Job summary
We are looking for Specialist Musculoskeletal Practitioner with a particular interest in spinal conditions to join our team. The successful candidate will be able to work autonomously and as part of a team to provide high quality assessments for patients referred to the service by GPs and physiotherapistswhere first line management has not met their needs.
Advanced communication skills are essential along with knowledge of spinal anatomy, pathologies and appropriate care pathways.
The post advertised is 1.0 WTE, however we are happy to discuss and consider possible opportunities for a job share or how this post could fit with other opportunities within the MSK pathway in Somerset.
Main duties of the job
Working as a Specialist Practitioner within the field of musculoskeletal medicine. The post holder will provide expert musculoskeletal assessment, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and advice to a complex and diverse range of patients within the specific specialism.
The post holder will:-
- Undertake clinics, assessing new referrals from GP's, First Contract Practitioners, consultants, physiotherapists and podiatrists.
- Be able to instigate advanced investigations such as x-rays, blood tests and MRI scans.
- Initiate actions with freedom and autonomy to act, often advising Doctors and Physiotherapists on appropriate courses of action.
- Ensure patients are assessed, given a diagnosis and management options are discussed including appropriateness for surgery where only the most complicated cases will be discussed with peers and relevant consultant colleagues.
To act as skilled and expert resource to clinical colleagues e.g. Physiotherapists, Podiatrists and GPs with regard to musculoskeletal/orthopaedic issues.
To screen and filter referrals within the integrated MSK service and manage the care of those patients who otherwise would have been referred to and seen by a hospital consultant.
About us
As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.
The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stones throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.
There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan there is truly something for everyone!
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key relationships
- Patients and their relatives/carers in order to assess and treat them daily face to face or by phone or video platform.
- Orthopaedic Assessment Service Manager and Team leaders
- Consultant Physiotherapist, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Podiatry Managers, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapists, Podiatrists and Physiotherapy and Podiatry Team Leaders.
- Radiology, Pain Management, Rheumatology, Neurology, Orthopaedic and Spinal Consultants, Podiatric Surgeon.
Communication
The Post holder will: -
- Be required to communicate very complex and at times sensitive clinical information both written and verbal, in an easily understood form, to patients, carers, and all members of the multi-disciplinary team. The information is very complex because of:
- The existence of problems in multiple joints, related to degenerative disease/ osteoarthritis which may lead to changes in functional activities/work/ hobbies of patients.
- The highly specialist nature of requesting investigations and treatments which is not familiar to patients or other staff and needs to be explained in addition to being communicated.
Planning and Organisation
In the Specialist Practitioner role in the Orthopaedic Assessment Service the post holder will:-
- Plan and prioritise their own clinical workload, ensuring a prompt and efficient service using clinical judgement and departmental guidelines and recognising and managing appropriate and timely discharge from the clinics.
- Screen referrals into the service to assess appropriateness and urgency of care, providing advice to peers and GPs via the A&G function on e-referral as appropriate.
- Plan clinical supervision sessions and peer support for Physiotherapists and podiatrists as required.
Please see attached job description for further details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key relationships
- Patients and their relatives/carers in order to assess and treat them daily face to face or by phone or video platform.
- Orthopaedic Assessment Service Manager and Team leaders
- Consultant Physiotherapist, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Podiatry Managers, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapists, Podiatrists and Physiotherapy and Podiatry Team Leaders.
- Radiology, Pain Management, Rheumatology, Neurology, Orthopaedic and Spinal Consultants, Podiatric Surgeon.
Communication
The Post holder will: -
- Be required to communicate very complex and at times sensitive clinical information both written and verbal, in an easily understood form, to patients, carers, and all members of the multi-disciplinary team. The information is very complex because of:
- The existence of problems in multiple joints, related to degenerative disease/ osteoarthritis which may lead to changes in functional activities/work/ hobbies of patients.
- The highly specialist nature of requesting investigations and treatments which is not familiar to patients or other staff and needs to be explained in addition to being communicated.
Planning and Organisation
In the Specialist Practitioner role in the Orthopaedic Assessment Service the post holder will:-
- Plan and prioritise their own clinical workload, ensuring a prompt and efficient service using clinical judgement and departmental guidelines and recognising and managing appropriate and timely discharge from the clinics.
- Screen referrals into the service to assess appropriateness and urgency of care, providing advice to peers and GPs via the A&G function on e-referral as appropriate.
- Plan clinical supervision sessions and peer support for Physiotherapists and podiatrists as required.
Please see attached job description for further details.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential
- State Registration by the Health and Care Professions Council (UK) as a Physiotherapist
- Significant post gradual learning relevant to MSk care equivalent to at least that of a Master's degree
- Training in advanced communication skills such as Motivational Interviewing, Shared Decision Making and Health Coaching
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Detailed and up to date knowledge of the assessment and treatment of spinal conditions including indications for investigations and surgery
- Experience in teaching musculoskeletal medicine as part of clinical role
- Able to demonstrate the most advanced decision making / clinical reasoning skill in Orthopaedic medicine through the analysis and interpretation of the clinical examination findings
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Professional and patient focussed approach with inspirational skills, acting as a role model to colleagues and junior staff members
- Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner, such as working under pressure with an unpredictable work pattern with frequent interruptions
- High standards of written & verbal communication skills with the ability to use email and internet.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential
- State Registration by the Health and Care Professions Council (UK) as a Physiotherapist
- Significant post gradual learning relevant to MSk care equivalent to at least that of a Master's degree
- Training in advanced communication skills such as Motivational Interviewing, Shared Decision Making and Health Coaching
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Detailed and up to date knowledge of the assessment and treatment of spinal conditions including indications for investigations and surgery
- Experience in teaching musculoskeletal medicine as part of clinical role
- Able to demonstrate the most advanced decision making / clinical reasoning skill in Orthopaedic medicine through the analysis and interpretation of the clinical examination findings
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Professional and patient focussed approach with inspirational skills, acting as a role model to colleagues and junior staff members
- Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner, such as working under pressure with an unpredictable work pattern with frequent interruptions
- High standards of written & verbal communication skills with the ability to use email and internet.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
