Specialist Musculoskeletal Podiatrist – OCM Ireland

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Job Summary

An opportunity has arisen for a Band 7 Podiatrist to join our dynamic Musculoskeletal (MSK) team within the Great Yarmouth and Waveney Area. The role will involve timely assessment and treatment of a wide range of conditions utilising specialist skill sets such as orthotic prescription, exercise therapy and provision of specialist advice. It also involves collaborative working with Norfolk Community Health and Care (NCHC) biomechanics as well as the Musculoskeletal Assessment and Triage Service (MATS) within ECCH and NCHC.

Main Duties

• Carrying and being responsible for own caseload, including assessment, diagnosis, implementation of individualised care programmes with orthoses and exercise programmes.
• Working with the Clinical Co‑ordinator and MSK team leads (Physiotherapists and Podiatrists) to further develop the integrated MSK Service in line with evidence‑based practice.
• Providing expertise for biomechanics, facilitating efficient care pathways for patients.
• Arranging imaging appropriately, either independently or through the MATs or physiotherapy leads.
• Providing bespoke orthotic prescriptions using a range of materials from EVA to carbon fibre through external manufacturers.
• Developing progressive individualised exercise programmes aligned with patient expectations and abilities.
• Communicating effectively to enable patients to achieve maximum self‑management, especially where pain or fear impair it.
• Teaching and supervising other health professionals, non‑registered staff, and students.
• Maintaining accurate clinical records in SystmOne in line with organisational policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients with complex biomechanical problems.
• Undertake comprehensive specialist assessment, treatment and evaluation of outcomes for MSK patients with various presentations.
• Make direct referrals to diagnostic services, interpret results and arrange onward referrals to secondary care or other providers.
• Provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching, and instruction to patients, relatives, carers and other professionals.
• Provide in‑house training and support to embed core biomechanical skills into wider clinical practice.
• Recognise when patient needs could be better met by a lower band staff member and refer appropriately.
• Communicate effectively with patients who may have barriers such as impaired hearing, language difficulty, pain or fear.
• Maintain clinical records in SystmOne to optimise patient care pathways.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

• Identify and evaluate opportunities for improvement, implement and evaluate change.
• Self‑directed learning and ability to work independently.
• Pass on skills/knowledge to other clinicians, both formally and informally, and evaluate application to practice.
• Specialist knowledge of musculoskeletal podiatry and ability to identify and address poor practice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Critical appraisal skills and experience in audit and research.
• Presentation skills and competent use of IT.
• Highly developed podiatry skills and excellent knowledge of musculoskeletal practice.
• Cope with unpredictable work patterns and prescribe a range of orthoses and assess/​evaluate footwear.

Desirable Skills and Knowledge

• Injection skills.
• Teaching experience.
• Leadership experience.
• Direct referral to diagnostics experience.
• Previous work in an integrated musculoskeletal service.

Essential Qualifications

• Diploma / Degree in Podiatry.
• Current HCPC registration.
• Completion of relevant post‑graduate specialist training at masters level.
• Evidence of other continuing professional development.

Desirable Qualifications

• Teaching qualification.

Essential Experience

• Worked in a variety of specialities as a qualified clinician, gaining specialised experience.
• Worked in the NHS or private sector in the UK providing a specialist musculoskeletal biomechanics service.
• Provision of clinical supervision and demonstration of clinical leadership in biomechanics within local services.
• Knowledge of audit processes.

Desirable Experience

• Direct referral to diagnostics.
• Previous work in an integrated musculoskeletal service.

Person Specification

• Able to work collaboratively within a team, independently, and maintain judgement under pressure.
• Committed to personal and team development, with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Communicates at all levels, relaying sensitive and emotional information, and is responsive to patient and service needs.
• Flexible working, willing to work across different sites and travel within the community as required.
• Adheres to ECCH values and signature behaviours – Compassion, Action, Respect and Everyone.

Benefits

ECCH offers a range of NHS, community health and social care services. Employees can opt to become shareholders and have a say in how ECCH is run. Extensive employee benefits are available – visit www.ecch.org for details.

Application Details

Band 7 – £47,810 to £54,710 a year – Permanent – Full‑time, Part‑time, Flexible working.
Job location(s): Kirkley Mill Health Centre, Lowestoft, Beccles Hospital, East Coast Community Healthcare, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth.
Reference number: B9849‑139‑25.

Equal Opportunity Statement

ECCH is an equal opportunities employer. All qualified candidates will receive equal consideration for employment.