First Contact Physiotherapist

Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced First Contact Physiotherapist to join our friendly and supportive multidisciplinary team at Downing Drive Surgery.

As a First Contact Physiotherapist, you will act as the first point of contact for patients presenting with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, providing expert assessment, diagnosis, advice and management within a primary care setting. Working autonomously, you will help ensure patients receive the right care, at the right time, from the most appropriate healthcare professional, reducing the need for GP appointments and improving patient access to specialist MSK care.

This role offers the opportunity to work as part of an established multidisciplinary team alongside GPs, nurses, pharmacists, social prescribers and other healthcare professionals. You will play a key role in supporting patients to manage their own conditions, promoting independence, preventative care and evidence-based practice.

The successful candidate must be HCPC registered and have successfully completed the recognised First Contact Practitioner Roadmap Credentials.

Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will provide expert musculoskeletal assessment, diagnosis and management for patients presenting with acute, chronic and complex MSK conditions. Acting as an autonomous practitioner, you will undertake clinical assessments, formulate treatment plans, identify red flags, provide rehabilitation advice and guide patients through appropriate treatment pathways.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assessing and managing a wide range of musculoskeletal presentations.
• Making autonomous clinical decisions using advanced clinical reasoning.
• Requesting and interpreting investigations within scope of practice.
• Referring patients to community, secondary care and specialist services where appropriate.
• Supporting self-management, rehabilitation and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Working collaboratively with the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Maintaining accurate clinical records using SystmOne.
• Contributing to quality improvement initiatives, audits and service development.
• Supporting integrated care pathways and improving patient outcomes.

You will be expected to deliver safe, effective and patient-centred care while helping to reduce unnecessary referrals, investigations and repeat appointments.

About us
Downing Drive Surgery is a well-established GP practice based in Evington, Leicester, committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred healthcare to our diverse local population. We pride ourselves on providing accessible, compassionate and responsive services whilst continuously seeking opportunities to improve patient care and experience.

Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to deliver integrated healthcare services and includes GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, administrative teams and allied healthcare professionals. We believe in supporting innovation, professional development and continuous learning, creating an environment where staff are encouraged to develop their skills and contribute to service improvement.

As a training practice, we are committed to supporting the development of healthcare professionals at all stages of their careers. We offer a friendly and supportive working environment, regular supervision opportunities and a strong focus on teamwork, wellbeing and professional growth.

Joining Downing Drive Surgery provides an opportunity to make a real difference to patient care while working within a forward-thinking practice committed to high standards and continuous improvement.

Details
Date posted: 26 October 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: Depending on experience
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: A2818-26-0007
Closing date: 11 November 2026

Qualifications
Essential

• Degree or Diploma in Physiotherapy.
• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) or eligible for membership.
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
• Completed, or working towards, the First Contact Practitioner (FCP) Roadmap to Practice credentials.

Desirable

• Independent Prescribing Qualification.
• Injection Therapy Qualification.
• Advanced Musculoskeletal Practice Qualification (MSc level or equivalent).
• Relevant postgraduate training in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Knowledge and skills
Essential

• Excellent musculoskeletal assessment and diagnostic skills.
• Advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making abilities.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and procedures.
• Knowledge of current evidence-based practice relating to musculoskeletal care.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with patients and colleagues.
• Understanding of information governance, confidentiality and data protection requirements.

Desirable

• Knowledge of NHS primary care structures and pathways.

Additional criteria
Essential

• Professional, reliable and patient-focused.
• Ability to work independently whilst recognising own limitations.
• Commitment to delivering high standards of patient care.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to service needs.
• Positive team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Eligible to work in the UK.
• Satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
• Flexible approach to working hours to meet service requirements.
• Ability to undertake occasional evening clinics or service-specific sessions if required.

Experience
Essential

• Significant post-registration experience as a Physiotherapist.
• Experience of assessing and managing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
• Experience of working autonomously and making independent clinical decisions.
• Experience of managing complex patient presentations and identifying red flags.
• Experience of multidisciplinary team working.
• Experience of maintaining accurate and contemporaneous clinical records.
• Experience of providing patient education and supporting self-management.

Desirable

• Experience working within Primary Care or General Practice.
• Experience as a First Contact Physiotherapist.
• Experience using SystmOne or similar clinical systems.
• Experience participating in clinical audit, service evaluation or quality improvement projects.
• Experience supervising, mentoring or supporting other healthcare professionals or students.

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Contact: Practice Manager Katie Billson, 01162413801

Downing Drive Surgery's privacy notice is available on request.