First Contact Physiotherapist (B7)

Integrated Care System; Chester-le-Street; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare trust in the UK is seeking an advanced First Contact Physiotherapist to join their MSK team. The successful candidate will provide evidence-based assessments and treatments to patients with musculoskeletal disorders. You will collaborate with other healthcare professionals, receive mentorship, and have opportunities for personal and professional development within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Clinical mentorship

Access to training and development

Wellbeing support services

Qualifications

• HCPC registered and CSP membership required.
• Significant NHS outpatient physiotherapy experience in MSK.
• Experience in musculoskeletal, neurology, and pain management.

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based assessment, treatment, advice, and rehabilitation for patients with acute MSK conditions.
• Independently manage a caseload from primary care navigation.
• Organize your work and accept clinical responsibility for your caseload.

Skills

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Ability to manage waiting list pressures

High concentration levels and analytical skills

Innovative and proactive working approach

Education

BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent

Recognized MSK qualification

Injection therapy competence (MSc level)

Job description

Go back County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

First Contact Physiotherapist (B7)

The closing date is 14 August 2025

We have an exciting opportunity for an advanced MSK band 7 First Contact Physiotherapist (0.8 WTE) to join our friendly, supportive, and successful CDIMS MSK team in County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest integrated healthcare trusts in the country.

This post is based with the Chester le Street PCN, and the post holder will work within GP practices in Chester-Le-Street. MSK patients will be care navigated to the FCP caseload for evidence-based assessment and treatments. You will be supported by an 8a FCP physiotherapist within Chester le Street PCN, together with the MD Team at the practices.

The post holder will have opportunities for clinical, service improvement, and leadership development.

The post holder will work within the PCN team and have responsibility for the assessment and management of a caseload of patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work within the PCN team and have responsibility for the assessment and management of a caseload of patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The caseload will include patients with acute conditions, under 3 months' history, with potential comorbidities and multifactorial needs.

CDIMS physiotherapy team has a strong, supportive culture for personal and professional development, a clinical/pastoral supervision structure, and leadership opportunities. We are committed to our employees' wellbeing through agile working, in-service training, and CPD funding. The post holder will be supported by an 8a FCP physiotherapist for clinical mentorship, supervision, and appraisal.

You will be supported by a team of FCPs from other regions within Co Durham, ESPs (Upper limb, Lower limb, Trauma, Rheumatology, Women's health, and Spinal) within the MSK department, along with operational and governance leads.

Opportunities exist to be involved in service evaluation, transformation, research, audit, pathway development, and quality improvement projects.

About us

If you are being interviewed, you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must produce all certificates stated as essential in the person specification to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham, along with community-based services across various locations and in patients' homes.

We welcome applications from disabled and BAME candidates as they are underrepresented.

Full Job Descriptions are available in the adverts supporting documents.

Over-reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged.

For visa requirements and eligibility, please check online.

From April 9th, 2025, Healthcare Assistants must have at least two years' NHS experience for sponsorship considerations, with current visas expiring within 3 months.

Job responsibilities

As an advanced MSK autonomous FCP physiotherapist in CDIMS, you will provide evidence-based assessment, treatment, advice, and rehabilitation for patients with acute MSK conditions. You will independently manage a caseload from primary care navigation, coordinating rehabilitation with shared decision-making.

Assessments are initially conducted via phone, with scope for face-to-face urgent assessments as needed.

You will work as part of the CDIMS FCP physiotherapy team, with access to specialist advice from ESP staff across various MSK specialties. You will accept clinical responsibility for your caseload and organize your work accordingly.

Support includes clinical supervision from an 8a FCP, opportunities for shadowing, training, and supervision of students, and access to local resources and pathways.

There is potential for injection therapy training and practice, with support from experienced physiotherapists.

Personal development plans, appraisals, and supervision are supported, with access to training, e-learning, and external courses.

Training on clinical systems like SystmOne or EMIS will be provided, along with access to patient exercise prescription tools and evidence-based leaflets.

Leadership development and involvement in quality improvement projects are encouraged.

Staff wellbeing support is available, including access to a wellbeing hub and NHS outdoor wellbeing groups.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent
• CPD diary with evidence of reflective practice, postgraduate training to master's level, and clinical experience
• Recognized MSK qualification
• Injection therapy competence (MSc level)
• Understanding of NHS Trust, its culture, and NHS standing

Experience

• Significant NHS outpatient physiotherapy experience in MSK
• Experience in musculoskeletal, neurology, and pain management
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and implement change
• Effective communication skills

Statutory Registration

• HCPC registered
• CSP membership

Skills & Knowledge

• Up-to-date MSK practice and research knowledge
• Understanding legal responsibilities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to manage waiting list pressures
• High concentration levels and analytical skills
• Innovative and proactive working approach
• Knowledge of audit and research application

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel independently
• FCP roadmap familiarity

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to DBS checks under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum, pro-rata