Job summaryTo use specialised clinical reasoning skills to provide specialist assessment and treatment of complex patients as a practitioner within Optimise Pain Rehabilitation Service.
To provide high quality clinical input for persisting pain patients.
Main duties of the job- To undertake comprehensive assessments of patients presenting with multiple pathologies, using bio-psychosocial clinical reasoning skills, knowledge of evidence based practice, and rehabilitation expertise. To develop accurate diagnoses. Demonstrate awareness of knowledge in the field of pain management. Develop new skills in response to emerging knowledge and techniques.
- Assess patients attending Optimise Pain Rehabilitation Unit and refer to the most appropriate programme, including assessment for hydrotherapy, psychology and individual sessions. To participate in the running of the Get Back Active and Pain Management programmes. To see patients on an individual basis where appropriate.
- To have knowledge of pain neurophysiology (e.g. pain matrix, neuroplasticity, peripheral and central sensitisation, centrally generated and maintained pain).
About usOxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community.We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence, and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel.
In 2023NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment. If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.
DetailsDate posted12 August 2026
Pay schemeAgenda for change
BandBand 6
Salary£39,959 to £48,117 a year
per annum
ContractPermanent
Working patternFull-time
Reference number321-NOTSS-8125713-B6
Job locationsNuffield Orthopaedic Centre and the Horton
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre,
Oxford
OX3 7LD
United Kingdom
Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesPrinciple Duties and ResponsibilitiesClinical- To be professionally and legally accountable and responsible for all aspects of own work including the management of individual caseload, working within accepted codes of professional conduct and clinical guidelines to minimise clinical risk.
- To be qualified to degree / diploma level in physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy and be HCPC registered. To have completed a series of rotations to include major specialities such as orthopaedics, musculoskeletal out-patients and medicine at basic grade level.
- To demonstrate sound theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology and clinical reasoning skills to provide specialist rehabilitation for mixed and complex conditions requiring rehabilitation.
- To undertake comprehensive assessments of patients presenting with multiple pathologies, using bio-psychosocial clinical reasoning skills, knowledge of evidence based practice, and rehabilitation expertise. To develop accurate diagnoses. Demonstrate awareness of knowledge in the field of pain management. Develop new skills in response to emerging knowledge and techniques.
- To monitor and reassess therapeutic input and patient status in order to progress and adjust treatments effectively and develop comprehensive discharge plans referring to specialist services as indicated.
- To have the ability to work within the trusts guidelines and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Guidelines / Royal College of Occupational Therapists and to have a good working knowledge of national standards.
- To be responsible for the competent use of exercise and gym equipment or capable of being trained in the use of such equipment, and patient appliances as indicated, and to report any defects or malfunctions to the Team Leader.
- To participate in clinical governance as required.
- To develop comprehensive discharge plans.
- To be responsible for writing clinical letters, reports and discharge letters issued to patients and outside agencies.
- To advise patients, employers and occupational health departments on the appropriate time to return to work, sports and other activities. To issue AHP fit notes.
- To manage clinical risk within own caseload and within the pain rehabilitation service. To be able to undertake a suicide risk assessment and follow the pathway for suspected cauda equina or refer to an appropriate clinician with the skills to assess for cauda equina. To report safeguarding issues and refer to appropriate teams under the guidance of senior staff.
- To assess patients attending Optimise Pain Rehabilitation Unit and refer to the most appropriate programme, including assessment for hydrotherapy, psychology and individual sessions. To participate in the running of the Get Back Active and Pain Management programmes. To see patients on an individual basis where appropriate.
- To decide (in consultation with colleagues) whether to treat, co-manage or refer patients with psychological needs. e.g. reason referral requirements to crisis team, community mental health or pain clinical psychology. To be aware of the impact of pain and discuss with senior clinicians which blending of therapies are required to address both the psychological and physical effects of pain.
- To provide post programme reviews for participants.
- To have knowledge of pain neurophysiology (e.g. pain matrix, neuroplasticity, peripheral and central sensitisation, centrally generated and maintained pain).
- To be aware of a range of psychological approaches used in pain management such as mindfulness, motivational interviewing, ACT, CBT.
- Demonstrate ability to use activity/exercise sessions as an opportunity for patients to be exposed to difficult thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Ability to facilitate patients in managing these when they arise, in keeping with values and workability. To evaluate, reassess and alter treatment programmes as required.
- To participate in the evening (if a physiotherapist) and weekend and Bank Holiday on call rota.
Administrative / Organisational- To be responsible for maintenance of accurate written patient records within Trust and Service protocols and guidelines. To complete any necessary documentation/reports for other professionals/agencies as required.
- To provide supervision / mentoring of students and assistants working within the team.
- To provide statistics and other information when required.
- To assist in the audit of standards when necessary. To implement guidelines.
- To be fully conversant with the CRS computer systems and write contemporaneous electronic clinic notes as required.
- Actively engage in supervision and teaching sessions. To participate in the In Service Training programme.
- Demonstrate appropriate and timely referral and liaison processes eg MDT meetings; phone calls; case conferences; letters.
- To be familiar and comply with legislation and trust policy which affect staff and patients and staff health. To monitor condition of equipment and ensure any deficits, accidents, incidents and complaints are reported via the correct channels.
Communication- To communicate in simple terms complicated concepts about pain mechanisms and scientific information to patients, carers and other staff (within and outside own profession), both on an individual and group basis, who may find such ideas difficult to understand due to differences in educational or language background, and who may not want to accept information provided. Information needs to be clearly conveyed without causing offence or distress.
- To demonstrate an ability to communicate complex and sensitive information to patients, carers and other staff, where there may be barriers to communication or may include information about long-term / permanent disabilities or chronic pain. This must be done whilst ensuring that patients have full understanding. Confidentiality is maintained at all times.
- To communicate with all other healthcare professionals, voluntary agencies and professional networks concerning patient care or professional issues and ensure good working relationships for the effective provision of musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
- To demonstrate negotiating and persuasive skills where required in relation to specialist caseload and service development.
- To report complaints to team lead and to follow the Trusts formal complaints procedure.
- To provide appropriate feedback to the referring staff during and at completion of physiotherapy or occupational therapy intervention.
Education / Research- To be responsible for maintaining a detailed personal portfolio showing reflective practice and CPD .
- To act as clinical educator for undergraduate and Physiotherapy / Occupational therapy MSc students as required.
Professional- All staff have a general duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions. All safety rules, regulations and codes of practice relating to the work area should be observed.
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is everybody's responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non -clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection prevention and control at all times, thereby reducing the burden of Healthcare Associated Infections including MRSA and Clostridium Difficile in accordance with the Hygiene Code - Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections (DH 2008).
- To value diversity and promote equality of opportunity ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and respected for their contribution in terms of experience, knowledge and skills.
- To maintain professional registration (as appropriate) and to act in accordance with professional codes of practice and guidelines. To follow Trust policies and procedures and maintain up to date skills and knowledge through participation in Continuing Professional Development. To participate in the staff appraisal programme.
- To work in partnership to achieve service objectives and promote a culture of working together through good communications, openness and honesty.
- Everyone has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and for ensuring that they are protected from harm. Every adult has a responsibility to protect children and as employees of the Trust we are duty bound always to act in the best interest of a child about whom we may have concerns.
Effort- To carry out assessments and treatments of musculoskeletal and pain conditions, with moderate physical effort involved, on a daily basis.
- To comply with the trusts manual handling and local therapeutic handling policies.
- To deal with patients suffering with pain states that may lead to anxiety and aggressive / challenging behaviour with support from senior clinicians / pain psychologist where required.
- Concentration during treatment, analysing documents and assessing patients; frequent concentration, predictable patterns. Supervising patients in a group setting; concentration in several long periods daily.
- This job may involve frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions e.g. bodily fluids including sputum, unpleasant smells and exposure to verbal and occasionally physical aggression.
Person SpecificationEducationEssential- Post-graduate MSK or pain course
ExpereinceEssential- MSK / pain rehabilitation experience at Band 5 or 6
- Participation in evening and on-call working
- Experience of providing supervision
Desirable- Experience of quality issues or audit
- Supervision of students
- Hydrotherapy experience
KnowledgeEssential- Knowledge of effective multidisciplinary working
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer detailsEmployer nameOxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
AddressNuffield Orthopaedic Centre and the Horton
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre,
Oxford
OX3 7LD
United Kingdom
Employer's websitehttps://www.ouh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact:Consultant Physiotherapist
Leila Heelas
leila.heelas@ouh.nhs.uk
01865738081
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.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).Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). 
