Clinical Lead Orthotist: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

Clinical Lead Orthotist: Full time (37.5 hours)

The Orthotics Service at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist orthotic assessment, treatment and rehabilitation across acute and community settings. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated Orthotist to join the service as a Clinical Lead Orthotist based primarily on the Acute Site.

The post holder will provide highly specialised orthotic assessment and management for patients with complex clinical needs, whilst delivering clinical leadership for the Orthotics Service. Working across hospital and community settings when required , the successful candidate will support the delivery of an efficient, effective and high-quality service, promoting evidence-based practice, innovation and continuous improvement.

Main duties of the job

• Act as Clinical Lead for the Orthotics Service, providing clinical leadership and specialist advice to colleagues and multidisciplinary teams.
• Undertake advanced specialist assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with complex orthotic needs.
• Prescribe, supply and review a wide range of orthoses, specialist footwear and pressure-relieving devices.
• Manage a specialist caseload across acute, outpatient and community settings.
• Lead service development, clinical audit, quality improvement and implementation of evidence-based practice.
• Support service demand and capacity management to ensure timely access to orthotic interventions.
• Supervise, support and develop students, assistant practitioners and colleagues within the service.
• Contribute to policy development, governance activities and service transformation initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with primary care, community teams, hospital clinicians and wider multidisciplinary services to deliver seamless patient-centred care

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• BSc (Hons) in Prosthetics and Orthotics (or equivalent recognised qualification).
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Evidence of post-registration professional development

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification or evidence of Master’s level study.
• Membership of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO).

Knowledge

Essential

• Comprehensive knowledge of orthotic assessment, prescription and management of complex clinical conditions
• Demonstrable knowledge of clinical audit
• Demonstrable knowledge of health and safety requirements relating to self, patients and others within the work environment.
• Understanding of clinical governance and its relationship to Orthotics.
• In-depth knowledge of evidence-based treatments and interventions relevant to Orthotics.
• Evidence of self-directed learning through relevant professional literature, research and other appropriate sources.
• In-depth understanding of related national guidance and NHS frameworks.

Desirable

• Highly skilled in undertaking literature searches to answer clinical and non-clinical questions.
• Knowledge and understanding of NHS Trust structures and organisation.
• Knowledge and understanding of research and development.

Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience working at Band 6 level or equivalent.
• Demonstrable experience in the assessment and management of a range of complex conditions.
• Experience of liaising and working collaboratively with a range of healthcare professionals, including GPs and consultants, and with patients.
• Experience of using own initiative and professional judgement.
• Experience of supervising and appraising staff and supporting students.
• Experience of delegating duties appropriately.

Desirable

• Experience of change management.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Able to prioritise work effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in a challenging environment.
• Ability to demonstrate a high standard of clinical practice.
• Self-motivated, with a commitment to ongoing development of skills and knowledge.
• Conscientious and able to demonstrate a professional approach to work.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to use persuasion and negotiation in relation to treatment and management options.
• Caring and sensitive approach, with the ability to communicate effectively with patients with a poor prognosis or where information may be sensitive or distressing.
• Demonstrable knowledge and theoretical understanding of current evidence-based practice
• Ability to identify and implement appropriate solutions to problems relating to caseload management.
• Effective time-management skills, with the ability to manage a caseload within agreed timescales. o Demonstrable leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and support others.
• Ability to present to a variety of audiences.

Additional Requirements

Essential

• Ability to travel independently across Trust and community locations.
• Willingness to work across acute, community and paediatric services.

Closing Date: 4 October 2026