Advanced MSK Physiotherapist

You will work as part of an established team delivering a

comprehensive service across our MSK pathways. You will be responsible for the

advanced assessment and management of patients with a wide range of

musculoskeletal conditions, including those with long-term conditions,

comorbidities and complex needs, referred from primary and secondary care.

You will provide day-to-day clinical leadership, supporting

junior and senior physiotherapists through training, education, mentorship,

clinical supervision and appraisal. You will contribute to service evaluation,

clinical audit and quality improvement, helping to drive innovation and service

transformation. You will also support research and the development of

professional practice to ensure safe, effective and evidence-based care.

Working collaboratively with colleagues, including First

Contact Practitioners (FCPs), Extended Scope Practitioners (ESPs) and the

Governance and Operational teams, you will contribute to pathway development

and service improvement.

Our CDDFT MSK team offers a supportive environment with

opportunities for personal and professional development, clinical supervision

and career progression. We are committed to staff wellbeing through agile

working, ongoing learning and established support networks.

You will use your advanced clinical knowledge, specialist

skills and clinical reasoning to assess, diagnose and manage a wide range of

musculoskeletal conditions, delivering individualised, evidence-based treatment

programmes tailored to patients needs. You will take clinical responsibility

for a designated caseload, ensuring effective organisation and prioritisation

of patients according to clinical urgency, complexity and need, while making

best use of available clinical time and resources. An injection therapy

qualification would be advantageous; however, opportunities may be available to

develop this skill as part of your ongoing professional development if you are

not already qualified.

As part of our established integrated MSK team, you will

have access to specialist clinical advice and support from Extended Scope

Practitioners (ESPs) across upper limb, lower limb, spinal, trauma, hand,

rheumatology and women's health services. You will work collaboratively with

colleagues to discuss complex cases, support clinical decision-making and

ensure patients receive appropriate, timely and effective care. Clinical

support is also available from Band 8a ESP colleagues, including the opportunity

to discuss the need for diagnostic imaging and facilitate appropriate referrals

following clinical discussion. You will also work closely with the Governance

and Operational teams to support safe, effective and responsive service

delivery.

You will contribute to the clinical leadership and

development of the wider physiotherapy team, supporting junior colleagues and

students through clinical supervision, mentorship, appropriate delegation and

the monitoring of clinical practice. You will be expected to provide shadowing

opportunities for students and staff where appropriate, promoting knowledge

sharing and the development of clinical skills across the service. Full student

supervision and mentorship training can be supported through local universities

where required, with additional on-site guidance available to help you become

familiar with local procedures and expectations.

We are committed to supporting your ongoing clinical and

professional development. You will have a named supervisor who will work with

you to develop and review your personal development plan, support your

appraisal and identify opportunities aligned with your individual learning

needs and career aspirations. Protected clinical supervision time is provided

by CDDFT, with sessions led by the supervisee to ensure discussions are

relevant to your development, clinical practice and wellbeing. Pastoral support

is also available through this framework, with alternative arrangements

considered where appropriate to meet individual circumstances.

A range of shadowing and training opportunities is

available across the service, including learning alongside consultants,

A&E, plastics and specialist physiotherapy teams. These opportunities can

be incorporated into your personal development plan to broaden your clinical

experience, strengthen specialist knowledge and support progression towards

your professional goals. The department also provides regular in-service

training, access to e-Learning for Health and opportunities to attend external

courses through available CPD budgets.

You will have access to our developing CDIMS physiotherapy

intranet, which provides a comprehensive resource of local MSK pathways,

clinical protocols, guidance and evidence-based patient information leaflets to

support consistent, high-quality clinical practice.

The post holder can be considered for injection therapy as

a development opportunity (if not already qualified)

Many CDIMS band 7 physiotherapists & FCPs have

injection skills and are available for case discussions.

The Post holders named supervisor will support your

personal development plan and the appraisal framework. CDDFT support protected

supervision time which is led by the supervisee for your individual needs.

Pastoral support is also provided within this structure, or alternative

arrangement can be made to suit personal circumstances.

Shadowing and training are available throughout the full

service with consultants, A&E, plastics, FCPs in GP practices, ESPs in all

specialities. This is arranged within your personal development plan. The department

runs In-service training sessions together with access to learning on e-Learning

for health.

CDIMS use SystmOne for clinical note keeping - training can

be provided to suit individual needs.

CDDFT provide a full induction program which includes

mandatory training together with a local physiotherapy induction tailored to

your needs. Training will also be provided with all CDDFT ICT programs as

required. The post holder will be provided with a laptop.

The post holder will have opportunities to develop

leadership skills. We promote all staff to be involved with quality improvement

projects and promotes future career opportunities. New ideas are always welcome

to promote efficiency and quality for our patients at CDDFT.

The department has a track record for staff wellbeing

support following all local CDDFT guidance.

The post holder will have access to a well-being hub which

includes support telephone numbers and you can be invited to the North East NHS

outdoor wellbeing group.

The NENC ICS also

provide a wellbeing hub which all our staff have access to, which provides

various proactive help and support solutions depending on needs.

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on

AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of

success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Please note that we may close any vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Special Skills & Knowledge

Qualifications

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential: - Able to travel independently to fulfil duties of this post

Statutory Registration

Essential: - HCPC

Desirable: - CSP

Experience