First Contact Practitioner

Somerset Nhs Foundation Trust; West of England; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 57,000; Part time

Job summary

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an MSK First Contact Practitioner to join our integrated MSK service across Somerset. The role focuses on expert clinical assessment, dynamic patient management and leadership within the MSK FCP network, with opportunities to contribute to service development and education.

The post is based within Sedgemoor locality, across Bridgwater and North Sedgemoor PCNs, with flexible working patterns and a focus on delivering high-quality patient care and

Qualifications

• Please see attached job description

Responsibilities

• Provide expert clinical care as an MSK First Contact Practitioner and determine the appropriate management plan.
• Use advanced clinical reasoning to assess presentation, interpret findings and formulate diagnoses and evidence-based care plans.
• Support patients through shared decision making and discuss risks/benefits of options.
• Deliver self-management programmes to promote activity, independence and goal attainment.
• Provide clinical and strategic leadership for FCP services within locality.
• Lead development of education for primary care on biopsychosocial assessment and MSK first-line management.

Job description

Job summary

We are seeking candidates who have completed their FCP Roadmap to Practice or are currently undertaking the taught modular FCP training route.

Are you an experienced and motivated musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapist looking for a new challenge as part of a dynamic, innovative and supportive team? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Primary Care Networks across Somerset as an MSK First Contact Practitioner.

Would you like to work within a forward-thinking service that is leading the way in improving MSK pathways and service delivery?

We work collaboratively across Somerset to deliver integrated MSK services and a system wide host model improving access to the right care, by the right person, at the right time.

Our integrated MSK service provides accessible expert assessment, diagnosis and advice, with a key focus on identifying the most appropriate care pathway and on supporting patients to self-manage and access local support within their communities.

Main duties of the job

• Provide expert clinical care as an MSK First Contact Practitioner, assessing patients without prior GP consultation and determining the most appropriate management plan.
• Use advanced clinical reasoning to assess presentation, interpret findings, formulate working and differential diagnoses, and implement evidence based care plans that reflect individual needs, goals and wishes, service availability and local and national guidance.
• Support individuals to make informed decisions about their care through shared decision making, exploring the risks, benefits and consequences of available options.
• Deliver supported self-management programmes, that encourage behavioural change, optimise physical activity and independence, and help people achieve goals relevant to their MSK condition.
• Provide clinical and strategic leadership for FCP services within a designated locality supporting safety, quality, education and clinical governance.
• Lead development and delivery of education programmes for primary care colleagues promoting biopsychosocial assessment and effective first line management of MSK conditions to maximise appropriate use of MSK services and resources.

About us

Would you genuine opportunities for growth and development within and beyond your role?

You will join a network of advanced physiotherapy clinicians and become part of a highly skilled team committed to supporting your professional development, clinical progression and peer learning.

You will be given protected time and opportunities to develop both yourself and others.

Would you to feel supported and valued whilst caring for others?

Alongside delivering excellent patient care we place great importance on staff wellbeing. You will join a warm and welcoming team that helped pioneer the FCP model within Somerset PCNs and understands both the challenges and rewards of the role.

We work collaboratively across Somerset delivering services from a range of hub clinics and GP practices.

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Part-time

Reference number: 184-OL-BL-5956

Date posted: 29 October 2026

Closing date: 12 November 2026

Job responsibilities

Please see attached full job description. This post is primarily based within the Sedgemoor locality, supporting Bridgwater and North Sedgemoor Primary Care Networks (PCNs). As part of our developing countywide MSK service model, there may be opportunities and service requirements to provide support across other Somerset localities in the future, and applicants should be prepared to work flexibly where required.

You will also have opportunities to contribute to service evaluation, audit and research activities and to share our work through conferences, presentations and publications.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Please see attached job description

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer name: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Employer's website: https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/

Questions about the job

Hiring Manager: Elizabeth Oxley, [e-mail]

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