Specialist Physiotherapist - Mental Health

OUR VALUES IN ACTION

• Care and Compassion
• Quality and Teamwork
• Dignity and Respect
• Openness, honesty and responsibility

As from 1st April 2026, the Agenda for Change full‑time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro‑rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic Specialist Physiotherapist (band
6) who will work as part of a warm and supportive team; across Mental Health In‑patient & Community settings. NHS Borders has four inpatient mental health wards including Acute, Rehabilitation, Dementia Assessment, and functionally ill older adults wards.

This post works flexibly with patients across a variety of settings with a recovery orientated focus and also follows the principles of Connecting People – Connecting Support. The successful candidate will work closely with the MDT and third‑sector agencies. The post has clinical support and supervision, a structured induction and CPD opportunities. There is also the opportunity to work additional paid hours on weekend Physiotherapy rotas in the Borders General Hospital through the NHS Borders Physiotherapy bank—if you would like to be interviewed and registered for the bank as well please let us know.

Previous experience of working with people with mental ill health and with older adults is essential; community experience desirable. A full current UK driving licence is essential and will be checked ess to a car with business insurance is essential.

It is essential that you have a Degree or Diploma in Physiotherapy and HCPC registration. A requirement of this post is becoming a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme / Disclosure Scotland Check. All applicants are required to confirm their right to work in the UK in their application.

The Borders is a beautiful place in which to live and work. It has affordable housing, good schools and is well connected with the Borders railway.

If the above job information excites and interests you, and you would like further information or to arrange an informal visit or a discussion over video call, please telephone (answer‑phone) and ask to speak with Katie Masterson.

Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team.

For more details on these changes please visit:
Disclosure Scotland Changes.

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigration Service.

As part of the pre‑employment checks for a preferred candidate, NHS Scotland Boards will check your entitlement to work in the UK. It can be evidenced through a number of routes including specific types of visa as well as EU settled and pre‑settled status. To find out more about these routes of permission, please refer to the  website.

For specific types of post, if you do not have the necessary eligibility to work in the UK, it might be possible (though not guaranteed) to secure sponsorship via a UK Skilled Worker/Health & Care Worker Visa. However, this is only possible if the employer is a licensed sponsor, and if the post does not fall below the current minimum salary threshold or "going rate".

Further information on these criteria can be found.

It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form.

PLEASE NOTE:
We cannot accept late applications so please ensure your application is submitted early.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.