Higher Specialist Physiotherapist


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£49,387 - £56,515
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Barnstaple, EX31 4JB
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	5 Aug 2026
Closing date:	19 Aug 2026

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Summary

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below. More detail about the role Shape the future of stroke rehabilitation with us. Are you an experienced neurological physiotherapist ready to provide clinical leadership to a high-performing stroke rehabilitation team? We are looking for an enthusiastic and innovative Band 7 Physiotherapist to work as part of our inpatient Stroke and Neurorehabilitation service. Whether you are an established Band 6 ready for your first leadership role or an experienced Band 7 looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you. This is an exciting opportunity to join our friendly, ambitious and forward-thinking Stroke Therapy in-patient team in North Devon. You will work across our Stroke Unit providing acute care and rehabilitation combining advanced clinical practice with leadership, education and service development to make a real difference to the lives of people recovering from stroke. We are committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based rehabilitation and investing in our staff. You'll be encouraged to develop your clinical expertise, grow as a leader and help shape the future of our stroke services within a research-active and innovative therapy department. About the role As a Band 7 Highly Specialist Physiotherapist, you will play a key leadership role providing expert assessment and rehabilitation for patients from the acute stages of stroke through to inpatient rehabilitation. You will manage a varied and complex caseload, using advanced clinical reasoning to deliver person-centred rehabilitation that promotes recovery, independence and quality of life. Working closely with patients and families, you will help set meaningful goals, support timely discharge planning and ensure seamless transitions across the stroke pathway. You'll be part of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team that includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, stroke physicians, psychologists, dietitians, rehabilitation assistants and discharge coordinators. Collaborative working is at the heart of what we do, enabling us to deliver coordinated, holistic rehabilitation tailored to each patient's needs. Lead, influence and develop As a senior member of the team, you will provide clinical leadership, supporting and developing junior staff, therapy support workers and students through supervision, mentoring and teaching. You'll contribute to training, workforce development and governance while helping to foster a positive, supportive learning culture. The Inpatient stroke therapy team in North Devon forms part of the broader Neurorehab Service which includes therapy teams working across specialist inpatient, community and outpatient settings. You will have the opportunity to influence how our integrated services evolve. We actively encourage staff to lead quality improvement projects, participate in audit and research, and develop innovative ways of improving patient outcomes. Your ideas and expertise will help shape the future of stroke and neuro rehabilitation within our Trust. A team that invests in you Our Stroke and Neurorehabilitation Service has an excellent reputation for supporting career development. We are passionate about helping our staff reach their full potential and provide access to specialist training, leadership development, quality improvement programmes and research opportunities. Within this role you can expect a supportive and experienced senior leadership team, excellent opportunities for professional and leadership development, regular supervision and peer support, opportunities to participate in research, audit and service improvement and a culture that values innovation, collaboration and continuous learning. Innovation at the Royal Devon Innovation is central to our therapy services. We are proud to be a research-active department that continually seeks new ways to improve rehabilitation and patient outcomes. Our therapists are encouraged to develop new ideas, implement evidence-based practice and contribute to the future direction of stroke services across the Trust Work-life balance We know that achieving a healthy work-life balance is important. Flexible working options are available, and we welcome conversations about how we can support your individual circumstances while meeting the needs of the service. Why North Devon? North Devon is an exceptional place to live and work. With spectacular coastline, beautiful countryside and Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks on your doorstep, it offers an outstanding quality of life. Whether you enjoy surfing before work, walking along coastal paths, cycling, paddle boarding or simply spending time outdoors, North Devon provides the perfect balance between a rewarding career and an active lifestyle. We'd love to hear from you If you're passionate about delivering outstanding stroke rehabilitation, developing others and helping shape the future of stroke services, we'd be delighted to receive your application. Informal visits and conversations are warmly welcomed. Come and meet the team, see our service in action and discover why so many of our staff choose to build their careers with us. Working Pattern: This post is offered at 22.5 hours per week, worked over three days, with participation in the weekend rota (approximately one weekend day every six weeks) We are committed to supporting flexible working and welcome applications from candidates seeking a range of working patterns, which can be discussed at interview Interview Date: To Be Confirmed For further information please contact Catherine Sandbach, Neuro-rehab Service Lead on 01271 322 375 Catherine.sandbach@nhs.net As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. Benefits We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there. Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays. You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups. Salary is not the only financial benefit You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including: National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts. Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter Car lease schemes. The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK). Cycle to work scheme These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

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