Senior MSK Physiotherapists

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 15 April 2025

Job summary

Join Our Dynamic MSK Physiotherapy Team!

Are you a passionate Senior MSK Physiotherapist looking for an incredible career opportunity? Look no further! County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trustone of the largest and most innovative healthcare providers in the countryis expanding our friendly, supportive, and successful MSK team!

Locations: UHND (Durham) & Bishop Auckland Hospital, with potential hours at our satellite clinic in Barnard Castle. Why Join Us?

  • Endless Career Progression As part of a large, integrated team, youll have access to diverse experiences, career growth, and future leadership opportunities!
  • Specialist MSK Service We work with Upper & Lower Limb, Spinal, A&E, Hand, Rheumatology services, and more
  • Tailored CPD & Training Develop your clinical, supervisory, and leadership skills alongside Senior and ESP Physiotherapists.
  • Exciting Rotations Gain hands-on experience in Fracture Clinics, Urgent Care, Plastics, Hydrotherapy, and Group Rehab Sessions.
  • Supportive Team Culture Work within a robust training & supervision framework designed to help you thrive.

Ready to elevate your career? Join us and make a real impact in MSK Physiotherapy

Main duties of the job

As a Specialist MSK Physiotherapist, you will:

  • Provide specialised, evidence-based assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation.
  • Manage a diverse caseload, with referrals from Primary & Secondary Care, including First Contact Practitioners & self-referral pathways.
  • Work alongside an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners, gaining expert mentorship to advance your clinical, leadership, and professional skills.

Why Join Us?

  • A strong culture of support, learning, and professional growth.
  • Access to ongoing development, clinical supervision, and career progression opportunities.
  • A team that truly values wellbeing and work-life balance.
  • Get involved in teaching, mentoring, and shaping the next generation of Physiotherapists by supporting students, junior staff, and Therapy Assistants.

If you're ready to thrive in a collaborative and inspiring MSK Physiotherapy team, wed love to hear from you!

About us

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.

From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two years of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months)

Date posted

01 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year AFC Band 6 per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

C9439-2425-1363

Job locations

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW


Bishop Auckland General Hospital

Cockton Hill Road

Bishop Auckland

County Durham

DL14 6AD


Job description

Job responsibilities

As a Senior MSK Physiotherapist within our CD_iMSK service, you'll deliver specialised, evidence-based care to patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Managing your own diverse caseload, you'll provide comprehensive assessments, clinically-reasoned treatment plans, expert guidance, and tailored rehabilitation programs. You'll independently handle complex cases referred through multiple pathways, including Primary care, Secondary care, and self-referrals. This role includes mentoring and supporting junior colleagues and peers within the CD_iMSK service, helping to develop clinical excellence across our team.

Throughout your working day, you'll have Senior Physiotherapist and ESP support readily available for patient escalation, arranging further investigations, injections, or clinical discussions. Our comprehensive Physiotherapy intranet site offers easy access to local MSK pathways, protocols, and evidence-based patient resources. Your appointment template allows flexibility to manage reviews via telephone, face-to-face, or video consultations based on patient needs.

Dedicated Physiotherapy Assistants are available at main sites to support your rehabilitation plans. You can refer patients for individualised care with appropriate protocols in place. You'll have allocated gym time in our well-equipped facilities for both individual and group rehabilitation sessions.

CDDFT values your professional development with protected supervision time tailored to your individual needs. You'll have opportunities to contribute to service development and quality improvement projects that align with your interests and skills.

We offer diverse learning experiences through shadowing and training across the servicefrom consultant clinics and A&E to plastics, FCPs in GP practices, specialised ESP work, gym rehabilitation, and hydrotherapy. These opportunities form part of your personal development plan. Regular in-service training sessions complement access to e-learning resources. For 2024-2025, all AHP staff receive a personal training budget for postgraduate education through Teesside University or other approved physiotherapy courses.

We use SystmOne for clinical documentation, with comprehensive training available if needed. CDDFT provides a thorough induction program including mandatory training, physiotherapy-specific orientation, and customised ICT training.

Full training for student supervision is arranged through our partner universities, with ongoing peer support to develop your teaching skills.

You'll have access to the RehabMyPatient program for personalised exercise prescriptions, plus evidence-based resources developed by our special interest groups, available in both print and digital formats.

Leadership development opportunities complement your clinical progression, including interviewer training and appraisal skills. CD_iMS actively encourages staff involvement in quality improvement projects and supports career advancement.

Our department prioritises staff wellbeing, following CDDFT guidelines and providing access to the North East & North Cumbria Integrated Care System (NENC ICS) wellbeing hub. You can also join the North East NHS outdoor wellbeing group for additional support.

CDIMS is committed to collaborative working with the NENC ICS on workforce planning and MSK projects, giving you opportunities to contribute to regional initiatives.

Job description

Job responsibilities

As a Senior MSK Physiotherapist within our CD_iMSK service, you'll deliver specialised, evidence-based care to patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Managing your own diverse caseload, you'll provide comprehensive assessments, clinically-reasoned treatment plans, expert guidance, and tailored rehabilitation programs. You'll independently handle complex cases referred through multiple pathways, including Primary care, Secondary care, and self-referrals. This role includes mentoring and supporting junior colleagues and peers within the CD_iMSK service, helping to develop clinical excellence across our team.

Throughout your working day, you'll have Senior Physiotherapist and ESP support readily available for patient escalation, arranging further investigations, injections, or clinical discussions. Our comprehensive Physiotherapy intranet site offers easy access to local MSK pathways, protocols, and evidence-based patient resources. Your appointment template allows flexibility to manage reviews via telephone, face-to-face, or video consultations based on patient needs.

Dedicated Physiotherapy Assistants are available at main sites to support your rehabilitation plans. You can refer patients for individualised care with appropriate protocols in place. You'll have allocated gym time in our well-equipped facilities for both individual and group rehabilitation sessions.

CDDFT values your professional development with protected supervision time tailored to your individual needs. You'll have opportunities to contribute to service development and quality improvement projects that align with your interests and skills.

We offer diverse learning experiences through shadowing and training across the servicefrom consultant clinics and A&E to plastics, FCPs in GP practices, specialised ESP work, gym rehabilitation, and hydrotherapy. These opportunities form part of your personal development plan. Regular in-service training sessions complement access to e-learning resources. For 2024-2025, all AHP staff receive a personal training budget for postgraduate education through Teesside University or other approved physiotherapy courses.

We use SystmOne for clinical documentation, with comprehensive training available if needed. CDDFT provides a thorough induction program including mandatory training, physiotherapy-specific orientation, and customised ICT training.

Full training for student supervision is arranged through our partner universities, with ongoing peer support to develop your teaching skills.

You'll have access to the RehabMyPatient program for personalised exercise prescriptions, plus evidence-based resources developed by our special interest groups, available in both print and digital formats.

Leadership development opportunities complement your clinical progression, including interviewer training and appraisal skills. CD_iMS actively encourages staff involvement in quality improvement projects and supports career advancement.

Our department prioritises staff wellbeing, following CDDFT guidelines and providing access to the North East & North Cumbria Integrated Care System (NENC ICS) wellbeing hub. You can also join the North East NHS outdoor wellbeing group for additional support.

CDIMS is committed to collaborative working with the NENC ICS on workforce planning and MSK projects, giving you opportunities to contribute to regional initiatives.

Person Specification

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

  • Up to date knowledge of professional practice and new research in management of MSK
  • An understanding of legal responsibilities within the profession. Able to present information, written and orally in a clear and logical manner.
  • Ability to organise and prioritise and work to 18 RTT. Clear ability to manage waiting list pressures. Ability to maintain high levels of concentration and analysis of presenting symptoms from patients.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal. ICT and clinical system skills.
  • Presentational skills

Desirable

  • Innovative approach to working life
  • Able to use own initiative appropriately to enhance service delivery.
  • Knowledge, evidence and application of audit and research. Experience of quality improvement.

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent.
  • Continuing Professional Development Diary including evidence of reflective practice, training and clinical experience.

Desirable

  • Recognised relevant academic qualification in relation to MSK conditions. An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing. Appropriate post graduate MSK training

Special Requirements

Essential

  • Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post

Desirable

  • Experience of SystmOne for clinical note keeping

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in Out Patient MSK NHS physiotherapy. Experience including core competencies within musculoskeletal, neurology and pain management within the NHS setting. Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and positively implement change. Evidence of communication skills within a wide variety of settings.

Desirable

  • Experience of clinical supervision of staff and students Experience of Cognitive behavioural therapy and Bio psycho-social model of care Consolidated respiratory training for on-call / emergency work

Statutory Registration

Essential

  • HCPC registered

Desirable

  • Member of CSP
Person Specification

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

  • Up to date knowledge of professional practice and new research in management of MSK
  • An understanding of legal responsibilities within the profession. Able to present information, written and orally in a clear and logical manner.
  • Ability to organise and prioritise and work to 18 RTT. Clear ability to manage waiting list pressures. Ability to maintain high levels of concentration and analysis of presenting symptoms from patients.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal. ICT and clinical system skills.
  • Presentational skills

Desirable

  • Innovative approach to working life
  • Able to use own initiative appropriately to enhance service delivery.
  • Knowledge, evidence and application of audit and research. Experience of quality improvement.

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent.
  • Continuing Professional Development Diary including evidence of reflective practice, training and clinical experience.

Desirable

  • Recognised relevant academic qualification in relation to MSK conditions. An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing. Appropriate post graduate MSK training

Special Requirements

Essential

  • Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post

Desirable

  • Experience of SystmOne for clinical note keeping

Experience

Essential

  • Experience in Out Patient MSK NHS physiotherapy. Experience including core competencies within musculoskeletal, neurology and pain management within the NHS setting. Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and positively implement change. Evidence of communication skills within a wide variety of settings.

Desirable

  • Experience of clinical supervision of staff and students Experience of Cognitive behavioural therapy and Bio psycho-social model of care Consolidated respiratory training for on-call / emergency work

Statutory Registration

Essential

  • HCPC registered

Desirable

  • Member of CSP

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW


Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW


Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Operational Lead DDES

Anthony Etheridge

anthonyetheridge@nhs.net

07393804582

Date posted

01 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year AFC Band 6 per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

C9439-2425-1363

Job locations

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

Durham

DH1 5TW


Bishop Auckland General Hospital

Cockton Hill Road

Bishop Auckland

County Durham

DL14 6AD


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)