point: £24,000–£26,000
Band 4 (senior/more autonomous): Higher, often £27,000+

Private or agency rates can be £12–£18+/hour (higher for nights/weekends). Figures vary by location (e.g., London weighting adds more).6. Where do Rehabilitation Assistants work?

NHS hospitals (wards, rehab units)
Community teams (home visits, early supported discharge for stroke/neuro)
Neurological or orthopedic rehab centers
Mental health or older adult services
Occasionally private care homes or independent providers

Many roles involve travel, so a car is often essential.7. Is it a good career progression route?Yes! It’s an excellent stepping stone into healthcare. With experience, you can progress to:

Senior Rehab Assistant (Band 4)
Therapy Assistant Practitioner
Apprenticeships leading to qualified roles (e.g., Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Nursing Associate)
Full degree programs via sponsored routes

Many enjoy seeing patient progress and the rewarding, varied nature of the work.8. What are the challenges or requirements?

Physically demanding (lifting, supporting mobility)
Emotional (working with vulnerable patients)
Shift work (including weekends in some services)
DBS check and right to work in the UK required
Strong communication, empathy, and teamwork essential

Always follow safeguarding, infection control, and confidentiality rules.

Closing Date: 21 January 2026