Job summary
- Main area
- Physiotherapy
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (OPAL therapists work 08:00-18:00 on 4 days a week between Monday and Saturday, There is a compulsory 1 in 6 Saturday work commitment in the OPAL therapy post and a compulsory respiratory on-call commitment on weekend days on a pre-agreed roster.)
- Job ref
- 209-A-26-8124769-A
- Employer
- East Cheshire NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Macclesfield District
- Town
- Victoria Road, Macclesfield
- Salary
- £39,959 - £48,117 per annum (subject to job matching)
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 30/07/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist OR Occupational Therapist - OPAL
NHS AfC: Band 6
It is all about the people at East Cheshire NHS Trust. We have a real sense of community, and our values are truly embedded into everything we do, ensuring we are a great and inclusive place to work. You will be supported, developed and empowered throughout your career with us. Come and join us, where you can play your part in helping us deliver outstanding care and improving the health of all the people we serve.
Job overview
ARE YOU AN EXPERIENCED PHYSIOTHERAPIST OR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST PASSIONATE ABOUT THE CARE OF OLDER PEOPLE?
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Band 6 Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to join the Older Person’s Assessment and Liaison (OPAL) Team at East Cheshire NHS Trust.
The OPAL team are a friendly multi-disciplinary team, consisting of Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, ACPs, and Care of The Elderly Consultants. We are based at Macclesfield District General Hospital, and predominantly work with Older Adults in the first 48 hours from attendance to A&E.
We provide therapeutic interventions and contribute to Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) to avoid clinically unnecessary hospital admissions and facilitate timely discharges.
Applicants will be required to work over 7 days and be available to work between the hours of 8am and 6pm.
We are looking for a HCPC registered Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist with:
· experience of working in the NHS with Older People, ideally in both Acute and Community settings
· self-motivation and excellent communication skills
· the ability to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
· proven assessment and discharge planning skills
· a positive attitude to risk management
· a commitment to supporting the development of therapies within the team
Hours per week: 37.5
Main duties of the job
To work as a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist specialising in the assessment and treatment of older people living with frailty.
Please refer to the job description and person specification for further details.
We welcome applications from Graduate visa holders; it is important to note that you must have a minimum of 6 months before this expires at the start of your employment for training and operational reasons.
Non-UK or Irish applicants should check their visa and this role’s eligibility for sponsorship before applying. For further information please visit Visas and immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Please be advised we are unable to provide Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship to non-UK residents.
Working for our organisation
We are committed to providing the best quality integrated care to our patients. To achieve this aim we need highly motivated staff who are united by common values and behaviours.
We believe our workforce is our greatest asset and we actively support our staff to develop their capabilities to the full, with a variety of learning and development opportunities.
Whether you are just starting out in your career or are looking to use your skills and experience in a new role, East Cheshire NHS Trust is the right employer for you. We look forward to you joining us so that we can bring out your best.
Please be aware that this post requires an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check with barred lists, the cost of which is payable by the successful candidate. If you have lived or worked abroad for 6 months or more in the last 5 years you will need to obtain an overseas police clearance. Further information can be found on the additional information links at the bottom of the advert.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please read the attached Applicant Pack prior to completing your application form to find out more information.
Please download a copy of the Job Description and Person Specification located under the Supporting documents heading to read more about the advertised role.
As part of making your application we encourage you to review the Trusts Careers webpage Careers :: East Cheshire NHS Trust for more information about working for East Cheshire NHS Trust.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The Trust is a Disability Confident Leader and as such, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification).
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application. While this is not discouraged, it is essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section as these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job you’re applying for. We kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process and being a member of East Cheshire NHS Trust.
Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we receive a large number of applications.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- HCPC registration
- Relevant professional degree / diploma
- Clinical educators training
- Attendance at degree level post graduate courses relevant to the specialist area e.g. communication, CBT, dementia or working towards this or be prepared to study at this level
Desirable criteria
- Membership of a relevant professional bod
Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Post registration knowledge which is relevant to the specialist area and evidenced by CPD
- Knowledge of recent NHS legislation, recommendations.
- Awareness of the national and local priorities and changing trends in specialist area.
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of the service / trust values & objectives
Skills
Essential criteria
- Ability to lead junior colleagues
- Advanced communication and listening skills
- Ability to make appropriate decisions at all levels
- Audit skills
- Ability to prioritise workload, achieving a balance between clinical and other aspects of role
- Ability to work autonomously and as part of team
- Ability to work under pressure
- Proactive, takes own initiative
- Supportive team member
- IT skills
Experience
Essential criteria
- Proven post registration experience, some of which is in a relevant setting / associated area.
- Experience of completing and contributing to audit / research.
- Experience of completing and contributing to audit / research.
- Experience of contributing to the teaching and mentoring of staff & members of the MDT.
Specific Job Requirement
Essential criteria
- Prior experience working in the NHS – with a broad range of NHS physical rotations. Proven ability to manage complex rehabilitation issues including dementia and ensure safe and timely discharge of patients
Other
Essential criteria
- Ability to demonstrate travel between sites/community settings.
Further Information
Essential criteria
- Please provide any additional relevant information to support your application. Please note that this is a non-scoring question.
Other role requirments
Essential criteria
- Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further role requirements.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Andrea Cain
- Job title
- Acute Therapy Team Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01625 661488
- Additional information
For further information or to arrange an informal visit please contact Caroline Sugden (Advanced Clinical Specialist OT) [email protected]
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