Community Assessment Day MSK Physiotherapist

This role forms part of the Governments Working Well initiative, with the strategic aim of improving population health outcomes, reducing health-related worklessness, and supporting individuals to achieve a safe, timely and sustainable return to employment. The post is ideally suited to a highly experienced, self-employed MSK Physiotherapist, contributing advanced clinical expertise across two half‑day CAD sessions per month.

To provide advanced specialist Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy expertise within Community Assessment Days (CAD), supporting individuals who are currently absent from work due to long‑term MSK‑related conditions. The post holder will operate at an advanced level of clinical practice, working as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) alongside an Occupational Therapist and Social Prescriber to deliver comprehensive, holistic assessments and contribute to high‑quality, integrated care planning.

Newcastle GP Services (NGPS) is the GP federation for Newcastle‑upon‑Tyne. We are a member organisation for 28 out of the 29 general practices in Newcastle. We support them to provide excellent clinical care and a positive patient experience.

Our purpose is two‑fold:

• To serve our members by ensuring the voice of primary care is not lost in the health system of Newcastle
• To do things once when it makes sense to do so, rather than 29 times across all practices, or seven times, across all Primary Care Networks

We are a skilled team of non‑clinicians and clinicians with significant experience working in healthcare. Our role is to help practices work at scale across Newcastle, providing targeted and effective patient care and innovative methods of working to improve quality and efficiency.

• Undertake comprehensive specialist MSK assessments for patients attending Community Assessment Days, considering physical, functional and vocational factors.
• Use advanced clinical reasoning to identify barriers to work and contribute to individualized, goal‑focused plans in collaboration with the MDT.
• Work closely with the Occupational Therapist and Social Prescriber to ensure an integrated, biopsychosocial approach to patient care.
• Provide expert advice on activity modification, self‑management strategies, rehabilitation pathways and return‑to‑work planning.
• Contribute to MDT discussions and joint decision‑making to support positive employment and health outcomes.
• Produce clear, concise clinical documentation and assessment outcomes in line with service and information governance requirements.
• Maintain high standards of professional practice in accordance with HCPC, CSP, and relevant NHS frameworks.
• Engage positively with the aims and values of the Working Well initiative, promoting health, independence and employability.
• Work autonomously within agreed service parameters, recognising the responsibilities associated with self‑employed practice.
• Treat others with empathy and kindness.

• Significant post‑registration experience in specialist MSK physiotherapy
• Experience managing complex and persistent MSK conditions
• Experience working with patients experiencing long‑term sickness absence or reduced work capacity
• Experience of effective multidisciplinary team (MDT) working, contributing at a senior level
• Experience of working autonomously, appropriate to advanced or self‑employed practice
• Experience within NHS or NHS‑commissioned services
• Experience of vocational rehabilitation, return‑to‑work programmes or occupational health
• Experience contributing to service development, pathway redesign or quality improvement initiatives
• Portfolio career experience across public and independent sectors

• Advanced clinical assessment and reasoning skills in MSK physiotherapy
• Ability to apply a biopsychosocial approach to assessment and intervention
• Highly developed communication skills, including complex clinical discussion and shared decision‑making
• Ability to contribute clinical leadership within MDT assessment and planning
• Strong documentation, reporting and IT skills, meeting NHS governance standards
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Skills in goal setting, motivational interviewing or behaviour change approaches
• Experience using outcome measures relevant to MSK and vocational rehabilitation
• Ability to contribute to audit, evaluation or service improvement activity

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Physiotherapy
• HCPC registration as a Physiotherapist
• Evidence of postgraduate education relevant to advanced MSK practice (e.g. MSc modules, advanced clinical courses)
• Training or qualifications related to rehabilitation, occupational health or work‑focused practice

• Ability to work independently and professionally, demonstrating accountability consistent with self‑employed advanced practice
• Patient‑centred, reflective and outcome‑focused approach to care
• Adaptable and resilient, able to work with complexity and uncertainty
• Commitment to NHS values, equality, diversity and inclusive practice
• Professional credibility and confidence to work at Band 8 equivalent level
• Committed to working as part of a multi‑disciplinary, multi‑agency primary care team
• Openness to explore alternative working practices
• The ability & willingness to travel to sites
• Proactive interest in innovative service models and integrated care
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice
• Enthusiasm for contributing to the aims of the Working Well initiative
• Full driving licence

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.