Lead Hand Therapy Physiotherapist (Specialist MSK)

Surrey Downs Health and Care; Epsom; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Surrey Downs Health and Care is seeking a highly skilled Hand Therapist/OCCupational Therapist to lead the MSK Hand Therapy Team. The post requires autonomous clinical delivery within a busy NHS setting and a focus on education, governance and service development.

The role emphasizes leadership, complex case management in acute trauma and elective hand surgery, and education of multidisciplinary staff, with strong emphasis on research, audit and CPD within the Hand Therapy service.

Qualifications

• Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy with HCPC registration.
• CPD including evidence of reflective practice and clinical experience.
• Accredited Hand Therapist BAHT or equivalent accreditation.
• Master's level training in related subject (or equivalent).
• Experience in Hand Therapy within NHS settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver specialist hand therapy services autonomously.
• Organise, manage, evaluate and develop the hand therapy service; deputise for Operational Lead.
• Educate and train undergraduate and postgraduate staff; provide expert support.
• Identify priorities for research, audit and data collection.
• Maintain clinical governance and evidence-based practice.
• Keep up-to-date with mandatory CPD and training.
• Maintain high clinical and professional standards; align with national guidelines.
• Stay current with new hand therapy treatments and innovations.
• Assess, recommend, and provide equipment for home/work environments.
• Supervise and support staff; ensure clinical competence.
• Provide clinical education and in-service training; facilitate attendance.
• Participate in appraisals and professional development plans.
• Contribute to staff appraisals and performance management.
• Teach/mentor student OT/PT and other professionals.
• Lead clinical audit and participate in research programs.
• Engage in peer support and hand therapy specialist groups.
• Maintain good relationships with team, patients and external agencies.
• Ensure documentation using SOAP notes and patient records.
• Comply with data protection, equality and health & safety policies.
• Advise on hand therapy protocols and guidelines.

Skills

Good clinical reasoning

Organise prioritise delegate

Clear communication (English)

Team leadership

Operational & staff management

Education

Diploma/Degree in OT or Physiotherapy

HCPC Registration

CPD incl. reflective practice

BAHT accreditation

Master's level training or equivalent

Job description

Surrey Downs Health and Care is seeking a highly skilled Hand Therapist/OCCupational Therapist to lead the MSK Hand Therapy Team. The post requires autonomous clinical delivery within a busy NHS setting and a focus on education, governance and service development.

The role emphasizes leadership, complex case management in acute trauma and elective hand surgery, and education of multidisciplinary staff, with strong emphasis on research, audit and CPD within the Hand Therapy service.