Job overview
We are seeking an experienced physiotherapist for an enhanced level post with advanced clinic diagnostic practice. This post will cover a maternity leave and you will join our integrated advanced practitioner service and therapy team. The role responsibilities include Specialist Triage for orthopaedic and MSK referrals, offering advanced clinical diagnosis, prevention and supported self-management advice, early treatment and referral as required. Multi-disciplinary working alongside our consultants in orthopaedics and pain medicine supports delivery through collaborative clinical pathways. Our job planned service supports working across the four pillars of practice.
Main duties of the job
You will have a broad musculoskeletal capability, integrating advanced clinical reasoning and autonomy in diagnosing and managing patients. You will use a patient-centred approach to deliver high quality, best MSK health management approach for our patients. You will have had experienced working in an enhanced or advanced role, demonstrating a progressive mind set and a clear sense of direction regarding personal and service development is important. You would be a resource for supporting development of other health professionals and less experienced staff and contribute to our training programme.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To work as an autonomous and independent specialist practitioner, working with the responsibility for assessing and directing the management of patients with musculoskeletal problems referred to the community MSK interface service.
To deliver therapeutic intervention, acting as a highly specialist clinician in MSK Outpatients and the community MSK interface service, by using the principles of Physiotherapy in an integrated and client-centred way.
To work utilising highly specialist theoretical knowledge, clinical experience and advanced clinical reasoning to provide comprehensive patient management. This will include patients with diverse or complex presentations/multi-co-mobilities and those referred from other therapists and health care professionals for a second opinion/advice on further management.
To request investigations, where trained and competent, and to utilise the reports in diagnostic reasoning and to contribute to the medical diagnosis and management.
To provide clinical expertise, education, support and guidance for therapy staff.
To promote effective communication with therapy, consultant, nursing and other healthcare staff in order to agree an inter-professional approach to patient management and ensure equity of care.
To support the operational delivery of the out of hours service at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital or Cheltenham General Hospital.
To assume responsibility for personal development and ensure other team members are supported for development and supervision by continuing professional development, linked to appraisal
To communicate effectively with patients and carers potentially complex, sensitive or distressing information; in order to provide patient centred care, to encourage self-management, maximise rehabilitation potential and to ensure understanding of the condition. Patients may have communication, perceptual or cognitive/understanding difficulties.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Expert clinical reasoning skills with the ability to provide highly specialised and expert clinical advice to colleagues and other healthcare professionals
- Evidence of a biopsychosocial, patient centred approach to management.
- The ability to inspire, influence, persuade and negotiate at all levels
- The ability to manage change and conflict to ensure resolutions with positive outcomes
- Completion of or show positive interest in non-medical prescribing training and/or injection therapy.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Proven negotiation/communication skills
Experience
Essential
- Relevant specialist experience in the musculoskeletal field and proven leadership experience in previous roles
- Experience of providing education and supervision to staff and students
- Evidence of Continued CPD, including evidence of reflective practice, service evaluation and utilisation of best practice
- Experience of working in the NHS in the UK
Desirable
- Experience of working in an enhanced practice level role
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in Physiotherapy and HCPC registration
- Completed or working towards completion of relevant post-graduate study
- Experience of working at a senior level in this specialist area
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Well-developed leadership and motivational skills alongside team building and team working skills.
- The ability to react in a flexible way to changing demands in service delivery, both operationally and strategically.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Specialist (Enhanced level) Physiotherapist, Band 7 with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Cheltenham, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Physiotherapist role. The advertised salary is £49,387 - £56,515 (pa, pro rata if part-time). The contract type is 12 months (Fixed Term). The application deadline is 30 Jun 2026.
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