Job summary Following the successful introduction of musculoskeletal First Contact Practitioners (MSK FCP) at our Trust in early 2019, Mid and South Essex Hospitals Trust are excited to be able to offer the opportunity to appoint more experienced outpatient MSK Physiotherapists to join our MSK FCP team. These posts will be based within the Leigh PCN. We are currently seeking experienced Band 7 or Band 8A physiotherapists with extended scope MSK skills to join our team of first contact practitioners working in a Band 8A role in a primary care setting. Our FCP's would be expected to develop extended skills such as injection therapy and non-medical prescribing, for which training will be agreed and supported in conjunction with the successful candidate if these have not been previously completed. The positions is offered full time, 37.5hrs a week, and we are able to support working flexibly with early starts and extending the working day to meet the needs of the service. The roles are Monday to Friday and are based within the local GP practices. We also offer development opportunities for competent Band 7 Physiotherapists to develop with us into Band 8A FCP roles. Main duties of the job As a highly skilled autonomous expert musculoskeletal (MSK) practitioner the post holder will be expected to work independently in the primary care setting, assessing, triaging and managing a wide range of complex MSK patients. Depending on service distribution they will support a band 7 FCP if based in a practice were two FCP are required. They will also act as a point of clinical expertise within the primary care setting supporting and working with General Practitioners (GPs), nurse practitioners and other medical professionals to enable effective management of MSK conditions. The posts create a fantastic opportunity for the successful candidates to work within a primary care setting providing clinical expertise in a role that will require the therapist to make decisions about the best course of action for a patients presenting with MSK conditions. The role would involve the use of advance knowledge and skills to rapidly assess, manage, investigate or triage to the appropriate hospital based specialties for further management. The role requires successful candidates to be able to communicate confidently and effectively across professions ensuring the seamless flow of patients across boundaries with the community, hospital Trust, social prescribers, pharmacy and other PCN related services. The post holder will be responsible for working collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure that an effective and evidenced-based service is delivered. About us Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is now one of the largest in the country, with a workforce of approximately 15,000 who serve a population of 1.2 million people. We work together, and in conjunction with MSE Health and Care Partnership, to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients in a compassionate way, and provide a respectful, but vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers. From facilities through to consultant specialists we want to be the best, to achieve this we need to recruit not just those who are the finest in their field but also those who have the potential to be. Yes, experience is important but so is outlook - if you are dynamic, forward-thinking and enthusiastic we want you to join us. We not only offer you a good working environment with flexible working opportunities, but also the opportunity to develop your career with access to appropriate training for your job and the support to succeed and progress Date posted 31 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £53,755 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time) Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time Reference number 390-CSS-SO-9480 Job locations Southend Southend SS0 0RY Job description Job responsibilities For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description, but some of the responsibilities include Leading and providing clinical expertise as a first contact physiotherapist, making decisions about the best course of action for patients including those with undifferentiated conditions. This will involve seeing patients, without prior contact with their GP, to establish a rapid and accurate diagnosis and management plan. Implementing evidence-based management plans and requesting any investigations to facilitate diagnosis and choice of treatment regime. Understanding the information limitations derived from these and the relative sensitivity and specificity of particular diagnostic tests such as x-rays and blood tests. Interpretation and actions required on test results to aid diagnosis and the management plans for patients. To deliver programmes of supported patient self-management whilst facilitating behavioural changes, optimising individuals' physical activity, mobility, fulfillment of personal goals and independence. Ensuring the need for pharmacological interventions is minimised. Determine a treatment plan which includes an appropriate referral to musculoskeletal consultants and surgeons for their management if required. To lead service development / service change from a clinical perspective To lead in the development of an effective and safe GP based reception triage system. To maintain clinical records in line with the trust, professional and local clinical commissioning groups (CCG) standards, providing reports as required and to monitor the documentation of other therapy staff. To support other FCP staff working at band 7 level to ensure appropriate supervision, teaching and competency for the FCP role. RESPONSIBILITIES Takes professional responsibility as a first-contact physiotherapist with advance-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage patients. Demonstrates high levels of physical assessment skills and manual handling techniques. Manages a highly complex caseload including patients with long-term conditions, comorbidities and multi-factorial needs. To lead, manage and implement service delivery. To be accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration. Supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice. Implement and review pathways of care, providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care. Ensures care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based with an emphasis on early intervention. Implement care that is tailored to the individual needs. This would include, appraising the impact of individuals' clinical status on their general health, well-being and employment status. Considering function, physical activity, mobility and independence at all stages of care. Communicates effectively and appropriately, with patients and carers, highly complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology and prognosis. Demonstrates a range of highly specialised clinical skills which may include; non-medical independent prescribing, joint / soft tissue injections and joint aspirations in primary care and acute trust settings. Lead and provides learning opportunities for the whole multi-disciplinary (MDT) team within primary care. Lead the MDT to develop more highly effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services Demonstrates professional judgement. Making, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information Leads and demonstrates interactions in complex situations including, individuals with particular psychosocial and mental health needs and colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings Implement the standards of practice in line with the governing and professional bodies. Accountable to work in partnership with the patient, family and carers as appropriate and other health care professionals in resolving formal and informal complaints. Lead integration of Patient and Public Involvement agenda within sphere of responsibility. Demonstrates organisational boundaries in order to enhance professional practice and support a care pathway approach to the provision of care Job description Job responsibilities For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description, but some of the responsibilities include Leading and providing clinical expertise as a first contact physiotherapist, making decisions about the best course of action for patients including those with undifferentiated conditions. This will involve seeing patients, without prior contact with their GP, to establish a rapid and accurate diagnosis and management plan. Implementing evidence-based management plans and requesting any investigations to facilitate diagnosis and choice of treatment regime. Understanding the information limitations derived from these and the relative sensitivity and specificity of particular diagnostic tests such as x-rays and blood tests. Interpretation and actions required on test results to aid diagnosis and the management plans for patients. To deliver programmes of supported patient self-management whilst facilitating behavioural changes, optimising individuals' physical activity, mobility, fulfillment of personal goals and independence. Ensuring the need for pharmacological interventions is minimised. Determine a treatment plan which includes an appropriate referral to musculoskeletal consultants and surgeons for their management if required. To lead service development / service change from a clinical perspective To lead in the development of an effective and safe GP based reception triage system. To maintain clinical records in line with the trust, professional and local clinical commissioning groups (CCG) standards, providing reports as required and to monitor the documentation of other therapy staff. To support other FCP staff working at band 7 level to ensure appropriate supervision, teaching and competency for the FCP role. RESPONSIBILITIES Takes professional responsibility as a first-contact physiotherapist with advance-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage patients. Demonstrates high levels of physical assessment skills and manual handling techniques. Manages a highly complex caseload including patients with long-term conditions, comorbidities and multi-factorial needs. To lead, manage and implement service delivery. To be accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration. Supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice. Implement and review pathways of care, providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care. Ensures care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based with an emphasis on early intervention. Implement care that is tailored to the individual needs. This would include, appraising the impact of individuals' clinical status on their general health, well-being and employment status. Considering function, physical activity, mobility and independence at all stages of care. Communicates effectively and appropriately, with patients and carers, highly complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology and prognosis. Demonstrates a range of highly specialised clinical skills which may include; non-medical independent prescribing, joint / soft tissue injections and joint aspirations in primary care and acute trust settings. Lead and provides learning opportunities for the whole multi-disciplinary (MDT) team within primary care. Lead the MDT to develop more highly effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services Demonstrates professional judgement. Making, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information Leads and demonstrates interactions in complex situations including, individuals with particular psychosocial and mental health needs and colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings Implement the standards of practice in line with the governing and professional bodies. Accountable to work in partnership with the patient, family and carers as appropriate and other health care professionals in resolving formal and informal complaints. Lead integration of Patient and Public Involvement agenda within sphere of responsibility. Demonstrates organisational boundaries in order to enhance professional practice and support a care pathway approach to the provision of care Person Specification Qualifications Essential BSc / MSc HCPC Registered Extensive exp in MSK in an outpatient setting, min 3yrs B7 Evidence of post graduate MSK courses Desirable Specific Courses - Prescribing, Injection, Xray / Blood test requesting Member of MSK special interest group Skills & Experience Essential Excellent communication skills Influencing, organisational and negotiating skills Experience interpreting blood & x-ray results Desirable Previous experience of working in Primary Care Person Specification Qualifications Essential BSc / MSc HCPC Registered Extensive exp in MSK in an outpatient setting, min 3yrs B7 Evidence of post graduate MSK courses Desirable Specific Courses - Prescribing, Injection, Xray / Blood test requesting Member of MSK special interest group Skills & Experience Essential Excellent communication skills Influencing, organisational and negotiating skills Experience interpreting blood & x-ray results Desirable Previous experience of working in Primary Care 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust Address Southend Southend SS0 0RY Employer's website https://www.mse.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)