At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own caseload and provide goal-led interventions for patients with neurological conditions.
- Company: Join the ambitious County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, serving over 650,000 people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive multi-disciplinary team environment.
- Other info: We encourage applications from under-represented groups to enhance our diverse workforce.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in Physiotherapy and experience in physical rehabilitation required.
The predicted salary is between 39959 - 48117 € per year.
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest integrated organisations in the country, providing hospital and community services to a population of over 650,000. We are an ambitious and innovative workforce of more than 7,000 colleagues. Our vision is to be right first time, every time, and our mission is to provide safe, compassionate and joined up care to the population of County Durham and Darlington.
Do you have enthusiasm and motivation to take on new challenges within our forward‑thinking Trust? Are you an excellent team worker but also have the drive to lead and influence change? Do you strive or aspire to provide seamless holistic patient‑centred care with a progressive multi‑disciplinary team?
We are looking for a dynamic Specialist Physiotherapist to join our Countywide Community Neuro Rehab Team. The post will be based at Chester‑le‑Street Community Hospital and cover North Durham.
Main duties of the job
- Independently manage your own caseload in the community, providing goal‑led interventions following a comprehensive assessment.
- Develop highly specialist knowledge of many neurological conditions and the application of the physiotherapy process with these patients.
Opportunities to:
- Develop skills in holistic assessment beyond the scope of traditional Physiotherapy practice.
- Develop your supervisory, leadership and service development skills.
- Support assistant staff and help with their development.
- Lead and participate in peer support and in‑service training.
- Work within a dynamic multi‑disciplinary team.
About us
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 care in patients’ homes. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as these groups are currently under‑represented.
Job responsibilities
- Organise and prioritise your own workload and monitor those you clinically supervise within a defined area.
- Independently screen, prioritise and plan interventions for routine and priority referrals received within the specialist area.
- Use sound clinical judgement to prioritise patients within a demanding and unpredictable environment, ensuring effective use of resources.
- Assist staff under your supervision to prioritise their caseloads and advise them on appropriate interventions in response to complex cases daily.
- Undertake holistic and comprehensive specialist assessments of patients, including those with diverse or complex presentations/multi‑pathologies that change across the caseload.
- Utilise analytical and clinical reasoning skills and manual assessment techniques appropriate to the neurological condition, interpreting facts and selecting the appropriate treatment and implementing rehabilitation programmes.
Person Specification
- Statutory Registration: HCPC Member of CSP
- Special Requirements: Ability to travel and carry small items of equipment to fulfil the requirements of the post; Valid Full UK driving licence; Ability to meet physical demands of the post.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in Physiotherapy; Evidence of CPD, including attendance at recent post‑graduate courses relevant to the clinical fields in the specialism; An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing; Involvement in specific interest groups.
- Experience: Comprehensive and relevant qualified experience in physical rehabilitation including recent general rehabilitation experience; Experience of collaborative working within multi‑disciplinary teams; Evidence of communication skills within a wide variety of settings; Experience in staff appraisals; Experience in working in a variety of settings.
- Special Skills & Knowledge: In‑depth and up‑to‑date knowledge and skills in the assessment and treatment of a wide range of physical disabilities; Remain updated with professional practice and new research; Understand clinical governance and its implication for services, including experience of quality and audit; Ability to comprehend and work within the Trust's policies of data protections, equal opportunities and health and safety; To meet the differing needs of patients; Ability to carry out moderate to intense physical effort throughout the working day and carry out concurrent activities; Ability to cope with working in a stressful environment and deal with emotional or aggressive patients and carers; Ability to work independently and organise, prioritise and delegate workload to meet service demands; Understand the legal responsibilities of the profession; Evidence of self‑directed learning and critical appraisal skills; Ability to use own initiative appropriately to enhance service delivery; Presentational skills; Evidence of participation in research/audit; Clinical supervision of other therapy staff/students; Clinical educator experience.
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.
£39,959 to £48,117 a year, pro rata.
Specialist Physiotherapist in Chester-le-Street employer: CDDFT Charity
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and innovative work environment for Specialist Physiotherapists. With a commitment to holistic patient-centred care, employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, collaborative multi-disciplinary teamwork, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. Located in a vibrant area with access to diverse healthcare settings, this Trust values inclusivity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, fostering a culture of growth and compassion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Physiotherapist in Chester-le-Street
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to physiotherapy and patient care. Think about how you can showcase your holistic assessment skills and teamwork experience. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your knowledge of the Trust! Research their values, recent achievements, and community initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Countywide Community Neuro Rehab Team. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Physiotherapist in Chester-le-Street
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Specialist Physiotherapist role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team and manage your own caseload.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm shine through in your application! Share specific examples of how you've taken on challenges in your previous roles and how you strive to provide holistic patient-centred care. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team at County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our innovative workforce.
How to prepare for a job interview at CDDFT Charity
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of neurological conditions and the latest physiotherapy practices. Being able to discuss specific cases or recent research will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working within a multi-disciplinary team, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past. Highlight your ability to lead and influence change while also being a supportive team player.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your clinical judgement and prioritisation skills. Think of scenarios where you had to manage a complex caseload or make tough decisions under pressure, and be prepared to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions about the Trust’s culture, ongoing training opportunities, or how they support staff development. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
