SHSCT Advanced Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Band 7

Job details

• Branch: Armagh & Dungannon area (SHSCT)
• Location: St Luke's Hosp-Longstone-Clover Day Ctr
• Directorate: HR & Corporate Services
• Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 26/05/26
• Closes: Tue, 09 June 2026 @ 4:00 PM
• Interview Dates: To be confirmed

Notes

Important Information If you are submitting a manual application, please post it to: Recruitment Shared Services, Rosewood Villa, Longstone Hospital Site, 73 Loughgall Road, Armagh, BT61 7PR. Applications received after the advertised closing date/time cannot be considered, so please allow enough time for postage. “A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.” Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner in Pelvic

Health /Continence Service SHSCT

BAND 7

DIRECTORATE Older People and Primary Care

INITIAL LOCATION Clover Building, St Lukes Site, Armagh

REPORTS TO Physiotherapy Clinical Lead for Pelvic Health

ACCOUNTABLE TO Head of Physiotherapy Services SHSCT

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will work as an advanced clinical specialist practitioner and take a lead role in the clinical management of complex conditions in the area of Pelvic Health – Women’s and Men’s Health/Continence Service. They will be responsible for ensuring and maintaining provision of a high quality, effective, specialised service and work with relevant referrers, managers, patients, user groups and clinicians to develop this service in line with organisational requirements and strategic objectives. They will represent Physiotherapy at Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) forums and also be responsible for ensuring this specialist service meets National, Regional, Professional and Multi-Disciplinary standards of care.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will assist the Physiotherapy Clinical Lead in the strategic and operational management and development of Pelvic Health services within the region and SHSCT.

The post holder will take a lead role in Advanced Physiotherapy assessment and treatment of Pelvic Conditions to include urinary and faecal disorders, pelvic pain and musculoskeletal conditions of pregnancy in the antenatal and post-partum period.

The post holder will determine clinical diagnosis and develop effective treatment plans, requesting clinical diagnostic tests and interpreting the results of clinical investigations to aid such diagnoses.

The post holder will develop links with other services within the Southern Trust under the guidance of the Physiotherapy Clinical Lead and Physiotherapy Head of Service in order to improve patient flow.

The post holder will be expected to advise, supervise (or delegate supervision as appropriate), and provide support for all bands of staff ensuring that all clinical practice is based on current research/evidence and generally assist in the CPD of all clinical staff working in pelvic clinic service.

The post holder will be expected to be responsible for the daily management, supervision and co-ordination of staff in the pelvic health team.

The post holder will be expected to implement policy and service development changes to the team’s working practices. They will initiate and implement changes to these working practices where this will result in improved outcomes.

They will be involved in developing protocols for the management of patients with pelvic health diagnoses and the development of individual and group treatment programmes.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will be expected to manage a range of complex conditions using highly specialist Physiotherapy knowledge and skills to assess, interpret clinical findings and offer a range of appropriate treatments/interventions to patients within the Physiotherapy Pelvic Health service.

Communicate directly with relevant consultants, and other Health Care Professionals, both verbally and in writing where concerns/issues are raised/arise regarding patient’s condition/diagnosis/prognosis. Provide and receive highly complex and/or sensitive information regarding patients presenting with complicated conditions in an empathetic and supportive manner.

They will be expected to maximise potential and motivate patients in implementing changes of lifestyle to assist in the management of their condition.

Communicate effectively with patients and carers to ensure understanding of their condition and gain informed consent (written and verbal as indicated) for clinical intervention. They will be expected to be supportive and explain clearly to patients the rationale for their treatment and expected outcomes, helping and motivating them to self- manage their symptoms.

The post holder will need to be able to handle distressing situations with empathy for the patient whilst empowering them to achieve their maximum potential outcome.

They must complete timely comprehensive records on assessment findings, investigations and Physiotherapy intervention on patients, with records being available for annual record audit.

Recommend and provide appropriate appliances, home treatment units etc in line with health and safety policies and guidelines including comprehensive education in self- treatment.

Provide clinical placement and supervision for Physiotherapy students.

Participate in and assist in the delivery of ‘out of hours’ services.

DEVELOPING AND SUPPORTING STAFF

Provide specialist advice, training and teaching appropriate to all bands of Physiotherapists to help further develop their assessment and clinical reasoning skills ensuring the use of best practice approaches.

To provide an advisory/educational service to other Physiotherapists across the Southern Trust as well as other members of the multi-disciplinary team on the management of complex cases.

Monitor, evaluate and review treatment programmes on a regular basis with other team members.

Assist in the development and the delivery of the clinical and social care governance agenda.

To actively participate in audit, evaluation of projects and research, related to patient pathways and care and to encourage other staff to do the same.

To be involved with development, implementation and quality assurance of clinical, uni-professional and multi-professional standards as required.

To participate in alternative learning methods, to ensure staff are up to date with current best practice, e.g. e-learning, CSP clinical interest groups.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT

To act as an Advanced Clinical Specialist within the defined area demonstrating advanced Physiotherapy knowledge/skills and clinical reasoning to deal with complex cases within the field of Pelvic Health conditions.

To carry a clinical caseload demonstrating advanced clinical skills in the autonomous management of all referrals including triage to the Physiotherapy Pelvic Health Service.

To be recognised as an expert clinician within the defined area of speciality using a wide range of highly specialised and effective treatment techniques and modalities.

Act as a resource to colleagues being recognised as a clinical expert providing advice on complex cases.

Act as a resource to Medical staff and other professionals regarding prioritisation criteria and appropriate referral to the service.

To provide a high standard of specialist care, using safe, effective and appropriate interventions in accordance with current research and professional guidelines.

Monitor, evaluate and review treatment programmes, patient outcomes, and clinical pathways with the other MD Team members.

Be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice and that of others in the team through CPD activities, and maintaining a portfolio, which reflects personal professional development (Life Long Learning).

To complete designated post graduate/masters, modules, clinical courses, study to ensure further development of diagnostic and clinical skills.

To become involved in any regional trials/ research into the management of Pelvic Health conditions.

To assist in the ongoing improvement of service provision in line with the SHSCT Clinical and Social Care Governance strategy including Health and Safely and Risk Assessment.

To communicate regularly with private, statutory and voluntary agencies, as appropriate.

To undertake relevant mandatory training as appropriate.

ACCOUNTING TO THE PUBLIC FOR SAFE SERVICES AND VALUE FOR MONEY

The post holder will adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standards and Professional Conduct of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. They will maintain State Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

To adhere to the Policies and Procedures of both the SHSCT and Physiotherapy Services.

To ensure provision and collation of accurate Physiotherapy statistics and evidence of impact of the profession/trust services.

Continuously update personal clinical skills/knowledge, providing a high standard of care, using safe, effective and evidence based techniques in accordance with current research/guidelines ensuring updating of practice accordingly.

To inform the Physiotherapy Clinical Lead of issues pertinent to the quality of the Pelvic Health Service.

To identify risks within the Physiotherapy Team, and within the wider multi-disciplinary team. To propose solutions and provide input to the development of policies, and implement those policies to minimise risks.

To take responsibility for the monitoring of safe work-practices implementing and reviewing safe use and maintenance of equipment and technology used by the physiotherapy staff and report and record any defects in equipment or accidents/incidents as per trust policy.

Assist the Physiotherapy Clinical Lead in monitoring and evaluating equipment/IT needs and to take responsibility for recommending, selecting and ordering and maintaining stock.

Use resources effectively in the provision of aids and appliances in line with Physiotherapy policies and guidelines.

CHANGE THROUGH PARTNERSHIP

Develop and sustain good working relationships with General Practitioners, Hospital Consultants and other professional groups referring to the Physiotherapy Services in SHSCT.

To review, develop and implement standards and local policies in line with national guidelines, professional documents, evidence based practice and current research.

Be aware of the changing needs of patients, clients, population health and commissioners.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Reviews individually, at least annually, the performance of immediately subordinate staff, provides guidance on personal development requirements and advises on and initiates, where appropriate, further training.

2. Maintain staff relationships and morale amongst the staff reporting to him/her.

3. Review the organisational plan and establishment level of the service for which he/she is responsible to ensure that each is consistent with achieving objectives, and recommend change where appropriate.

4. Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to the level of staff within his/her control consistent with effective decision making, while retaining overall responsibility and accountability for results.

5. Participate, as required, in the selection and appointment of staff reporting to him/her in accordance with procedures laid down by the Trust.

6. Take such action as may be necessary in disciplinary matters in accordance with procedures laid down by the Trust.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trust supports and promotes a culture of collective leadership where those who have responsibility for managing other staff:

Establish and promote a supportive, fair and open culture that encourages and enables all parts of the team to have clearly aligned goals and objectives, to meet the required performance standards and to achieve continuous improvement in the services they deliver.

Ensure access to skills and personal development through appropriate training and support.

Promote a culture of openness and honesty to enable shared learning.

Encourage and empower others in their team to achieve their goals and reach their full potential through regular supportive conversation and shared decision making.

Adhere to and promote Trust policy and procedure in all staffing matters, participating as appropriate in a way which underpins Trust values.

RAISING CONCERNS – RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency.

The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

The post holder will, in the event of a concern being raised with them, ensure that it is managed correctly under the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and ensure feedback/learning is communicated at individual, team and organisational level.

PERSONAL AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES (PPI)

Lead on and be responsible for the co-ordination of the Trust’s PPI Strategy within the Division or other sphere of responsibility. This will include supporting active engagement with user groups and the voluntary and independent sectors in the design and delivery of services.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The post holder will be required to

1. Ensure the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.

2. Co-operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.

3. Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example

• Smoke Free policy

• IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct

• standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour

4. Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.

5. Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.

6. All employees of the Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Trust including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the Southern Health & Social Care Trust policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.

7. Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.

8. Represent the Trust’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.

This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within the Trust's area, as needs of the service demand.

March 2026

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE AND BAND Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner in Pelvic Health/ Continence Service SHSCT

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE Adult Community Services

SALARY Band 7

HOURS 15hrs

Ref No: <to be inserted by HR March 2026

Notes to applicants

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Minimum of 5 years post graduate NHS or equivalent clinical experience, with at least 3 years’ experience at Band 6/Specialist Physiotherapist.

Have a minimum of 9 months post-qualification clinical experience at Band 6 or above in assessing and treating patients with pelvic health conditions Experience of staff management e.g. supervision, mentoring.

Experience of service development or project management.

Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/ Registration

BSc Degree/Diploma in Physiotherapy

Registered with Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities

Completion of a minimum of two post -graduate courses relevant to the management of MSK and Pelvic Health/Continence.

Completion of relevant MSc modules or willing to complete.

Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) including excellent interpersonal skills.

Interview

Knowledge

Interview

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

SECTION 3: these will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Experience of providing post graduate training to Physiotherapists/other Health Care Professionals in the management of pelvic conditions.

Involvement in Research and Service Development Projects.

Experience of developing protocols/clinical care pathways.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications

Shortlisting by Application Form

Notes to applicants

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role. The competencies concerned are set out in the NHS Healthcare Leadership Model, details of which can be found at http://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/resources/healthcare-leadership-model. Particular attention will be given to the following dimensions:

Inspiring shared purpose

Leading with care

Evaluating information

Connecting our service

Sharing the vision

Engaging the team

Holding to account

Developing capability

Influencing for results.

As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for the Trust to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.

Successful applicants may be required to attend for a Health Assessment

THE TRUST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times