Job overview
Come and join us! This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to join the Orthopaedic Physiotherapy service at The Sussex Orthopaedic Treatment Centre (SOTC), at The Princess Royal Hospital Site, Haywards Heath - in the heart of Mid Sussex.
The Sussex Orthopaedic Treatment Centre is a modern stand alone unit treating patients undergoing elective (planned) Orthopaedic Surgery. It is recognised as a centre of excellence and was one of the first nationally accredited (GIRFT) surgical hubs in the country.
We are proud to continually evaluate and adapt our practice in order to meet the ever changing needs and exciting developments in the field of Orthopaedics. Most recently we have implemented a Day-Case pathway, allowing same day discharge for patients undergoing THR and TKR surgery. We also offer state of the art robotic surgery for TKR patients.
We are looking for a proactive and motivated Band 6 Senior Physiotherapist to join our growing team. You will assess, treat and discharge orthopaedic patients post-operatively on both our inpatient ward and day case unit. You will also see patients in our pre and post- operative clinics.
Part time and Job share applications are welcomed.
Informal Visits to the department can be arranged on request.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Main duties of the job
1. Support the team lead physiotherapist with the day-to-day operational management of the orthopaedic physiotherapy team. Assisting the planning, delivering and evaluatingthe orthopaedic physiotherapy service.
2. Support the leadership of the orthopaedic physiotherapy team. Deputising for the Clinical Team Leader if required.
3. To actively promote and develop equality and diversity practices and strategic management in this area in order to promote equity of access of care for patients and equity of access to job opportunities and development opportunities for staff.
4. As an autonomous practitioner, to assess and treat specialist caseload of Orthopaedic patients, who may have complex and/or chronic presentation, and to determine a diagnosis and develop treatment programmes without direct supervision from Senior Staff. This includes ward inpatients, day case patients, and those attending pre and post-op physiotherapy clinics. There may also be a requirement for virtual advice, such as dealing with patient phone calls and queries, when there is a clinical need.
5. To be responsible for teaching, supervision and appraisal of qualified physiotherapists, physiotherapy support workers and undergraduate students, and be involved in the teaching of MDT staff.
6. To undertake evidence-based practice and participate in departmental research and audit.
7. To adhere to Trust policies and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Code of Conduct, Health Care Professions Council Code of Conduct
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification for full details and main responsibilities
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
8. Experience as a band 5 or above
Desirable criteria
9. Experience as a Band 6
10. Experience as a Band 6 in Orthopaedics
11. Experience as a Band 5 in Orthopaedics
12. Experience in Elective Orthopaedics
Supervision of Staff/Students
Essential criteria
13. Has experience of supervising/teaching Physio Students Informally
14. Has Experience of working supervising/teaching other MDT students Informally
15. Has supervised or delegated duties to other Non-qualified Staff
Desirable criteria
16. Has supervised Physio Students Formally (joint or sole responsibility)
17. Has mentored or supervised Non-qualified staff
IT Skills
Essential criteria
18. Demonstrates Proficient use of MS Office
Desirable criteria
19. Evidence of using other relevant trust/healthcare programmes
Orthopaedic Knowledge
Essential criteria
20. Demonstrates knowledge at a Senior level of a wide variety or Orthopaedic Surgeries
21. Has Treated Patients with a wide variety of Orthopaedic Problems
Desirable criteria
22. Demonstrates Knowledge of current Research in the field of Orthopaedics
Service Development
Essential criteria
23. Has been involved in Service Development improvements and Initiatives
24. Has Been Involved in Departmental Audits
Desirable criteria
25. Has led service improvement Initiatives - with examples of benefit/impact to service
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
26. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
27. Evidence of having undertaken 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 to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications