County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Advanced MSK Physiotherapist
The closing date is 20 March 2026
We are looking for a dynamic and highly skilled MSK physiotherapist (Band 7) to join our friendly, supportive and successful MSK team in County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
This post will cover Adult Physiotherapy Department at Bishop Auckland Hospital and Darlington Memorial Hospital.
As part of the established MSK team you will provide expert clinical intervention for these patients while acting as a source of expertise within the Physiotherapy team.
The iMSK service comprises of Upper & Lower limb, Spinal, A&E, Hand and Rheumatology ESPs, Junior, Senior and Advanced Physiotherapists providing a robust training and supervision framework for all staff.
The post holder has opportunities to develop clinical and leadership skills working alongside other colleagues and ESP physiotherapists. CPD opportunities are offered which can be tailored to your needs.
Main duties of the job
You will work as part of a team providing a comprehensive service within our musculoskeletal pathways.
You will have the responsibility for the assessment and management of musculoskeletal disorders. The caseload, which includes patients with long‑term conditions, comorbidities and multi‑factorial needs are referred from both primary and secondary care.
You will be expected to contribute to service evaluation, audit and provide day to day clinical leadership to our senior and junior physiotherapists.
You will be expected to provide training, education, mentorship and appraisal for staff and students. As part of the role you will contribute to the development of professional practice and the transformation and evaluation of service, supporting research and innovation across the service.
You will work closely with and be supported by your peers, FCP and ESP Practitioners, the Governance and Operational team.
CDDFT MSK Physiotherapy team has a strong supportive culture for personal and professional development, clinical supervision and opportunities for progression. We commit to our employees wellbeing through agile working, on‑going development 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.
Job responsibilities
This post has a nominal base within the Adult Physiotherapy Outpatients Department at Bishop Auckland hospital. As part of the job description, also has the ability to work anywhere within the Trust.
You will report directly to the Operational Leads of the MSK services.
The post holder will have a high level of clinical knowledge and skills to provide assessment and treatment of patients who have a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. You will deliver individual physiotherapy treatment programmes based upon sound knowledge of evidence based practice and clinical reasoning. This role will support the orthopaedic fracture clinic service at Darlington Memorial Hospital.
The post holder would benefit in holding an injection therapy qualification.
You will work as part of the MSK Integrated Musculoskeletal Team and will have access to specialist advice from ESP staff.
The post holder will accept clinical responsibility of a designated caseload and organise effectively with regards to clinical priorities and use of time.
You will clinically support junior staff and students, delegating activities appropriately and monitoring the quality of care given via clinical supervision, mentorship and audit.
The post holder will act as key communication link for a PCN.
You will be able, as part of CPD, to develop your clinical skills by liaising with and obtaining advice from specialists within the team. You will have opportunity to be involved with quality improvement projects led by our ESP & FCP clinical interest groups.
You will have opportunities to develop leadership skills in conjunction with clinical skills.
The department has a track record for staff wellbeing support following all local CDDFT guidance, you will have access to a wellbeing hub with the North East & North Cumbria Integrated Care System (NENC ICS) and you can be invited to the North East NHS outdoor wellbeing group.
CDIMS are committed to working collaboratively with the NENC ICS reviewing workforce planning and MSK projects.
Person Specification
Experience
- Comprehensive experience including core competencies within musculoskeletal, neurology and pain management within the NHS setting. Experience of managing patient group classes. Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and positively implement change. Evidence of communication skills within a wide variety of settings.
- Comprehensive experience including core competencies within musculoskeletal, neurology and pain management within the NHS setting. Experience of managing patient group classes. Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and positively implement change. Evidence of communication skills within a wide variety of settings Experience working within a trauma and Orthopaedic Service Environment.
Statutory Registration
- HCPC registered
- Member of CSP
Qualifications
- BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent. Continuing Professional Development diary including evidence of reflective practice, post grad training to modular masters level and clinical experience in the field. Comprehensive experience in MSK outpatient setting.
- Recognised relevant academic qualification in relation to MSK conditions Injection therapy competent (MSc level training) An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing. Appropriate post graduate MSK training to MSc (or equivalent) level.
Special Skills & Knowledge
- Up to date knowledge of professional practice and new research in management of MSK and rheumatological conditions. 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 verbally. IT skills.
- Innovative approach to working life. Able to use own initiative appropriately to enhance service delivery. Presentational skills. Knowledge, evidence and application of audit and research.
Special Requirements
- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post.
- Experience of SystmOne for clinical note keeping.
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.
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum, pro rata
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