Team Lead Physiotherapist for Front Door Integrated Discharge Team
Band 7
Main area: Physiotherapy
Grade: Band 7
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (7 day service, 8-6pm).
Job ref: 279-7585827-DEC25
* Full time
* Part time
Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Site: Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton
Salary: £47,810 – £54,710 per annum (pro rata)
Closing date: 05/01/2026 23:59
About University Hospitals Sussex
As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, UHSussex delivers excellent care across Sussex. We value compassion, inclusion, respect and innovative learning, and offer extensive wellbeing programmes and flexible working arrangements.
We are an inclusive workplace – a Disability‑Confident Employer (Level 3) and Veteran‑Aware Trust.
Job overview
We are looking for a motivated senior physiotherapist with acute hospital experience to lead the Front Door Integrated Discharge Team in a 7‑day service covering 8‑6pm at Royal Sussex County Hospital.
Main duties of the job
* Responsible for training and development of staff in the Front Door Integrated Discharge Team, including weekend provision.
* Comprehend patient acuity across A&E, Acute Assessment Unit, acute floor and C5 Acute Medicine beds; facilitate complex hospital discharges ensuring patient flow.
* Lead in advanced assessment, clinical diagnosis and treatment of complex/chronic presentations across specialties.
* Provide high‑quality service to all patients; supervise and teach team members including students.
* Provide skilled team leadership and service development within therapies and the wider MDT.
* Implement policy changes and assist in setting/monitoring standards of practice.
* Undertake evidence‑based projects with the Head of Physiotherapy and MDT, leading departmental research where appropriate.
* Problem‑solve complex clinical and non‑clinical situations.
* Remain competent for respiratory on‑calls and participate in the respiratory rota.
* Participate in a 7‑day rota, including weekends and bank holidays.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route, subject to specific requirements.
Communication
* Communicate effectively with medical, nursing and other professional colleagues to deliver a coordinated, patient‑centred multidisciplinary service, especially in discharge planning.
* Work collaboratively with Occupational Therapy IDT Team Lead to deliver an effective front‑door therapy service.
* Communicate with external organisations (community services, GP’s, etc.) to ensure effective transfer of patient care and contribute to system discussions.
* Consistently communicate with patients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential and ensure understanding of complex aspects (goal setting, group sessions, etc.).
* Use verbal and non‑verbal skills to enable patients to express thoughts, feelings, concerns, including distressed or communicating‑challenged patients.
* Educate patients, carers and MDT staff on physiotherapy techniques, therapeutic positioning, exercises, mobility activities and advice related to condition.
* Employ empathetic, tactful skills to empower patients and carers in rehabilitation.
* Communicate complex and sensitive information, including unwelcome news.
* Motivate staff and patients through effective communication.
For further details, please see the attached Job Description.
Person specification
Professional Registration
* HCPC Registration
Experience and Qualifications
* Diploma/degree in Physiotherapy and portfolio of continuous professional development.
* Master’s degree in a related subject.
Skills (non‑clinical)
* Experience of operational team management.
* Experience of strategic management and representing physiotherapy at higher level.
* Masters modules or equivalent courses/learning relevant to the clinical speciality.
* Previous Band 6 experience in core inpatient area.
* Course(s) in management.
* Experience at Team Lead level in front door Therapy services.
People Management and Development
* Experience of teaching and staff development in a clinical setting, within and beyond the physiotherapy department.
* Experience of performance management.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
* Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles.
* Evidence of undertaking own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Important information for applicants
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings. AI tools are discouraged; applications relying heavily on AI may result in rejection.
Closing Adverts Early
In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified. Some adverts are capped; the advert will close after reaching the cap.
Flexible Working
To explore flexible working options, speak with the recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks
We undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where eligible.
Skilled Worker Visa
Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcomed for eligible roles. You are responsible for meeting criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Further Information
For help with nursing vacancies, email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.
For help with non‑nursing vacancies, email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and requires submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Contact Information
Name: George Browne
Job Title: Operational Lead Physiotherapist RSCH
Email: georgina.browne4@nhs.net
Telephone: 01273 696955
Alternate telephone: 01273 696955 – 64064
#J-18808-Ljbffr