Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist MSK Physiotherapist

The closing date is 15 July 2025

Job summary

SPECIALIST MUSCULOSKELETAL PHYSIOTHERAPIST POST

BAND 6/ BAND 5-6 DEVELOPMENT POST

The opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Specialist MSK Physiotherapist within EPUT NHS Trust Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Team.

The successful applicant will provide clinical assessment and treatment as part of the wider MSK team which includes Band 7, 6 and 5 clinicians, Physiotherapy Apprentices and Rehabilitation Instructors. The MSK Physiotherapy team works in conjunction with the Advanced Practice Team and First Contact Practitioners to provide MSK services to the local population.

The post holder will be able to continue to develop their clinical skills by working with Highly Specialist Physiotherapists, participating in regular supervision and in-service training programmes, as well as support with external courses.

Flexible working will be considered.

Band 5 to 6 development position will be consider for suitable candidates

Role Summary

To be a Specialist Physiotherapist responsible for providing a high standard of assessment, advice, treatment and evaluation of patients referred to the Musculoskeletal Service.

To work without direct supervision, to hold responsibility for own caseload and the seamless transfer of physiotherapy care.

To assist more senior physiotherapists, in the further development and the coordination of the provision of physiotherapy.

Main duties of the job

Key Clinical Responsibilities

1. To undertake a comprehensive assessment and formulate a diagnosis of patients who may have complex conditions including multi pathology.

2. To analyse the information gained from the assessment to formulate an accurate prognosis for the patient and then discuss and agree goals and outcomes for treatment with them.

3. To give a full explanation of the patient's condition and proposed treatment to the patient and discuss the expected outcome with them.

4. To select and be able to perform appropriate treatment techniques from a wide range of specialist skills.

5. To demonstrate the physical ability to carry out physiotherapy assessment and interventions.

6. To be personally responsible for all aspects of safety relating to equipment used.

7. To produce clear written information and exercise programmes for patients to follow at home or when not with a Physiotherapist.

8. To use developed clinical reasoning skills to review and evaluate patient progress and their current condition at each treatment session.

9. To plan and undertake discharge of patients from Physiotherapy when agreed goals have been reached or treatment is no longer appropriate.

10. To be able to correctly identify inappropriate referrals to Physiotherapy and have the confidence to refer on or back as required.

11. To produce timely and accurate patient's records and reports.

About us

EPUT are looking for motivated staff who shares our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including;

Season Ticket Loans
NHS discounts for staff
Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
Day One Flexible Employer

The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment

Join our Staff bank

What is Staff Bank?

Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times.

All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish.

If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank

Date posted

27 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £44,962 a year per annum, plus 5% HCA

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Job share

Reference number

364-A-9125

Job locations

St. Margaret's Hospital

The Plain

Epping

CM16 6TN

Job description

Job responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES CLINICAL

1. To undertake a comprehensive assessment and formulate a diagnosis of patients who may have complex conditions including multi pathology. Use well developed clinical reasoning to select appropriate assessment techniques that lead you to determine a clinical diagnosis of the patients needs. This will involve seeking and sharing personal and potentially sensitive information with the patient.

2. To analyse the information gained from the assessment to formulate an accurate prognosis for the patient and then discuss and agree goals and outcomes for treatment with them. To set realistic timescales for achieving these.

3. To give a full explanation of the patients condition and proposed treatment to the patient and discuss the expected outcome with them. To ensure the patient understands this and agrees to the treatment plan giving consent to it. If the patient does not have the capacity to give consent, to be able to work within the legal framework as appropriate. This will involve negotiation and motivation skills and the need to work tactfully and sensitively with patients who are unable or unwilling to accept their diagnosis.

4. To select and be able to perform appropriate treatment techniques from a wide range of specialist skills. This could include electrotherapy, manual techniques, patient education, exercise groups, hydrotherapy, use of appliances, manipulation etc. The selection of techniques will be based on both theoretical and practical knowledge and evaluated past experience.

5. To demonstrate the physical ability to carry out physiotherapy assessment and interventions.

6. To be personally responsible for all aspects of safety relating to equipment used. To be responsible for checking and/or teaching competency of more junior therapists and non-qualified staff (including non physiotherapy staff as necessary) in using equipment e.g. appliances, gym equipment, electrotherapy items etc.

7. To produce clear written information and exercise programmes for patients to follow at home or when not with a Physiotherapist. This may include teaching carers and care-givers in homes, schools etc.

8. To use developed clinical reasoning skills to review and evaluate patient progress and their current condition at each treatment session and to amend the treatment programme as appropriate to achieve agreed goals.

9. To plan and undertake discharge of patients from Physiotherapy when agreed goals have been reached or treatment is no longer appropriate (e.g. the patient has reached a plateau or there is a change in their medical circumstances). To be able to negotiate this with patients who wish to continue treatment on an ongoing basis.

10. To be able to correctly identify inappropriate referrals to Physiotherapy and have the confidence to refer on or back as required.

11. To produce timely and accurate patients records and reports in accordance with Health Professions Council and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy regulations.

Communication Skills

12. Using verbal, non-verbal and written communication tools, ensure that patients and carers (if appropriate within the scope of patient confidentiality) have an understanding of their condition and the role and aims of Physiotherapy in relation to this. The Physiotherapist must be able to persuade, motivate and negotiate, as well as demonstrate empathy and reassurance. The Physiotherapist must effectively amend their communication techniques according to individual needs of the patient

13. If it is in the best interests of the patient, to objectively present clinical information regarding patients to colleagues in order to contribute to a high standard of care e.g. handover to another Physiotherapist, update medical and nursing colleagues on a patients condition, liaise with Social services or other allied health professionals.

14. To be confident in their own diagnosis and be able to communicate that effectively to others (including medical doctors and other Allied Health Professionals).

15. To share information in a timely manner with a more senior physiotherapist if there are concerns about a patients safety, condition or progress.

16. To urgently report and take appropriate action if there are any concerns about staff and/or patient safety to more senior staff.

17. To represent the Physiotherapy service in meetings with other professionals with an aim of accurately contributing and reporting back relevant information to their line manager.

Professional Skills

18. The Physiotherapist must be able to adapt their communication, treatment, information and advice to meet the needs of individual patients. Patients seen will range from the vulnerable (e.g. elderly, mentally ill or those with poor memory) to those who are extremely well informed about their condition. Patients may have psychosocial difficulties or may be defensive due to past experiences e.g. abuse.

The Physiotherapist must be sensitive to patients own cultures, beliefs and emotions, especially when asking them to undress for treatment and during assessments or treatments, which are likely to include the use of hands-on physiotherapy skills.

The Physiotherapist must take a holistic view of the patient and their well-being considering all factors and not purely focus on a specific medical condition, sign or symptom.

19. To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work including the management of patients in your care.

20. To support and guide more junior Physiotherapists and non-qualified staff in both clinical and organisational skills.

21. To deputise for more senior therapy staff and delegate duties in a competent and safe way to junior therapists and non-qualified staff.

22. To take a lead for specific projects within own area of work to enhance patient care and service delivery (e.g. develop patient information leaflets).

23. To exhibit and maintain a high personal standard of professional expertise, attitude and behaviour at all times in accordance with Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and local Trust, PCT and service policies. To be an advocate for the Physiotherapy profession and West Essex PCT Musculoskeletal service.

24. To be an active member of the Physiotherapy team recognising own responsibilities to and respecting other team members (both within your immediate work group and the service as a whole).

25. To delegate tasks appropriately to Junior Physiotherapists, assistants, carers and other professionals considering the complexity of the task and the skills and competence of that person.

26. To fully understand systems and procedures in place in your area of work to be able to implement them to contribute to the continuity and smooth running of the service. This may be in the absence of a more senior member of staff.

27. To effectively manage and prioritise your own workload within the time available including the prioritising of patients to be treated along with other commitments in the day (e.g. meetings). To be able to delegate or arrange cover when required. To assist other staff to prioritise their workload and adjust own/teams plans to accommodate changes in demand.

28. To efficiently manage a challenging caseload, demonstrating flexibility with varying levels of staff, varying complexity of patients and fluctuating numbers of patients on the caseload.

29. To be able to work efficiently in isolation for part of the working week, with telephone links only to more senior members of the Physiotherapy team (e.g GP practices, Outpatient departments).

Education and Research

30. To be an active participant in the Individual Performance Review (IPR) process. This includes prior preparation and being able to identify own learning needs and objectives.

31. To take responsibility for booking and attending mandatory training as specified in Trust policies and take action as required in the work place (e.g. basic life support, fire, manual handling).

32. To continue to develop specialist Physiotherapy skills in a specific clinical field.

33. To actively review the service you provide with an aim of promoting better patient care using audit, research, case studies and reflective practice.

34. To be responsible for own competence to practice by ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) and the recording of it in a reflective diary/portfolio. To maximise the learning opportunities available in order to support evidence based practice and influence clinical practice. Such CPD should include: Active participation by attending and presenting at departmental in-service-training, participating in supervision sessions with more Senior Physiotherapist, valuing experiential learning and formally reflecting on it and using a variety of information resources to support and facilitate evidence based practice e.g. library, Internet, external courses.