Specialist Physiotherapist

NHS; Chester-le-Street; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a qualified Specialist Physiotherapist in Chester-le-Street. You will join a multidisciplinary team to provide innovative rehabilitation for stroke survivors. The role involves assessing patient needs, delivering high-quality care, and collaborating with various health professionals. Candidates should hold an HCPC registration and have relevant experience in stroke rehabilitation. This full-time role offers competitive pay ranging from £38,682 to £46,580 annually.

Qualifications

• HCPC registered physiotherapist qualified to provide specialist treatment.
• Experience in stroke rehabilitation and working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to maintain clinical skills and provide expert advice.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality rehabilitation to stroke survivors.
• Participate in clinical governance procedures.
• Manage a diverse caseload of patients effectively.

Skills

Complex stroke assessment

Communication with multidisciplinary team

Holistic patient assessment

Clinical supervision

Innovative rehabilitation solutions

Education

BSc/MSc in Physiotherapy or equivalent

Job description

Go back County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Physiotherapist

The closing date is 26 September 2025

Community Stroke Rehabilitation are looking for a qualified physiotherapist with experience in stroke rehabilitation to join our team.

The post will be based at the Chester le Street Hospital site, treating patients in and around the Durham and North Durham area. The successful candidate will work alongside Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and skilled associates to deliver innovative, evidence-based stroke rehabilitation in patients' homes and out-patient settings to optimise recovery.

This is a full time permanent post Monday to Friday 08:30-16:30.

The role is diverse and challenging and we are looking for someone to join our friendly team and to meet the needs of patients and bring ideas to the service regarding service delivery and development. This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate to apply their skills in a flexible, innovative manner and to create solutions to offer our patients an optimal rehabilitation journey.

We would welcome an informal chat or visit from any interested candidates.

If you feel you have the right skills and knowledge then we would welcome an application.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be expected to deliver high quality rehabilitation to stroke survivors throughout North Durham as part of a multi-disciplinary team:

• Assess and review complex stroke survivors
• Work within current stroke guidelines
• Work flexibly within the role, expanding skills across professions
• Manage own diary and caseload of patients and contribute to the MDT
• Proactive in learning and development
• Lead or contribute to improvement, transformation and innovation of services
• Contribute to a work environment that is marked by pride, enthusiasm and collaboration
• Manage and/or contribute to financial performance and target delivery
• Lead by action and inspire others acting as a role model
• Give and receive feedback in a constructive manner
• Be adaptable, work with integrity and be trustworthy
• Improve the health and well-being of all and service users
• Deliver supervision and training
• Embrace Trust Values

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 be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents

From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two years of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months)

Job responsibilities

1. Specialist Clinical Practice

   1. Maintain specialist clinical skills and provide expert advice in relation to identified specialist
   2. Organise and prioritise own workload and to monitor those you clinically supervise within a defined area
   3. Independently screen, prioritise and plan interventions for routine and urgent referrals received within the specialist area
   4. Use sound clinical judgements to prioritise patients within a demanding environment and assist staff to prioritise their caseloads and advise on interventions for urgent/complex cases
   5. Undertake holistic and comprehensive specialist assessments and implement rehabilitation programmes
   6. Assess capacity and work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent
   7. Maintain timely documentation of clinical records and audit documentation of supervisees
   8. Establish and maintain empathetic relationships with patients and carers
   9. Communicate complex and sensitive information to patients and carers in accessible ways

2. Leader of Clinical Practice

   1. Communicate effectively with patients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential
   2. Liaise with and advise the multidisciplinary team regarding management and discharge
   3. Take delegated responsibility from more senior therapists for managing patients with particular conditions
   4. Be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of your work
   5. Communicate and work collaboratively with medical, nursing and therapy colleagues
   6. Participate in clinical governance procedures including incident reporting
   7. Deputise for the Band 7 clinical lead therapist in operational issues when asked

3. Manager of Resources

   1. Plan and implement a team profile and participate in recruitment and induction
   2. Appraise and develop clinical activities within the team
   3. Contribute towards flexible and timely services
   4. Supervise less experienced staff and ensure safe use of equipment
   5. Involve in data collection and statistics for the department

4. Professional Development

   1. Be responsible for your own CPD, attendance at courses, appraisal objectives and maintenance of a professional portfolio
   2. Participate in staff appraisal and personal development plans
   3. Engage in in-service training and reflective practice
   4. Undertake measurement and evaluation of work through evidence-based projects, audits and outcomes
   5. Participate in clinical supervision
   6. Identify development needs annually in line with the Trust appraisal scheme
   7. Develop interpersonal skills with awareness of cultural values
   8. Maintain HCPC registration and adhere to codes of conduct

Person Specification

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel and carry small items of equipment independently and daily; meet physical demands of the post
• Committed and motivated with the ability to work flexibly within a multidisciplinary service
• Identify travel plan to complete the demands of the job role

Statutory Registration

• HCPC registered physiotherapist
• Member of CSP

Special Skills and Knowledge

• In depth and up to date knowledge and skills in assessment and treatment of a wide range of physical disabilities
• Remain updated with professional practice and new research
• Understand clinical governance and audits
• Understand Trust policies on data protection, equal opportunities and health and safety
• Ability to perform moderate to intense physical effort
• Ability to cope with stressful environments and manage emotional or aggressive patients
• Ability to work independently and organise, prioritise and delegate workload
• Understand legal responsibilities of the profession
• Evidence of self-directed learning and critical appraisal
• Ability to use initiative to enhance service delivery
• Presentational skills
• Evidence of participation in research or audit
• Clinical supervision of other therapy staff and students
• Clinical educator experience and attendance at a recognised clinical educators course
• Ability to challenge professional boundaries

Qualifications

• BSc/MSc in Physiotherapy or equivalent
• CPD study relevant to the clinical field in the specialism
• Understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust and its culture
• Involvement in specific interest groups
• Postgraduate courses relevant to the specialism

Experience

• Comprehensive and relevant experience in physical rehabilitation including recent general rehabilitation
• Experience of collaborative working within multidisciplinary teams
• Strong communication skills across settings
• Experience in staff appraisal
• Experience in working in diverse settings
• Experience in the NHS
• Stroke experience at band 5 level

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure submission will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous convictions.

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

£38,682 to £46,580 per year, pro rata