Specialist Physiotherapist - Rheumatology

NHS Ayrshire & Arran; Forth; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Forth Valley Physiotherapy is seeking a Band 6 Specialist Physiotherapist in Rheumatology to deliver expert assessment and treatment for a range of rheumatological conditions. The post involves autonomous work within a supportive MDT, with opportunities for leadership and service development.

The role emphasises clinical education, research, and quality improvement, with a focus on improving patient self-management and function across IN- and outpatient settings.

Qualifications

• Experience in rheumatology and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
• Experience with persistent pain management and long-term condition management is advantageous.
• Ability to work autonomously within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist assessment and treatment in individual, group and educational settings.
• Deliver exercise-based rehabilitation programmes and self-management education.
• Participate in multidisciplinary rehabilitation interventions and service development initiatives.
• Contribute to clinical education, audit, research and quality improvement activities.

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Physiotherapist to join our team as a Band 6 Specialist Physiotherapist in Rheumatology.

NHS Forth Valley Physiotherapy Services are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care and are proud of our supportive, innovative and inclusive workforce. We promote a positive learning culture where staff are encouraged to develop their clinical expertise, leadership skills and professional interests while contributing to service improvement and excellence in patient care.

The successful applicant will demonstrate excellent communication, organisational and clinical reasoning skills, together with experience in the assessment and management of patients with rheumatological conditions. Experience within musculoskeletal physiotherapy, persistent pain management and long-term condition management will be advantageous. The post holder will be expected to work autonomously whilst contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team to support the delivery of high-quality rheumatology services across NHS Forth Valley.

We are committed to supporting continuing professional development and offer a comprehensive programme of clinical supervision, peer support, in-service training and leadership development. This role provides an excellent opportunity for an experienced physiotherapist looking to further develop specialist knowledge and skills within rheumatology and long-term condition management.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, the post holder will contribute to service development initiatives, quality improvement activities and the supervision and education of Band 5 Physiotherapists, support workers and students. The role provides opportunities to demonstrate and develop leadership capabilities through mentorship, project work and participation in service redesign.

Main Duties of the Post

The Rheumatology Physiotherapy Service works closely with the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver evidence-based assessment, treatment and self-management support for individuals living with rheumatological conditions. The service supports patients with a wide variety of inflammatory and non-inflammatory rheumatological conditions, aiming to optimise function, improve self-management and enhance quality of life.

The successful candidate will provide specialist assessment and treatment within individual, group and educational settings. The role may include the delivery of exercise-based rehabilitation programmes, self-management education and multidisciplinary rehabilitation interventions.

As part of our commitment to service improvement and workforce development, the post holder will contribute to clinical education, support service innovation and participate in audit, research and quality improvement activities aligned with NHS Forth Valley priorities.

NHS Forth Valley is committed to supporting staff wellbeing and lifelong learning, making this an excellent opportunity to join a progressive and supportive physiotherapy service.

The duties of this post require the successful candidate to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. More information on this scheme can be found at www.disclosurescotland.co.uk

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa routes. NHS Forth Valley may be able to offer sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. If you are currently working in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, transitional arrangements may apply. Please note that sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case‑based basis following interview and at the commencement of pre‑employment checks. For further information on visa requirements and sponsorship eligibility, please refer to the UK Government guidance.

It is also recommend that anyone applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad read the following guidance: Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Candidates should provide original and authentic responses to all questions within the application form. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), automated tools, or other third‑party assistance to generate, draft, or significantly modify responses is strongly discouraged. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced or altered by AI or similar technologies. Failure to comply may result in your application being withdrawn from the application process.

Please note that the majority of correspondence is sent by e‑mail, therefore please check your e‑mail regularly (including junk folders) and your Jobtrain account for updates.

NHS Forth Valley is positive about disabled people and is committed to offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. Please contact the Recruitment Office on 0330 041 4694 if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you with your application and/or interview.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.