Rheumatology Specialist Physiotherapist

Rheumatology Specialist Physiotherapist at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The closing date is 05 November 2025. Band 7 Static Specialist Physiotherapist - Rheumatology.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our specialist Rheumatology team at Broadgreen and Aintree Hospitals. We invite applications for a static Band 7 Physiotherapy post specialising in Rheumatology. This role offers the chance to manage a complex and varied caseload, contribute to service development, and lead staff training within a supportive, multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Our Rheumatology Therapies team, including Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and support staff, delivers care across therapy-led clinics, the Non-Inflammatory Clinical Assessment Service (NI-CAS), and Consultant Rheumatologist clinics. We operate a hybrid clinic model tailored to clinical need, combining face-to-face and virtual appointments. Applications are welcome from those seeking a training post, which may be offered under Annex 21 of Agenda for Change terms.

Band 7 Physiotherapists play a key role in maintaining high clinical standards across sites, including leading training, supporting Band 8 staff with service improvements, and undertaking research and audit. This role is structured as 80% clinical work and 20% Supporting Professional Activities (SPA).

About the Role

The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to deliver expert physiotherapy for patients with diverse rheumatological conditions and provide specialist rehabilitation within the rheumatology service. They will support patients across the full pathway, from diagnostic assessment clinics to rehabilitation and onward referral to community services.

You will participate in the Non-Inflammatory Clinical Assessment Service, developing advanced assessment, clinical reasoning, and diagnostic skills for patients with undifferentiated multi-joint and soft tissue conditions referred from primary care. This includes referring for and interpreting investigations such as imaging and blood tests.

The role includes contributing to service development and enhancing evidence-based care pathways for Axial Spondyloarthropathy and other rheumatological conditions, alongside supporting physiotherapy for the National Alkaptonuria Centre within the Trust.

This rewarding post requires clinical autonomy, strong decision-making, leadership, teamwork, continuous learning, and holistic, patient-centred care.

We seek a physiotherapist with broad experience in Rheumatology, MSK outpatients, and Pain Management; resilience; commitment to MDT working; research and audit skills; and leadership qualities.

Additional opportunities include supervising junior staff, supporting student education, and involvement in research, audit, and service development.

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients.

UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond.

For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.

Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Women's Hospital specializes in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK's largest single site maternity hospital each year. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.

For roles at Liverpool Women's, visit their careers page.

Please review attached Band 7 job description. Key areas of responsibility for this role are:

As a Band 7 Physiotherapist within our Rheumatology Service, you will:

• Deliver high-quality physiotherapy care through comprehensive assessment, clinical diagnosis, and the development of individualised treatment plans for both routine and complex patient needs
• Continuously evaluate and adapt treatment plans to meet changing patient needs and maximise outcome
• Plan and manage your own caseload autonomously, balancing service demands and patient priorities effectively
• Supervise and support the development of Band 6 and Band 5 physiotherapists, physiotherapy assistants, and students, contributing to a positive learning environment
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with patients, carers, and other health and social care professionals including individuals with communication or cognitive challenges
• Represent the Physiotherapy team in Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, ensuring a coordinated and collaborative approach to patient care
• Support the operational running of the team, including deputising for the Team Leader Physiotherapist when required, and contribute to service development and improvement initiatives
• Contribute to developing a world class Rheumatology Therapy Service for the population of Liverpool

Name

Sophie Taylor or Trevor Lewis

Job title

Clinical Physiotherapy Specialists/ Advanced Clinical Practitioners Rheumatology Service

Email address

Telephone number

• Committed to personal and team development.
• Able to maintain judgement under pressure.
• Demonstrates an ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service
• Member of special interest group

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Evidence of organisational skills
• Evidence of leadership skills.
• Able to work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team.

• Evidence of service development and implementing change.
• Evidence of post registration training in relevant up to date musculoskeletal related techniques.
• Able to work well with others and pass on skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates an ability to respond effectively to complex, emotional or challenging situation

• Extensive experience at Band 6 level in all musculoskeletal areas including outpatients, orthopaedic inpatients, rheumatology, acute trauma
• Experience in supervision and training of qualified staff, assistants and students
• Substantial clinical experience in the NHS UK or Health Service.
• Involvement in audit and / or research

• B.Sc. in Physiotherapy or Grad. Diploma in Physiotherapy
• Current registration with Health professions Council
• Documented evidence of CPD
• Attended clinical supervisor's course
• Relevant introductory courses in management skills.

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.

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum, pro rata