MSK Physiotherapist

We are looking for two dynamic

and highly skilled Advanced MSK Physiotherapists (Band 7) to join our friendly,

supportive and successful CDIMS MSK team at County Durham and Darlington NHS

Foundation Trust (CDDFT), one of the largest integrated healthcare trusts in

the country.

The posts will be based within

the Adult Physiotherapy Service, providing specialist assessment and management

for patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

As part of our established MSK

team, you will deliver expert clinical care for patients with complex

presentations, using advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.

You will also act as a source of clinical expertise, supporting colleagues and

contributing to the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care.

Our integrated MSK service

comprises Upper and Lower Limb, Spinal, A&E, Hand and Rheumatology Extended

Scope Practitioner (ESP) services, alongside junior, senior and advanced

physiotherapists. This provides a strong clinical environment with established

training, supervision and peer support.

The successful candidates will

have opportunities to develop their clinical and leadership skills, working

collaboratively with experienced colleagues and ESP physiotherapists. We are

committed to supporting professional development, with CPD opportunities

tailored to individual interests, service needs and career aspirations.

One post is

permanent, and the second is offered on a fixed-term basis until 13 September

2027

Main duties of the job

You will work as part of an established team delivering a

comprehensive service across our MSK pathways. You will be responsible for the

advanced assessment and management of patients with a wide range of

musculoskeletal conditions, including those with long-term conditions,

comorbidities and complex needs, referred from primary and secondary care.

You will provide day-to-day clinical leadership, supporting

junior and senior physiotherapists through training, education, mentorship,

clinical supervision and appraisal. You will contribute to service evaluation,

clinical audit and quality improvement, helping to drive innovation and service

transformation. You will also support research and the development of

professional practice to ensure safe, effective and evidence-based care.

Working collaboratively with colleagues, including First

Contact Practitioners (FCPs), Extended Scope Practitioners (ESPs) and the

Governance and Operational teams, you will contribute to pathway development

and service improvement.

Our CDDFT MSK team offers a supportive environment with

opportunities for personal and professional development, clinical supervision

and career progression. We are committed to staff wellbeing through agile

working, ongoing learning and established support networks.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

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AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of

success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Please note that we may close any vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Details

Date posted

13 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £58,515 a year

per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

1 years

Working pattern

Full-time,

Part-time

Reference number

C9439-2627-RP-N573

Job locations

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

DURHAM

DH1 5TW

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

You will use your advanced clinical knowledge, specialist

skills and clinical reasoning to assess, diagnose and manage a wide range of

musculoskeletal conditions, delivering individualised, evidence-based treatment

programmes tailored to patients needs. You will take clinical responsibility

for a designated caseload, ensuring effective organisation and prioritisation

of patients according to clinical urgency, complexity and need, while making

best use of available clinical time and resources. An injection therapy

qualification would be advantageous; however, opportunities may be available to

develop this skill as part of your ongoing professional development if you are

not already qualified.

As part of our established integrated MSK team, you will

have access to specialist clinical advice and support from Extended Scope

Practitioners (ESPs) across upper limb, lower limb, spinal, trauma, hand,

rheumatology and women's health services. You will work collaboratively with

colleagues to discuss complex cases, support clinical decision-making and

ensure patients receive appropriate, timely and effective care. Clinical

support is also available from Band 8a ESP colleagues, including the opportunity

to discuss the need for diagnostic imaging and facilitate appropriate referrals

following clinical discussion. You will also work closely with the Governance

and Operational teams to support safe, effective and responsive service

delivery.

You will contribute to the clinical leadership and

development of the wider physiotherapy team, supporting junior colleagues and

students through clinical supervision, mentorship, appropriate delegation and

the monitoring of clinical practice. You will be expected to provide shadowing

opportunities for students and staff where appropriate, promoting knowledge

sharing and the development of clinical skills across the service. Full student

supervision and mentorship training can be supported through local universities

where required, with additional on-site guidance available to help you become

familiar with local procedures and expectations.

We are committed to supporting your ongoing clinical and

professional development. You will have a named supervisor who will work with

you to develop and review your personal development plan, support your

appraisal and identify opportunities aligned with your individual learning

needs and career aspirations. Protected clinical supervision time is provided

by CDDFT, with sessions led by the supervisee to ensure discussions are

relevant to your development, clinical practice and wellbeing. Pastoral support

is also available through this framework, with alternative arrangements

considered where appropriate to meet individual circumstances.

A range of shadowing and training opportunities is

available across the service, including learning alongside consultants,

A&E, plastics and specialist physiotherapy teams. These opportunities can

be incorporated into your personal development plan to broaden your clinical

experience, strengthen specialist knowledge and support progression towards

your professional goals. The department also provides regular in-service

training, access to e-Learning for Health and opportunities to attend external

courses through available CPD budgets.

You will have access to our developing CDIMS physiotherapy

intranet, which provides a comprehensive resource of local MSK pathways,

clinical protocols, guidance and evidence-based patient information leaflets to

support consistent, high-quality clinical practice.

The post holder can be considered for injection therapy as

a development opportunity (if not already qualified)

Many CDIMS band 7 physiotherapists & FCPs have

injection skills and are available for case discussions.

The Post holders named supervisor will support your

personal development plan and the appraisal framework. CDDFT support protected

supervision time which is led by the supervisee for your individual needs.

Pastoral support is also provided within this structure, or alternative

arrangement can be made to suit personal circumstances.

Shadowing and training are available throughout the full

service with consultants, A&E, plastics, FCPs in GP practices, ESPs in all

specialities. This is arranged within your personal development plan. The department

runs In-service training sessions together with access to learning on e-Learning

for health.

CDIMS use SystmOne for clinical note keeping - training can

be provided to suit individual needs.

CDDFT provide a full induction program which includes

mandatory training together with a local physiotherapy induction tailored to

your needs. Training will also be provided with all CDDFT ICT programs as

required. The post holder will be provided with a laptop.

The post holder will have opportunities to develop

leadership skills. We promote all staff to be involved with quality improvement

projects and promotes future career opportunities. New ideas are always welcome

to promote efficiency and quality for our patients at CDDFT.

The department has a track record for staff wellbeing

support following all local CDDFT guidance.

The post holder will have access to a well-being hub which

includes support telephone numbers and you can be invited to the North East NHS

outdoor wellbeing group.

The NENC ICS also

provide a wellbeing hub which all our staff have access to, which provides

various proactive help and support solutions depending on needs.

Job responsibilities

You will use your advanced clinical knowledge, specialist

skills and clinical reasoning to assess, diagnose and manage a wide range of

musculoskeletal conditions, delivering individualised, evidence-based treatment

programmes tailored to patients needs. You will take clinical responsibility

for a designated caseload, ensuring effective organisation and prioritisation

of patients according to clinical urgency, complexity and need, while making

best use of available clinical time and resources. An injection therapy

qualification would be advantageous; however, opportunities may be available to

develop this skill as part of your ongoing professional development if you are

not already qualified.

As part of our established integrated MSK team, you will

have access to specialist clinical advice and support from Extended Scope

Practitioners (ESPs) across upper limb, lower limb, spinal, trauma, hand,

rheumatology and women's health services. You will work collaboratively with

colleagues to discuss complex cases, support clinical decision-making and

ensure patients receive appropriate, timely and effective care. Clinical

support is also available from Band 8a ESP colleagues, including the opportunity

to discuss the need for diagnostic imaging and facilitate appropriate referrals

following clinical discussion. You will also work closely with the Governance

and Operational teams to support safe, effective and responsive service

delivery.

You will contribute to the clinical leadership and

development of the wider physiotherapy team, supporting junior colleagues and

students through clinical supervision, mentorship, appropriate delegation and

the monitoring of clinical practice. You will be expected to provide shadowing

opportunities for students and staff where appropriate, promoting knowledge

sharing and the development of clinical skills across the service. Full student

supervision and mentorship training can be supported through local universities

where required, with additional on-site guidance available to help you become

familiar with local procedures and expectations.

We are committed to supporting your ongoing clinical and

professional development. You will have a named supervisor who will work with

you to develop and review your personal development plan, support your

appraisal and identify opportunities aligned with your individual learning

needs and career aspirations. Protected clinical supervision time is provided

by CDDFT, with sessions led by the supervisee to ensure discussions are

relevant to your development, clinical practice and wellbeing. Pastoral support

is also available through this framework, with alternative arrangements

considered where appropriate to meet individual circumstances.

A range of shadowing and training opportunities is

available across the service, including learning alongside consultants,

A&E, plastics and specialist physiotherapy teams. These opportunities can

be incorporated into your personal development plan to broaden your clinical

experience, strengthen specialist knowledge and support progression towards

your professional goals. The department also provides regular in-service

training, access to e-Learning for Health and opportunities to attend external

courses through available CPD budgets.

You will have access to our developing CDIMS physiotherapy

intranet, which provides a comprehensive resource of local MSK pathways,

clinical protocols, guidance and evidence-based patient information leaflets to

support consistent, high-quality clinical practice.

The post holder can be considered for injection therapy as

a development opportunity (if not already qualified)

Many CDIMS band 7 physiotherapists & FCPs have

injection skills and are available for case discussions.

The Post holders named supervisor will support your

personal development plan and the appraisal framework. CDDFT support protected

supervision time which is led by the supervisee for your individual needs.

Pastoral support is also provided within this structure, or alternative

arrangement can be made to suit personal circumstances.

Shadowing and training are available throughout the full

service with consultants, A&E, plastics, FCPs in GP practices, ESPs in all

specialities. This is arranged within your personal development plan. The department

runs In-service training sessions together with access to learning on e-Learning

for health.

CDIMS use SystmOne for clinical note keeping - training can

be provided to suit individual needs.

CDDFT provide a full induction program which includes

mandatory training together with a local physiotherapy induction tailored to

your needs. Training will also be provided with all CDDFT ICT programs as

required. The post holder will be provided with a laptop.

The post holder will have opportunities to develop

leadership skills. We promote all staff to be involved with quality improvement

projects and promotes future career opportunities. New ideas are always welcome

to promote efficiency and quality for our patients at CDDFT.

The department has a track record for staff wellbeing

support following all local CDDFT guidance.

The post holder will have access to a well-being hub which

includes support telephone numbers and you can be invited to the North East NHS

outdoor wellbeing group.

The NENC ICS also

provide a wellbeing hub which all our staff have access to, which provides

various proactive help and support solutions depending on needs.

Person Specification

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based practice and current research relevant to the management of MSK conditions.
• Understanding of professional, legal and ethical responsibilities within physiotherapy practice.
• Advanced clinical reasoning skills, including the ability to identify red flags and make appropriate decisions regarding management and onward referral.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively, including management of waiting list pressures and service demands.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competent use of IT systems relevant to clinical practice, including electronic patient records and digital systems used to support patient care and service delivery.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of advanced MSK practice, including advancing practice framework.
• Knowledge of current developments and emerging evidence in MSK practice and their application to clinical practice.
• Ability to use clinical and service information to support audit, quality improvement and service development.
• Ability to deliver clinical education, presentations and training to a range of audiences.
• Experience of using digital systems and data to support service improvement and the management of patient pathways

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuing professional development, including reflective practice and postgraduate training to modular Masters/Level 7 or equivalent level

Desirable

• Recognised relevant postgraduate academic qualification relating to MSK physiotherapy.
• Postgraduate training in injection therapy at MSc/Level 7 or equivalent level

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Able to travel independently to fulfil duties of this post

Statutory Registration

Essential

• HCPC

Desirable

• CSP

Experience

Essential

• Extensive post-registration experience in MSK physiotherapy, including autonomous management of a broad range of MSK presentations.
• Experience of advanced clinical assessment, clinical reasoning, diagnosis and management of MSK presentations.
• Experience of managing complex MSK presentations, including consideration of pain and neurological presentations.
• Experience of working effectively within a multidisciplinary team and implementing change.
• Evidence of effective communication across a range of clinical and professional settings

Desirable

• Experience of working at an advanced practitioner level role within an MSK service.
• Experience of supporting, supervising and developing other staff.
• Experience of clinical audit, service evaluation, quality improvement and/or service development

Person Specification

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based practice and current research relevant to the management of MSK conditions.
• Understanding of professional, legal and ethical responsibilities within physiotherapy practice.
• Advanced clinical reasoning skills, including the ability to identify red flags and make appropriate decisions regarding management and onward referral.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively, including management of waiting list pressures and service demands.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competent use of IT systems relevant to clinical practice, including electronic patient records and digital systems used to support patient care and service delivery.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of advanced MSK practice, including advancing practice framework.
• Knowledge of current developments and emerging evidence in MSK practice and their application to clinical practice.
• Ability to use clinical and service information to support audit, quality improvement and service development.
• Ability to deliver clinical education, presentations and training to a range of audiences.
• Experience of using digital systems and data to support service improvement and the management of patient pathways

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuing professional development, including reflective practice and postgraduate training to modular Masters/Level 7 or equivalent level

Desirable

• Recognised relevant postgraduate academic qualification relating to MSK physiotherapy.
• Postgraduate training in injection therapy at MSc/Level 7 or equivalent level

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Able to travel independently to fulfil duties of this post

Statutory Registration

Essential

• HCPC

Desirable

• CSP

Experience

Essential

• Extensive post-registration experience in MSK physiotherapy, including autonomous management of a broad range of MSK presentations.
• Experience of advanced clinical assessment, clinical reasoning, diagnosis and management of MSK presentations.
• Experience of managing complex MSK presentations, including consideration of pain and neurological presentations.
• Experience of working effectively within a multidisciplinary team and implementing change.
• Evidence of effective communication across a range of clinical and professional settings

Desirable

• Experience of working at an advanced practitioner level role within an MSK service.
• Experience of supporting, supervising and developing other staff.
• Experience of clinical audit, service evaluation, quality improvement and/or service development

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

NHS Careers website .

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

NHS Careers website .

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

DURHAM

DH1 5TW

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

University Hospital Of North Durham

North Road

DURHAM

DH1 5TW

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job responsibilities

You will use your advanced clinical knowledge, specialist

skills and clinical reasoning to assess, diagnose and manage a wide range of

musculoskeletal conditions, delivering individualised, evidence-based treatment

programmes tailored to patients needs. You will take clinical responsibility

for a designated caseload, ensuring effective organisation and prioritisation

of patients according to clinical urgency, complexity and need, while making

best use of available clinical time and resources. An injection therapy

qualification would be advantageous; however, opportunities may be available to

develop this skill as part of your ongoing professional development if you are

not already qualified.

As part of our established integrated MSK team, you will

have access to specialist clinical advice and support from Extended Scope

Practitioners (ESPs) across upper limb, lower limb, spinal, trauma, hand,

rheumatology and women's health services. You will work collaboratively with

colleagues to discuss complex cases, support clinical decision-making and

ensure patients receive appropriate, timely and effective care. Clinical

support is also available from Band 8a ESP colleagues, including the opportunity

to discuss the need for diagnostic imaging and facilitate appropriate referrals

following clinical discussion. You will also work closely with the Governance

and Operational teams to support safe, effective and responsive service

delivery.

You will contribute to the clinical leadership and

development of the wider physiotherapy team, supporting junior colleagues and

students through clinical supervision, mentorship, appropriate delegation and

the monitoring of clinical practice. You will be expected to provide shadowing

opportunities for students and staff where appropriate, promoting knowledge

sharing and the development of clinical skills across the service. Full student

supervision and mentorship training can be supported through local universities

where required, with additional on-site guidance available to help you become

familiar with local procedures and expectations.

We are committed to supporting your ongoing clinical and

professional development. You will have a named supervisor who will work with

you to develop and review your personal development plan, support your

appraisal and identify opportunities aligned with your individual learning

needs and career aspirations. Protected clinical supervision time is provided

by CDDFT, with sessions led by the supervisee to ensure discussions are

relevant to your development, clinical practice and wellbeing. Pastoral support

is also available through this framework, with alternative arrangements

considered where appropriate to meet individual circumstances.

A range of shadowing and training opportunities is

available across the service, including learning alongside consultants,

A&E, plastics and specialist physiotherapy teams. These opportunities can

be incorporated into your personal development plan to broaden your clinical

experience, strengthen specialist knowledge and support progression towards

your professional goals. The department also provides regular in-service

training, access to e-Learning for Health and opportunities to attend external

courses through available CPD budgets.

You will have access to our developing CDIMS physiotherapy

intranet, which provides a comprehensive resource of local MSK pathways,

clinical protocols, guidance and evidence-based patient information leaflets to

support consistent, high-quality clinical practice.

The post holder can be considered for injection therapy as

a development opportunity (if not already qualified)

Many CDIMS band 7 physiotherapists & FCPs have

injection skills and are available for case discussions.

The Post holders named supervisor will support your

personal development plan and the appraisal framework. CDDFT support protected

supervision time which is led by the supervisee for your individual needs.

Pastoral support is also provided within this structure, or alternative

arrangement can be made to suit personal circumstances.

Shadowing and training are available throughout the full

service with consultants, A&E, plastics, FCPs in GP practices, ESPs in all

specialities. This is arranged within your personal development plan. The department

runs In-service training sessions together with access to learning on e-Learning

for health.

CDIMS use SystmOne for clinical note keeping - training can

be provided to suit individual needs.

CDDFT provide a full induction program which includes

mandatory training together with a local physiotherapy induction tailored to

your needs. Training will also be provided with all CDDFT ICT programs as

required. The post holder will be provided with a laptop.

The post holder will have opportunities to develop

leadership skills. We promote all staff to be involved with quality improvement

projects and promotes future career opportunities. New ideas are always welcome

to promote efficiency and quality for our patients at CDDFT.

The department has a track record for staff wellbeing

support following all local CDDFT guidance.

The post holder will have access to a well-being hub which

includes support telephone numbers and you can be invited to the North East NHS

outdoor wellbeing group.

The NENC ICS also

provide a wellbeing hub which all our staff have access to, which provides

various proactive help and support solutions depending on needs.

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based practice and current research relevant to the management of MSK conditions.
• Understanding of professional, legal and ethical responsibilities within physiotherapy practice.
• Advanced clinical reasoning skills, including the ability to identify red flags and make appropriate decisions regarding management and onward referral.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively, including management of waiting list pressures and service demands.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competent use of IT systems relevant to clinical practice, including electronic patient records and digital systems used to support patient care and service delivery.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of advanced MSK practice, including advancing practice framework.
• Knowledge of current developments and emerging evidence in MSK practice and their application to clinical practice.
• Ability to use clinical and service information to support audit, quality improvement and service development.
• Ability to deliver clinical education, presentations and training to a range of audiences.
• Experience of using digital systems and data to support service improvement and the management of patient pathways

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuing professional development, including reflective practice and postgraduate training to modular Masters/Level 7 or equivalent level

Desirable

• Recognised relevant postgraduate academic qualification relating to MSK physiotherapy.
• Postgraduate training in injection therapy at MSc/Level 7 or equivalent level

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Able to travel independently to fulfil duties of this post

Statutory Registration

Essential

• HCPC

Desirable

• CSP

Experience

Essential

• Extensive post-registration experience in MSK physiotherapy, including autonomous management of a broad range of MSK presentations.
• Experience of advanced clinical assessment, clinical reasoning, diagnosis and management of MSK presentations.
• Experience of managing complex MSK presentations, including consideration of pain and neurological presentations.
• Experience of working effectively within a multidisciplinary team and implementing change.
• Evidence of effective communication across a range of clinical and professional settings

Desirable

• Experience of working at an advanced practitioner level role within an MSK service.
• Experience of supporting, supervising and developing other staff.
• Experience of clinical audit, service evaluation, quality improvement and/or service development