band 5 Rotational Physiotherapist

EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the UK is seeking an experienced physiotherapist for an autonomous role. You will assess and manage patients, liaising with multidisciplinary teams, and maintaining records. Qualifications include a degree in physiotherapy, HCP registration, and effective communication skills. The role involves rota participation and offers experience across multiple clinical areas, including acute medicine and rehabilitation. Commitment to continuous professional development is essential, and the position may involve physical labor and challenging environments.

Benefits

Comprehensive training programs

Supportive working environment

Equal opportunities employer

Qualifications

• Ability to work autonomously and independently.
• Experience in musculoskeletal, community, and acute physiotherapy settings.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex information.

Responsibilities

• Work autonomously in the assessment and management of patients.
• Communicate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Maintain clinical records as per professional standards.

Skills

Autonomy

Effective communication

Time-management

Clinical reasoning

Teamwork

Education

Diploma or Degree in Physiotherapy

Health Professional Council registration

Membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Tools

Office 365

Job description

Role Overview

You will be expected to work as an autonomous practitioner in the assessment and management of patients, liaise with colleagues and other professionals, and demonstrate effective time‑management skills. Clear clinical reasoning and the ability to explain decisions and actions are essential, as are evidence of recent learning and continued professional development. You should embody the six key elements of Care, Compassion, Courage, Competence, Communication, and Commitment, and support Trust, Divisional and Departmental objectives. The post holder will work on a 7‑day rota with extended hours from 08.00 to 20.00 and participate in on‑call duties supported by postgraduate training and a buddy system. It is essential that you are a car driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes and indicate this in your application.

Responsibilities

• Work autonomously in the assessment and management of patients.
• Maintain adequate records of assessment, treatment and progress.
• Organise the clinical caseload efficiently within a defined area of the service or a specific patient type, with continuing support from a Senior Physiotherapist.
• Communicate effectively and collaborate with medical, nursing, therapy, social services staff and others to ensure a coordinated multi‑disciplinary approach and maintain good working relationships.
• Contribute towards the physiotherapy service objectives in providing quality patient care and maintaining physiotherapy standards.
• Maintain and develop clinical and professional knowledge and skills in line with HCPC standards and with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
• Actively participate in the in‑service training programme, keep up to date with core mandatory training, maintain a CPD portfolio and, where appropriate, facilitate teaching commitments.
• Facilitate the education of physiotherapy students.
• Participate in research activities such as journal clubs, evidence‑based practice and clinical audit.
• Ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional standards and organisational guidance.
• Supervise assistants and technical instructors working with the team.
• Assist with the induction of new staff.
• Participate as an autonomous practitioner in the emergency on‑call rota and weekend working across services where required.
• Participate in the staff appraisal scheme and personal development plans.
• Pro‑actively participate in the development of the clinical governance framework linking national and Trust guidelines to the team’s objectives and personal practice.
• Carry out assessments and treatments of medical and neurological conditions with frequent moderate physical effort.
• Deal sensitively with patients who have high levels of anxiety and aggression, or who struggle to accept their disabilities, requiring extremely low motivation and compliance.
• Work in an environment that may involve frequent daily exposure to unpleasant conditions such as bodily fluids and occasional verbal or physical aggression.
• With guidance from Senior Physiotherapists, communicate complex or sensitive information appropriately to clients, relatives, carers and multi‑agency professionals.
• Use a range of techniques to overcome barriers to communication.
• Handle challenging situations including verbal aggression or distress from patients, carers and relatives, and manage complaints sensitively by directing them to the appropriate person within the team.
• Promote and educate others regarding the role of physiotherapy and the importance of health and well‑being.
• Have basic IT skills, including use of the Internet, e‑mail and any specific programmes used within the service.
• Be aware of and fulfil responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act and relevant organisational policies and procedures.
• Manage your workload responsibly with guidance from senior team members.
• Act in the best interest of patients at all times.
• Respect, to the greatest extent possible, the rights, dignity, values and autonomy of every patient.
• Understand your role in the diagnostic and therapeutic process and in maintaining health and well‑being.
• Assess the capacity of the patient/service user to gain valid informed consent, working within the organisation’s policy for those who lack capacity.
• Practice in a non‑discriminatory manner.
• Exercise a professional duty of care.
• Work within the limits of your competency, seeking advice from senior staff when necessary.
• Work to standards of professional practice and evidence‑based care pathways as appropriate.

Essential Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Physiotherapy.
• Health Professional Council registration.
• Membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Experience in all core areas of physiotherapy: musculoskeletal, community and acute settings.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, using a variety of assessments and interventions.
• Effective communication skills, with examples of complex information conveyed clearly.
• Awareness of local and national policy, clinical practice standards and guidelines.
• Ability to travel between sites or independent access to a vehicle.

Desirable Qualifications

• IT skills, including proficiency with Office 365 and other relevant systems.
• Additional UK professional registration, if applicable.

Rotational Scheme

As a Rotational Physiotherapist you will rotate every four months across the following clinical areas: Acute Medicine, CCU/ICU, Surgery, Orthopaedics, Community, Hospital inpatients, Integrated Community Teams, MSK, Rheumatology, Stroke, Neurology and Paediatrics. This scheme allows you to gain comprehensive experience and develop clinical expertise in a wide range of settings.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to improving the working lives of all staff. We operate a zero‑tolerance policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment, and aim to protect children and vulnerable adults through rigorous recruitment practices. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability or social background, and especially from members of BAME communities.

Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS)

If the role involves controlled or regulated activity, any offer of employment is provisional pending a satisfactory DBS check. The cost of an enhanced disclosure is £55.38 and of a standard disclosure £27.38. All successful candidates will be required to provide a DBS check before starting.