A hands-on role where every splash supports progress.
Are you a confident swimmer with a calm, caring approach? Join us as an Aquatics Therapy Assistant and be part of a supportive team delivering tailored aquatic therapy sessions that help children and young people with complex disabilities build strength, improve movement, and enjoy every moment in the pool.
This is an active, collaborative role — perfect for someone who loves working closely with others, combining movement and interaction to support personal goals and celebrate progress in every session. As part of the role, you’ll also provide personal care and support with daily routines, ensuring dignity and comfort for every young person you work with.
LOCATION: Onsite (North Chailey, BN8 4EF)
SALARY: £21,936 - £23,028 PA DOE
HOURS: 32.5 hours per week
WORKING PATTERN: Shifts 8am - 8pm | Weekend work is required on a rota basis
What You’ll Be Doing
- Facilitating aquatic therapy planned by our on-site NHS physiotherapists
- Supporting children and young adults with complex physical needs in the water
- Creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all
- Monitoring progress and recording outcomes in line with our Aquatics Curriculum
- Collaborating with care, education, and physio teams
- Help deliver land-based movement sessions when not poolside
- Supporting pool operations and maintaining high health and safety standards
What We’re Looking For
- A confident swimmer with the ability to meet National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) standards
- NPLQ certified, or willing to train (we’ll cover the cost)
- Experience supporting people with disabilities or complex needs
- GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent in English and Maths
- Calm, proactive and team-focused
- A passion for aquatics and helping others achieve their potential
Bonus if you also have:
- ASA/STA Level 1 or 2 in Teaching Aquatics
- Experience in a leisure, swimming or therapy setting
- Understanding of hydrotherapy or adapted physical activity
Why Join Us?
At Chailey Heritage Foundation, you’ll be part of a vibrant, inclusive team supporting children and young adults with complex disabilities to thrive.
This is more than a poolside role—it’s a chance to be part of something meaningful, every day, surrounded by colleagues who value teamwork, trust and getting it right.
More than just your salary!
We believe in nurturing potential — for children and young people, and for colleagues too. That’s why we invest in you with:
- Competitive Salary
- Enhanced Annual Leave – 25–30 days (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service
- Healthcare Cash Plan & Wellbeing Support
- Enhanced Pension Scheme & Death In Service Benefit
- Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Retail and leisure discounts
- Free onsite parking, café, and kitchen facilities
- Fully Funded level 2 Certificate in Principles of Team Leading.
Plus, we cover the cost of all DBS checks and renewals.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to build on your care experience and step into a leadership role where you’ll support colleagues and shape the lives of children and young people, we’d love to hear from you.
For full details of this role, you can view the Aquatics Therapy Assistant JD
Discover more about who we are and what we stand for on the Chailey Heritage Foundation website
**Deadline: **Friday 31st October, but we will be reviewing applications as they come in, so don't wait to apply.
Apply now! For any enquiries, please contact: careers@chf.org.uk or WhatsApp us on 07591 597034.
Safeguarding Statement
Chailey Heritage Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Employment is subject to two satisfactory professional references, an enhanced DBS certificate, and occupational health clearance. It is an offence to apply for a role in regulated activity with children and vulnerable adults if you are barred from doing so.
Privacy Statement
As part of our recruitment process, Chailey Heritage Foundation (CHF) collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data in line with GDPR. Please ensure you review our privacy policy before completing an application.