Specialist Physiotherapist

NHS; Swaffham; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A community healthcare organization is looking for a dynamic Specialist Band 7 Community Physiotherapist to manage complex patient cases across Swaffham Community Hospital and the local community. The role includes leadership responsibilities, patient assessment, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. You must have a physiotherapy degree, HCPC registration, and be adept in clinical reasoning. A full UK driving license and access to a vehicle are required.

Benefits

In-service training program

Opportunities for professional development

Staff wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Must have NHS experience with advanced clinical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with patients and MDT members.
• Experience working with complex patients in a community setting.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of complex patients in community and ward settings.
• Undertake skilled assessments using advanced clinical reasoning.
• Provide training and support to junior staff and physiotherapy teams.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Clinical reasoning

Empathy

Time management

Education

Diploma or 1st level degree in Physiotherapy or equivalent

Current HCPC registration

Job description

Overview

Job summary: Due to the promotion of the existing post holder, we have a rare and exciting role for a dynamic and forward-thinking individual within the Downham Market & Swaffham/Fens & Brecks Community Therapy Team. You will be working as a Specialist Band 7 Community Physiotherapist, supporting patients in the community setting and also in-reaching onto Swaffham Community Hospital ward.

The role is based at Swaffham Community Hospital, approximately 35 minutes drive from Norwich or 25 minutes from Kings Lynn, and will cover the Downham Market and Swaffham areas of West Norfolk. The successful candidate would undertake a role in leading, planning & co-ordinating the delivery and evaluation of the physiotherapy service, using evidence-based practice and working within national, regional, and local agendas. Maintaining a strong clinical focus on patients presenting with complex conditions. As a clinical specialist you will also have a role in management duties, alongside the Clinical Lead Physiotherapist, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist and Clinical Operations Manager. You will demonstrate a high level of professionalism and strong leadership, and deputise for the Clinical Lead in their absence whilst supporting junior staff both in the community and on the ward.

Main duties of the job:

Are you currently an experienced physiotherapist looking for a new challenge, with a wish to develop your current skill base and build on your existing leadership skills? If so, this role may be ideal for you.

Responsibilities

• Being professionally and legally accountable as an autonomous practitioner for your workload, including management of patients in your care and that of your team.
• Undertaking skilled assessment using a variety of assessment techniques and advanced clinical reasoning.
• Manage your own caseload of complex patients in the community and ward-based setting, using specialist knowledge and skills as an autonomous practitioner.
• Providing training in specialist knowledge for physiotherapy staff and the wider community nursing and therapy team.
• Supporting clinical supervision and appraisals for physiotherapy staff, the wider therapy team and students.
• Supporting service transformation, development and integration projects within the wider Primary Care Network and Integrated Care System.

It is essential the post holder has the ability to travel to patients across Swaffham, Downham Market and the surrounding areas.

West Norfolk is an area of contrast and beauty situated close to the borders of Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.

About us

You will have the opportunity to progress your clinical knowledge and skills through our in-service training program and will participate in regular supervision with the Clinical Lead Physiotherapist.

Successful candidates will also attend a formalised trust induction programme, mandatory training programme and have opportunities to apply for additional training relevant to their role. There will also be opportunities to develop your management and supervision skills through NCHC's well established Leadership Roadmap Programme.

We are committed to providing high quality care and have a strong agenda in improving quality, which includes the opportunity to become a Quality Champion. NCHC is committed to support staff wellbeing, and as such offers self-referral for staff physiotherapy, access to mental health support, occupational health support and NCHC has a Staff Wellbeing Board. Staff are encouraged to provide their feedback through the annual NHS Staff Survey, but we also complete quarterly pulse engagement questionnaires. Our trust values are Community, Creativity and Compassion. Our trust vision is to improve the quality of people\'s lives, in their homes and community through the best in integrated health and social care. Apply now to join an organisation that has been awarded an \"Outstanding\" rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the highest possible rating and the first stand-alone NHS community trust in the country to be awarded the title.

Details

Date posted: 19 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Compressed hours

Reference number: 839-7493946-PG

Job locations: Swaffham Community hospital, 15 Sporle Road, Swaffham, PE37 7HL

Job responsibilities

Organisational: The post holder will undertake a major clinical role in assessment, review and treatment to the adult population living in the community within West Norfolk. The role is based within the Swaffham, Downham, Fens and Brecks Therapy Teams; you will be based at Swaffham Community Hospital but you would be required to provide support to the teams across West Norfolk as required. To plan, deliver and co-ordinate therapy interventions for patients of higher complexity across West Norfolk. To be responsible for Continued Professional Development (CPD) and Personal Development Plan (PDP) for members of the therapy team. To have an input into service development, under the direction of the Clinical Leads/ Service Manager, across West Norfolk and in conjunction with the rest of the team in response to NICE guidance, local governance and government policy.

Clinical: The post holder will undertake comprehensive therapy assessments of patients including those with a complex presentation, using investigative, analytical and clinical reasoning skills, and inform the development of a differential diagnosis. Formulate and execute individualised therapy management and treatment plans of patients including those with a complex presentation, in collaboration with the integrated team, other agencies and the patient, utilising a range of treatment skills. Be aware of Assistive Technology and make referrals for this as required. Assess patients holistically, communicate complex information to patients and carers regarding assessment, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan. Ensure informed consent is obtained prior to initiating interventions. Liaise with GPs, Social Services, inpatient teams, other allied health care professionals and the voluntary sector to ensure identified needs are met and care coordinated appropriately. Participate in multi-disciplinary/multi-agency meetings as appropriate. Plan and organise specialist services within the integrated team. Demonstrate dexterity and manual skills for assessment and treatment, including the use of specialist equipment. Contribute to budget awareness and ensure work within budget. Ensure patient-held records are completed and SystmOne inputting is performed daily. Ensure documentation and planning are aligned with service targets and needs.

Professional: The post holder will undertake risk assessments, contribute to staff rota and supervision, attend MDT meetings, support leads and team members, and participate in in-house training. Maintain ongoing professional development, travel to patient locations as required, ensure safe use and maintenance of equipment, and demonstrate leadership within own competence. Provide mentorship for students and staff, supervise other therapists where appropriate, and contribute to induction processes.

Organisational: The post holder will undertake mandatory training, participate in Personal Development Review, support clinical audits, complete staff surveys, and manage risk assessments and incident forms as required.

Person Specification

Essential

• Able to kneel, bend and stoop, and work in cramped environments
• Able to manoeuvre limbs of around 5-6kg
• Able to manoeuvre patients using handling aids
• Must have a full UK driving license and have access to a vehicle

Personal Attributes / Behaviours Essential

• Highly motivated
• Tact and diplomacy
• Empathy and sensitivity

Personal and People Development Essential

• Regular participation in supervision and continual professional development

Communication Essential

• Good observational and reporting skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Able to communicate effectively in written and verbal English language
• Ability to communicate with MDT members and with patients with complex needs

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge Essential

• Ability to manage stressful situations
• A team player
• Concentrate when undertaking patient care and inputting data/patient records
• Flexible attitude to meet role needs
• Good IT and keyboard skills

Desirable

• Ability to support junior staff

Experience Essential

• NHS experience
• Evidence of working at an advanced clinical level
• Knowledge of additional specialist areas through in-house training & short courses
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT)

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of complex equipment provision
• Experience of working with complex patients in a community setting

Qualifications Essential

• Diploma or 1st level degree in Physiotherapy or equivalent experience
• Current HCPC registration
• Clinical educators\' course

Desirable

• Advanced OT qualifications/attendance of short-courses

Other

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure check may be required.

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

Employer details

Employer: Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust

Address: Swaffham Community Hospital, 15 Sporle Road, Swaffham, PE37 7HL