Extended Scope Practitioner
Closing date: 26 May 2026
Overview
Sunderland Integrated Musculoskeletal Service (SIMS) is seeking a proactive, highly motivated physiotherapist with a passion for patient care to join the existing team. The role involves specialist assessments, diagnostic tests, and treatments at community health centres across Sunderland. You will work alongside GPWSI, ESP, physiotherapists, and secondary care consultants, and will develop close working relationships with secondary care colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide autonomous extended scope practitioner services, delivering specialist MSK assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and advice to an independently managed caseload, including routine and complex presentations.
* Develop and maintain pathways knowledge within the physiotherapy service.
* Triage incoming MSK referrals to the single point of access and decide the most appropriate speciality according to agreed patient pathways.
* Participate in research and audit activities within the MSK service.
* Provide day‑to‑day clinical leadership and operational management.
* Implement evidence‑based practice to improve quality of services.
* Maintain professional development through relevant training programmes.
Person Specification
* Proactive, enthusiastic, and representative of the profession and the Trust.
* Committed, adaptable, and motivated.
* Good general fitness.
* Flexibility and willingness to work evenings and some Saturday mornings.
Qualifications
* BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent.
* State registration.
* Continuing professional development diary with evidence of reflective practice, training, and clinical experience.
* Completion of postgraduate courses with comprehensive recognised training and clinical programmes.
* Understanding of legal responsibilities within the profession.
* Specialist knowledge of professional practice and research.
* Evidence of postgraduate qualification or study at Masters level, including injection therapy.
Personal Qualities
* Commitment, motivation, flexibility, and initiative.
* Ability to carry out moderate to intense physical effort throughout the working day.
* Capacity to work within a demanding environment with competing demands.
* High concentration and high level of communication skills.
* Ability to deal with complex issues.
Physical Skills
* Access to own vehicle and full UK driving licence.
* Able to meet the moving and handling requirements of the post.
Experience
* Comprehensive senior-level experience within an MSK setting.
* Evidence of working within multidisciplinary teams.Evidence of high‑level communication skills across varied settings.
* Previous experience of diagnostics.
Skills and Knowledge
* Ability to manage staff.
* Ability to lead in‑service developments.
* Ability to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner.
* Basic IT skills.
* Ability to work as part of both physiotherapy and multidisciplinary teams.
* Use of own initiative to enhance service delivery.
* Evidence of innovative and proactive approach.
* Presentational skills.
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 check.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We welcome all applications irrespective of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, and especially from under‑represented groups.
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