Job Description

Do you have a passion and special interest in Rheumatology and Physiotherapy Rehabilitation? Would you like to lead on the development and provision of services related to the physiotherapy management of patients with complex rheumatological disorders?



We have developed a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic, dynamic and suitably qualified physiotherapist to have a pivotal role within the Musculoskeletal (MSK) Outpatient Therapy Service at University College Hospital (UCH). As the Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Rheumatology, you will manage a caseload consisting of patients referred by UCLH Consultants with new and existing inflammatory arthritides and connective tissues diseases such as Axial Spondyloarthropathy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder. You will have a key role in disease education, flare up management and formulating rehabilitation plans including access to a hydrotherapy pool and gym. You may see some orthopaedic, neurosurgery and sports medicine patients.



We may be able to consider a developmental Band 7 post for appropriate candidates who don't yet display the competencies for the band 8a role at interview and show potential to work at a Band 8a level in the near future.



You will have the chance to work alongside the wider Rheumatology multi-disciplinary team to help contribute to and shape the delivery of a high quality, efficient and effective Rheumatology Rehab Outpatient Physiotherapy Service.



You will be working alongside other senior clinicians to help deliver, co-ordinate and evaluate the MSK Physiotherapy service with opportunities to advance and progress service development. You will work to the highest standards to facilitate evidence-informed patient care, playing a key role in supporting and sharing knowledge with other staff members to facilitate and develop physiotherapy best practice in line with local and national guidelines.



Allied to your clinical work will be managerial and administrative duties. You will have responsibility for supervising and appraising junior staff and for mentoring student physiotherapists.



You will be well supported in all your roles by fellow Clinical Specialist Physiotherapists, Consultant Physiotherapists, Senior Physiotherapists and Heads of Department. We also offer support for on-going personal development, clinical excellence and leadership skills training.



University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.



We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:



University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)



National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery



Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals



University College Hospital Grafton Way Building



Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine



University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre



The Hospital for Tropical Diseases



University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street



We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.



We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.



For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached .



You will be required to have significant previous MSK outpatient experience at Band 7 level including Rheumatology and orthopaedic patient management. Ideal candidates will have a range of manual, communication, clinical reasoning and rehabilitative skills appropriate to the caseload and will be expected to provide an accountable, autonomous and high-quality physiotherapy service.



You should demonstrate evidence of ongoing CPD, including that to a Masters level or equivalent; have knowledge of current legislation, good interpersonal, communication and clinical skills and be able to work in a flexible manner. As an expert clinician and leader, you will be able to prove your ability to assist in the education, training and supervision of less experienced physiotherapy staff as well as other allied health and medical colleagues.



We are a thriving department in the centre of London that boasts fantastic development and educational opportunities. We have good links with our medical and surgical colleagues, community facilities and run a variety of well-established rehabilitation classes.



Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*



UCLH top trust to work at in England - for the second year running! : University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust



In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England - for the second year in a row.

UCLH top trust to work at in England - for the second year running! University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.



Once again, UCLH has received the highest score of all general acute and acute/community NHS trusts in England for staff that would recommend us as a place to work.



To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?