Advanced Practitioner Hand & Plastics

Job summary

We need a Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist to help make a real difference in specialist hand trauma and rehabilitation.

Are you an experienced Hand Therapist looking for an opportunity to work at an advanced level within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team? We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled clinician to play a leading role in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of patients with acute hand trauma and complex hand conditions.

The role requires a minimum of 27 hours worked over 3 days per week, with the option to work up to 33.5 hours worked over 4 days per week. Availability on both Monday and Friday is essential.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking service where you will work alongside Plastic Surgeons, Therapists, Emergency Department teams and wider multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver exceptional patient care and shape future service development.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and forward-thinking clinician who can demonstrate:

• Significant post-registration experience in hand therapy and upper limb rehabilitation
• Work
• Advanced assessment, diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills
• Experience managing complex and acute hand trauma patients
• The ability to work autonomously whilst recognising the limits of professional scope of practice
• Excellent communication and multidisciplinary working skills
• A commitment to evidence-based practice, continuous learning and service improvement.

Main duties of the job

As an Advanced Hand Therapist, you will provide expert assessment and management of patients referred to the Hand Therapy Service, taking a key role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care across the patient pathway.

You will independently assess patients, establish clinical diagnoses, formulate advanced management plans and determine the most appropriate treatment pathway based on patient need, clinical urgency and complexity. Working within an agreed competency framework, you will utilise advanced clinical reasoning skills to ensure patients receive timely, effective and person-centred care.

The role offers the opportunity to work at an advanced level, including:

• Assessment and management of complex hand trauma and upper limb conditions
• Advanced clinical decision-making and diagnosis
• Interpretation of diagnostic imaging, blood tests and neurophysiology investigations
• Requesting and progressing investigations to support diagnosis and treatment planning
• Non-Medical Prescribing (where qualified and appropriate)
• Discussing surgical options with patients and supporting surgical decision-making within agreed competencies
• Leading the acute hand trauma pathway for patients referred through Emergency Department and Plastic Surgery services
• Delivering follow-up care and specialist rehabilitation to maximise patient outcomes

Leadership and Service Development

This position offers the opportunity to influence and shape specialist hand therapy services.

About us

We are an acute trust caring for over one million people in Wakefield and Kirklees. Our 10,000 staff members work in patients homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield). Committed to continuous improvement, we prioritise our people and values so we can deliver excellent patient experience. Our team is friendly, passionate and always seeking better ways to work through research and innovation.

We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Our staff networks offer safe spaces for honest conversations and to share ideas, thoughts and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

As a member of the team, you will have access to the NHS pension plan, a generous holiday allowance, employee health and wellbeing services and extensive benefits and support. These include onsite nurseries, childcare vouchers, home electronics schemes, working carers support, carer-friendly policies, and more.

If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day.

Details

• Date posted: 20 July 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 8a
• Salary: £57,528 to £64,750 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Part-time
• Reference number: 001457
• Job locations: Trustwide UK, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 4DG, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Degree in relevant therapy profession or equivalent and registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) Educated to Master’s degree level in advanced clinical practice or equivalent level of experience in a specialist area including having relevant Master’s modules.

All health and care professionals working at the advanced practice level are expected to have developed the knowledge, understanding and skills required to meet all the capabilities outlined in the Advanced Practice framework. These capabilities define a consistent standard of practice across professions, roles and settings, ensuring uniformity and fostering confidence in the development and deployment of the advanced practice workforce.

The expected capabilities are organised under 4 pillars:

• Clinical practice
• Leadership and management
• Education
• Research

There is an expectation to achieve The Centre of Advancing Practice Digital Badge if not obtained already.

Desirable

Independent prescriber (if applicable to profession or willingness to complete)

Management/leadership course

Research qualification

Injection therapy qualification or willingness to complete.