Advanced MSK Physiotherapist
The closing date is 26 May 2026
We are seeking a dynamic, highly skilled MSK physiotherapist (Band 7) to join our friendly, supportive, and successful MSK team in County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. The post covers the 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 Upper & Lower limb, Spinal, A&E, Hand and Rheumatology ESPs, and Junior, Senior and Advanced Physiotherapists, providing a robust training and supervision framework for all staff.
You will have opportunities to develop clinical and leadership skills working alongside colleagues and ESP physiotherapists. CPD opportunities are offered and can be tailored to your needs.
Main duties of the job
* Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive service within our musculoskeletal pathways.
* Assess and manage musculoskeletal disorders, including patients with long-term conditions, comorbidities and multi‑factorial needs referred from both primary and secondary care.
* Contribute to service evaluation, audit and provide day‑to‑day clinical leadership to senior and junior physiotherapists.
* Provide training, education, mentorship and appraisal for staff and students; support the development of professional practice and the transformation and evaluation of service, including research and innovation.
* Collaborate closely with peers, FCP and ESP practitioners, and the Governance and Operational team.
* Act as a key communication link for the PCN.
* Develop and deliver individual physiotherapy treatment programmes based on evidence‑based practice and clinical reasoning; possessing an injection‑therapy qualification is an advantage.
* Support junior staff and students through delegation, monitoring quality of care via supervision, mentorship and audit.
* Engage in quality improvement projects led by ESP & FCP clinical interest groups.
* Participate in staff well‑being initiatives, including the Well‑being Hub with NENC ICSS and the North East NHS outdoor well‑being group.
About us
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust provides care from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham – as well as community hospitals and home‑based settings. We have a strong supportive culture for personal and professional development, clinical supervision and opportunities for progression, and we are committed to employee wellbeing through agile working and established support networks. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, as these groups are currently under‑represented in our workforce.
Special Skills & Knowledge
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of professional practice and new research in management of MSK and rheumatological conditions; understanding of legal responsibilities within the profession.
* Ability to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner.
* Organise and prioritise workload, manage waiting list pressures and maintain concentration and clinical analysis of presenting symptoms.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
* IT skills; innovative approach to working life; use own initiative to enhance service delivery.
* Evidence of audit and research application.
Experience
* Comprehensive experience in 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 in a wide variety of settings.
* Experience working within a trauma and orthopaedics service environment.
Qualifications
* BSc in Physiotherapy or equivalent; CPD diary with evidence of reflective practice and postgraduate training to modular master's level.
* Injection therapy competence (MSc level training); MSc (or equivalent) level post‑graduate MSK training.
* Recognition of relevant academic qualifications related to MSK conditions.
Statutory Registration
* HCPC registered.
* Member of CSP.
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 requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check to confirm no relevant criminal convictions.
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 per annum, pro‑rata.
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