Pulmonary Rehabilitation Community Assistant Practitioner

East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Community Assistant Practitioner

The closing date is 20 July 2026

This role is part‑time, total of 18.75 hours a week and is based in King’s Lynn. It involves supporting the Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Community Neurology Teams in delivering respiratory and neurology exercise prescription and education to patients in a variety of venues across Norfolk, including face to face, virtual platforms and telephone.

Job responsibilities

1. Assist registered healthcare professionals in delivering the Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Neurology programmes in various settings.
2. Perform core clinical observations (blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, pulse oximetry, temperature).
3. Conduct delegated duties at venues within the Trust or community centres, administering respiratory assessment tools (e.g., CAT score, BORG score, walk tests) and supporting patient assessment for suitability and safety.
4. Work within established national guidelines.
5. Monitor patient responses to interventions and liaise with clinicians to determine appropriate actions.
6. Provide individualized home exercise programmes following completion of the group courses.
7. Carry out group work, including education and health promotion, leading tasks where appropriate.
8. Promote patient independence and restoration of function during illness or disability.
9. Communicate changes in patient condition to the registered professionals.
10. Use encouragement, motivation and clear explanation to maximise rehabilitation potential and recognise communication barriers.
11. Work alongside non‑registered staff and volunteers.
12. Perform administrative duties: maintain stock, register patients, file records, manage phone calls, and photocopier/printing.
13. Participate in local support groups for patients as required.
14. Maintain good working relationships with system partners (GPs, practice nurses, consultants, community colleagues).
15. Ensure accurate patient records using SystmOne in line with Trust policies.
16. Collect data and statistics as directed.
17. Participate in clinical supervision and mentorship.
18. Attend mandatory training.
19. Contribute to service review and evaluation.
20. Assist in achieving and maintaining national Pulmonary Rehabilitation accreditation.
21. Attend and contribute to team meetings on service development.
22. Apply problem‑solving skills to support solutions with team colleagues.
23. Complete service audits, including Trust audits and NRAP.
24. Take responsibility for general care, cleaning, maintenance and safety of therapy equipment and work areas.
25. Report accidents, incidents or concerns via DATIX.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• BTEC Level 5, NVQ Level 5, Foundation degree or equivalent.
• General Education up to GCSE or equivalent.
• Recognised exercise qualification.
• Care certificate.

Experience

• Experience working in a healthcare setting.
• Previous experience at Band 3 or 4 level in Neurology, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, or community settings.
• Experience working with people living with long‑term conditions, particularly respiratory or neurological diseases.
• Experience working in a gym setting.
• Evidence of contributing to patient education packages.
• Use of virtual platforms such as MS Teams.
• Confidence to work and challenge within a multidisciplinary team.

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

• Basic IT and standard keyboard skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise caseload using own initiative.
• Recognise own limitations and responsibilities; work within clear protocols.
• Accurate completion of patient records and data.
• Record baseline clinical observations.

Communication

• Demonstrates listening, empathy, compassion and appropriate questioning skills.
• Excellent telephone manner.

Personal and People Development

• Ability to motivate and encourage patients to improve engagement.
• Take responsibility for own professional development.

Personal Attributes / Behaviours

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults as per Trust framework.

Other

• Fit to perform full duties, including exercising with patients and setting up equipment.
• Full and valid driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Effective written and verbal communication in English.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Salary

£28,392 to £31,157 a year pro rata per annum

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