Job overview

Please note: at this stage, the role is open only to colleagues currently employed within Kent and Medway NHS Trusts and the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB). Nursing vacancies are also open to Student Nurses and Newly Qualified Nurses.

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation service in Whitstable supports adults with chronic respiratory conditions to improve their functional ability, breathlessness management and overall quality of life. We provide high‑quality programmes that include holistic pre‑ and post‑assessments, structured exercise sessions, education and self‑management support delivered in group settings across community venues.

Patients frequently tell us how transformative the service is, with feedback such as: “The people were very friendly and helpful and got me to exercise every day instead of sitting in this chair. It has changed my life.” 

The service is delivered by an experienced multidisciplinary team. We work closely with integrated care partners across Kent to continually develop the respiratory pathway and ensure patients receive coordinated, person‑centred care. Staff benefit from regular in‑service training, clinical supervision, protected CPD time and opportunities to contribute to local clinical interest groups. As part of a Trust rated Outstanding by the CQC and accredited by the Royal College of Physicians, you will be joining a service committed to excellence and ongoing development.

Main duties of the job

As a Band 3 Pulmonary Rehabilitation Assistant, you will support the Clinical Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist (Band 7) and wider team to deliver a high‑quality pulmonary rehabilitation service. You will assist in group exercise and education, support patients through their rehabilitation programme and help them build confidence in managing their condition.

Your role will include preparing sessions, supporting patients during exercise, monitoring progress, and contributing to holistic assessments under the guidance of qualified clinicians. You will help deliver self‑management education, encourage safe and effective participation, and provide reassurance and motivation to patients throughout their programme.

You will also play a key part in maintaining accurate records, supporting onward referrals, ordering equipment when required and contributing to the smooth running of the service. Working closely with Physiotherapists, Therapy Assistant Practitioners and administrative colleagues, you will help ensure patients receive timely and compassionate care.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop your clinical skills within respiratory rehabilitation, supported by regular supervision, training and CPD time. Hours are flexible between 22.5 and 37.5 per week, and working patterns can be discussed . An informal visit is encouraged if you would like to explore how we can support your next career step.

Working for our organisation

Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we’ve got a passion for delivering high standards of patient care and excellent services to improve the health of our communities. To do this we need outstanding people who share our values compassionate Aspirational Responsive Excellent

We know a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion leads to better patient care and a happier workforce. We pride ourselves in being diverse and welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, perspectives and experiences

We ask for information about your protected characteristics on our application forms. This isn’t visible to anyone involved with shortlisting or interviewing you, except when you choose to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme due to disability. Short listers will see two ticks alongside your application to ensure they apply the principles of the scheme to your submission

The data we collect helps us to ensure we are attracting diversity in our applicants, that all our colleagues have equitable access to career opportunities and supports us on our journey to being a Great Place to Work

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want you to be able to work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Talk to us about a flexible working arrangement that won’t involve sacrificing time for personal interests or family commitments. We’ll support you to work flexibly in a way that will suits us both

See where you can go with KCHFT career pathways