Band 7 Physiotherapist

NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Liverpool seeks a Rheumatology Specialist Physiotherapist to deliver expert care for patients with rheumatological conditions. The role includes developing treatment plans and supporting patient rehabilitation. Candidates should have extensive experience in MSK and leadership qualities, alongside relevant qualifications. This position offers flexible working opportunities and the chance to contribute to a world-class therapy service.

Qualifications

• Extensive Band 6 MSK experience.
• Supervision/training experience.
• Substantial NHS clinical experience.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality physiotherapy care.
• Continuously evaluate and adapt treatment plans.
• Plan and manage your caseload autonomously.
• Supervise and support junior staff.

Skills

Excellent communication

Leadership abilities

Collaborative working with MDT

Education

BSc in Physiotherapy or Grad Diploma

HCPC registration

Job description

Overview

Rheumatology Specialist Physiotherapist
Band 7
Permanent, full time/part time, flexible working available. 37.5 hours per week (role details in advert).

Department / Site

LUH - 1 General Staffing (AFC posts); Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool.

Main responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality physiotherapy care through comprehensive assessment, clinical diagnosis, and development of individualised treatment plans for routine and complex cases.
• Continuously evaluate and adapt treatment plans to meet changing patient needs and maximise outcomes.
• Plan and manage your own caseload autonomously, balancing service demands and patient priorities.
• Supervise and support the development of Band 6/5 physiotherapists, physiotherapy assistants, and students, contributing to a positive learning environment.
• Communicate clearly with patients, carers, and other health and social care professionals, including individuals with communication or cognitive challenges.
• Represent the Physiotherapy team in MDT meetings to ensure a coordinated approach to patient care.
• Support the operational running of the team, deputise for the Team Leader Physiotherapist when required, and contribute to service development and improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to developing a world-class Rheumatology Therapy Service for the Liverpool population.

What you will do

The successful candidate will deliver expert physiotherapy for patients with diverse rheumatological conditions and provide specialist rehabilitation within the rheumatology service. They will support patients across the full pathway, from diagnostic assessment clinics to rehabilitation and onward referral to community services. You will participate in the Non-Inflammatory Clinical Assessment Service (NICAS), developing advanced assessment, clinical reasoning, and diagnostic skills for patients with undifferentiated multi-joint and soft tissue conditions referred from primary care. This includes referring for and interpreting investigations such as imaging and blood tests. The role includes contributing to service development and enhancing evidence-based care pathways for Axial Spondyloarthropathy and other rheumatological conditions, alongside supporting physiotherapy for the National Alkaptonuria Centre within the Trust. This post requires clinical autonomy, strong decision-making, leadership, teamwork, continuous learning, and holistic, patient-centred care. A broad experience in Rheumatology, MSK outpatients, and Pain Management is desirable, with resilience and commitment to MDT working, research and audit skills, and leadership qualities. Additional opportunities include supervising junior staff, supporting student education, and involvement in research, audit, and service development.

Working for the organisation

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital. We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group. The Group aims to improve patient care and is one of the region’s largest employers. Examples of our sites include Aintree University Hospital (major trauma), Broadgreen Hospital (elective services and rehabilitation), and Liverpool Women’s Hospital (maternity services). For roles at Liverpool Women’s, see their careers page.

Detailed job description & main responsibilities

Please review the attached Band 7 job description. Key areas include:

• Deliver high-quality physiotherapy care with assessment, diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans for routine and complex patients.
• Continuously evaluate and adapt treatment plans to maximise outcomes.
• Plan and manage your caseload autonomously, balancing service demands and patient priorities.
• Supervise and support development of junior staff and students, contributing to a positive learning environment.
• Communicate effectively with patients, carers, and the MDT.
• Represent the Physiotherapy team in MDT meetings and support service development and improvements.
• Contribute to developing the Rheumatology Therapy Service for the local population.

Details for contact / informal visits

Name: Sophie Taylor or Trevor Lewis
Job title: Clinical Physiotherapy Specialists/Advanced Clinical Practitioners – Rheumatology Service
Telephone: [phone]

Person specification

Essential criteria include commitment to personal and team development, ability to work under pressure, and flexible working to meet service needs. Desirable criteria include membership of a special interest group. Essential skills include excellent communication, organisational, leadership abilities, and collaborative working with a multi‑disciplinary team. Essential knowledge includes service development, post-registration musculoskeletal techniques, and the ability to handle complex or challenging situations. Essential experience includes extensive Band 6 MSK experience, supervision/training experience, and substantial NHS clinical experience; desirables include involvement in audit/research. Qualifications: BSc in Physiotherapy or Grad Diploma, HCPC registration, and CPD documentation. Desirable: clinical supervisor course and management training.

Other notes

Please check your email (including junk/spam) for application communications. Internal staff can apply; note visa/sponsorship considerations as applicable. The Trust promotes equality, diversity, and flexible working; safeguarding policies apply. DBS costs may be recovered via salary deduction. This vacancy may close early if a high number of applications are received. This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended).

Application numbers: This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. LNKD1_UKTJ