Job summary An exciting opportunity for an exceptional candidate, with demonstrable potential, who is seeking a challenging, structured and well-supported role, where they can develop and advance their clinical skills and expertise within primary care. This post is suitable for an enthusiastic, motivated, experienced Band 6 musculoskeletal physiotherapist seeking to develop advanced practice skills working towards First Contact Physiotherapist sign off.This post is full time with flexible hours, dependent on service needs, with structured clinical support, education and development, providing regular CPD, mentorship and a generous annual leave study allowance. The development programme offers the successful candidate the opportunity to work through the competencies for Health Education England's musculoskeletal First Contact Physiotherapy pathway. Upon successful completion of the development pathway, the successful candidate will achieve First Contact Physiotherapist accreditation, developing clinical skills in joint and soft tissue injection, knowledge and understanding in pharmacology, facilitating progression to non-medical prescribing, progression to non-medical referring for radiology, requesting blood tests and the management of their results. On completion of the development pathway the successful candidate will be in a position to transition onto the National Advanced Clinical Practice pathway. Main duties of the job The purpose of the role is to: 1. Provide clinical expertise, acting as first-contact physiotherapist (Developmental) and making decisions about the best course of action for patients' care (including in relation to undifferentiated conditions). This will involve seeing patients, without prior contact with their GP, in order to establish a rapid and accurate diagnosis and management plan. With clinical support and mentorship 2. Progress and request investigations, with guidance support for a clinical mentor, to facilitate diagnosis and choice of treatment pathway; using diagnostic services such as x-rays and blood test. Interpret and act on results to aid diagnosis and the management plans of patients. 3. Provide patient self-management advice, in ways that facilitate behavioural change, optimise individuals' physical activity, mobility, fulfilment of personal goals and independence, and that minimise the need for pharmacological interventions. About us The Barnstaple Alliance PCN is a network of four General Practitioner surgeries: Brannam, Fremington, Litchdon and Queens Medical Centres and between us we provide care to 53000 patients in the Barnstaple area. Whilst retaining our Independent surgeries, we are working together on collaborative projects to improve and develop the healthcare services we offer to patients. The BA PCN: Puts the needs of patients at the heart of its activities Shows clinical leadership in the local health community Builds effective relationships within the communities served by the practices Promotes equality and fairness for patients Date posted 27 March 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary Depending on experience £40,000 - £48,000 Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number A2036-25-0001 Job locations 11-13 Beards Road Fremington Barnstaple Devon EX31 2PG Litchdon Medical Centre Landkey Road Barnstaple Devon EX329LL Queens Medical Centre Queen Street Barnstaple Devon EX328HY Brannams Medical Centre Litchdon Street Barnstaple Devon EX32 8GP Job description Job responsibilities The duties and responsibilities to be may include any or all of the items in the following list. Duties may be varied from time to time under the direction of the Practice Manager, dependent on current and evolving practice workload and staffing levels: 1. Take professional responsibility as a first-contact physiotherapist (Developmental), with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose, triage and refer patients for onward treatment 2. Support GPs with management of complex caseloads (including patients with long-term conditions, co-morbidities and multi-factorial needs) 3. Contribute to development of service delivery, 4. Accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration, supported by a structured developmental pathway, a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice 5. Ensure care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention 6. Provide care which is tailored to the individual needs. This would include, appraising the impact of individuals' clinical status on their general health, well-being, employment status (including in relation to function, physical activity, mobility and independence 7. Support patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management 8. Communicate effectively and appropriately with patients and carers complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology and prognosis. 9. Work towards the development of a range of clinical skills to include a. joint / soft tissue injections b. joint aspirations c. requesting investigation d. non-medical independent prescribing 10. Provide learning opportunities for the whole multi professional team within primary care at network of Practice level 11. Exercise professional judgement, making, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information 12. Manage interactions in complex situations, including with individuals with particular psychosocial and mental health needs and with colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings Job description Job responsibilities The duties and responsibilities to be may include any or all of the items in the following list. Duties may be varied from time to time under the direction of the Practice Manager, dependent on current and evolving practice workload and staffing levels: 1. Take professional responsibility as a first-contact physiotherapist (Developmental), with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose, triage and refer patients for onward treatment 2. Support GPs with management of complex caseloads (including patients with long-term conditions, co-morbidities and multi-factorial needs) 3. Contribute to development of service delivery, 4. Accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration, supported by a structured developmental pathway, a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice 5. Ensure care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention 6. Provide care which is tailored to the individual needs. This would include, appraising the impact of individuals' clinical status on their general health, well-being, employment status (including in relation to function, physical activity, mobility and independence 7. Support patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management 8. Communicate effectively and appropriately with patients and carers complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology and prognosis. 9. Work towards the development of a range of clinical skills to include a. joint / soft tissue injections b. joint aspirations c. requesting investigation d. non-medical independent prescribing 10. Provide learning opportunities for the whole multi professional team within primary care at network of Practice level 11. Exercise professional judgement, making, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information 12. Manage interactions in complex situations, including with individuals with particular psychosocial and mental health needs and with colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings Person Specification Qualifications Essential Physiotherapy degree HCPC registered Personal Qualities Essential Polite and confident Flexible and cooperative Motivated High levels of integrity and loyalty Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations Enthusiastic and innovative Ability to work under pressure Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check Ability to drive to site cross the BA PCN as required. Desirable Forward Thinker Experience Essential Able to demonstrate experience in MSK physiotherapy at a senior level Able to demonstrate experience in core physiotherapy High level of assessment skills, clinical reasoning and management planning for patients with complex needs Evidence of continuing professional development in relevant clinical and management areas Evidence of the knowledge/skills and attributes required for stage 1 of the HEE Roadmap. Excellent communication skills (written and oral) Strong IT skills Ability to recognise own professional limits, and knowledge of when to seek help Commitment to supporting patients with behaviour change and self-management. Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise, self-manage and self-motivate Awareness and understanding of the MSK Competency Framework for First Contact Physiotherapists and HEE Roadmap for FCP/APs MSK Primary Care. Ability to create and maintain good working relationships and networks across the multidisciplinary team Able to respond to the demands of the service across 4 different GP practices, including Lynton. Ability to work as a team member and autonomously Good interpersonal skills Problem solving and analytical skills Ability to follow policy and procedure Resilient and flexible to meet service needs Desirable Member of Clinical Interest Groups relevant to post Post Graduate education in MSK Post Graduate FCP Modules Shared Decision Making skills, social prescribing, Make Every Contact Count Experience of working within Primary Care / General Practice Experience of using S1 and running reports An understanding of funding streams to general practice Evidence of building clinical / professional relationships to share knowledge and best practice to enhance patient care Evidence of developing advanced clinical practice techniques Training to develop skills in investigation referral, report management and Secondary Care specialist referral Person Specification Qualifications Essential Physiotherapy degree HCPC registered Personal Qualities Essential Polite and confident Flexible and cooperative Motivated High levels of integrity and loyalty Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations Enthusiastic and innovative Ability to work under pressure Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check Ability to drive to site cross the BA PCN as required. Desirable Forward Thinker Experience Essential Able to demonstrate experience in MSK physiotherapy at a senior level Able to demonstrate experience in core physiotherapy High level of assessment skills, clinical reasoning and management planning for patients with complex needs Evidence of continuing professional development in relevant clinical and management areas Evidence of the knowledge/skills and attributes required for stage 1 of the HEE Roadmap. Excellent communication skills (written and oral) Strong IT skills Ability to recognise own professional limits, and knowledge of when to seek help Commitment to supporting patients with behaviour change and self-management. Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise, self-manage and self-motivate Awareness and understanding of the MSK Competency Framework for First Contact Physiotherapists and HEE Roadmap for FCP/APs MSK Primary Care. Ability to create and maintain good working relationships and networks across the multidisciplinary team Able to respond to the demands of the service across 4 different GP practices, including Lynton. Ability to work as a team member and autonomously Good interpersonal skills Problem solving and analytical skills Ability to follow policy and procedure Resilient and flexible to meet service needs Desirable Member of Clinical Interest Groups relevant to post Post Graduate education in MSK Post Graduate FCP Modules Shared Decision Making skills, social prescribing, Make Every Contact Count Experience of working within Primary Care / General Practice Experience of using S1 and running reports An understanding of funding streams to general practice Evidence of building clinical / professional relationships to share knowledge and best practice to enhance patient care Evidence of developing advanced clinical practice techniques Training to develop skills in investigation referral, report management and Secondary Care specialist referral 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 Fremington Medical Centre Address 11-13 Beards Road Fremington Barnstaple Devon EX31 2PG Employer's website https://www.fremington.org/ (Opens in a new tab)