B7 Specialist Orthotist

Somerset Nhs Foundation Trust; England; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Blue Light Card and NHS perks

Job summary

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Band 7 Specialist Orthotist to lead the orthotics diabetic service across Yeovil and community settings. The role includes clinical leadership, service development and MDT participation. Band 6 options exist for those with potential to develop specialist diabetes expertise.

The post requires confident handling of highly complex cases with a focus on service strengthening as the team expands. Somerset travel and flexible working are expected.

Qualifications

• Specialist Orthotist with experience in diabetes care and complex cases.
• Experience leading MDTs and service improvement projects.
• UK registration as an Orthotist is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist assessment and treatment for a wide range of orthotics patients, with a focus on a Diabetic caseload across acute and community sites.
• Lead service improvement projects for the Orthotics Service.
• Offer advisory support to patients, carers, other healthcare professionals and the primary care team.

Job description

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated and experienced Orthotist to join our growing team in Somerset.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Band 7 Specialist Orthotist, with a particular focus on leading the Orthotics diabetic service and associated pathways across Yeovil and the community. The post will suit an Orthotist with substantial experience in managing complex clinical presentations, especially for patients with diabetes.

Applicants who demonstrate strong clinical capability but do not yet meet the specialist diabetes requirements of the Band 7 post may be considered for a Band 6 Orthotist role. The Band 6 position will focus on delivering high-quality orthotic care across a varied and complex caseload, with opportunities to further develop clinical expertise, service development and leadership skills.

You will be joining a supportive and developing team, working as part of MDTs and with a varied caseload across acute and community settings. The role spans all pillars of practice including leadership, education, line management responsibility and service development.

We are looking for someone who is confident working with highly complex cases and who is keen to help shape and strengthen the service as it continues to grow.

Somerset County-wide travel, including ward cover, is essential. Flexible and part‑time working applications are welcomed.

Main duties of the job

• Provide specialist advice regarding the assessment, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of patients (including highly complex) referred to the Orthotics service, with a particular focus on a Diabetic caseload. This will involve holding clinics on acute and community sites.
• Participate in and lead service improvement projects relating to the Orthotics Service.
• Provide an advisory service to patients, carers, other health care professionals and the primary healthcare team including GPs.
• Be responsible for the safe and correct use of equipment within the department, implementing regulatory guidance.
• Provide clinical supervision, support and training to learners, peers and members of the Orthotics team.
• Have line management responsibility for members of the Orthotics team.
• Lead the Orthotics Diabetic service and associated pathways for the East of the County, including weekly participation in MDT.

Pay scheme

Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £49,397 to £56,515 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Closing date: 05 November 2026

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS‑specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

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.

Contact: Nina Darke, Head of Orthotics, [e-mail], 01935384380