About this role
Job summary
We are looking for two dynamic and highly skilled Advanced MSK Physiotherapists (Band 7) to join our friendly, supportive and successful CDIMS MSK team at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), one of the largest integrated healthcare trusts in the country.
The posts will be based within the Adult Physiotherapy Service, providing specialist assessment and management for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
As part of our established MSK team, you will deliver expert clinical care for patients with complex presentations, using advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. You will also act as a source of clinical expertise, supporting colleagues and contributing to the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care.
Our integrated MSK service comprises Upper and Lower Limb, Spinal, A&E, Hand and Rheumatology Extended Scope Practitioner (ESP) services, alongside junior, senior and advanced physiotherapists. This provides a strong clinical environment with established training, supervision and peer support.
The successful candidates will have opportunities to develop their clinical and leadership skills, working collaboratively with experienced colleagues and ESP physiotherapists. We are committed to supporting professional development, with CPD opportunities tailored to individual interests, service needs and career aspirations.
One post is permanent, and the second is offered on a fixed-term basis until 13 September 2027
Main duties of the job
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.
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.
Please note that we may close any vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Job description Job responsibilities
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.
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge Essential
Up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based practice and current research relevant to the management of MSK conditions. Understanding of professional, legal and ethical responsibilities within physiotherapy practice. Advanced clinical reasoning skills, including the ability to identify red flags and make appropriate decisions regarding management and onward referral. Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively, including management of waiting list pressures and service demands. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Competent use of IT systems relevant to clinical practice, including electronic patient records and digital systems used to support patient care and service delivery.
Desirable
Knowledge and experience of advanced MSK practice, including advancing practice framework. Knowledge of current developments and emerging evidence in MSK practice and their application to clinical practice. Ability to use clinical and service information to support audit, quality improvement and service development. Ability to deliver clinical education, presentations and training to a range of audiences. Experience of using digital systems and data to support service improvement and the management of patient pathways
Qualifications Essential
BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent. Evidence of continuing professional development, including reflective practice and postgraduate training to modular Masters/Level 7 or equivalent level
Desirable
Recognised relevant postgraduate academic qualification relating to MSK physiotherapy. Postgraduate training in injection therapy at MSc/Level 7 or equivalent level
Special Skills & Knowledge Essential
Able to travel independently to fulfil duties of this post
Statutory Registration Essential
HCPC
Desirable
CSP
Experience Essential
Extensive post-registration experience in MSK physiotherapy, including autonomous management of a broad range of MSK presentations. Experience of advanced clinical assessment, clinical reasoning, diagnosis and management of MSK presentations. Experience of managing complex MSK presentations, including consideration of pain and neurological presentations. Experience of working effectively within a multidisciplinary team and implementing change. Evidence of effective communication across a range of clinical and professional settings
Desirable
Experience of working at an advanced practitioner level role within an MSK service. Experience of supporting, supervising and developing other staff. Experience of clinical audit, service evaluation, quality improvement and/or service development
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.
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
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)