Clinical Specialist Hand Therapy Visa Sponsorship UK
Job Description
Closing Date: 15 September 2026
Location: Yeovil District Hospital, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4AT
Salary: £49,387 – £56,515 per year
Band: 7
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Part-time
Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change
About the Opportunity
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is looking for an experienced Clinical Specialist Hand Therapist to join its established hand therapy service.
This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled therapist who is confident managing complex cases and wants to combine advanced clinical practice with service development, education and quality improvement.
Working as an autonomous practitioner, you will use your specialist assessment, clinical reasoning and splinting expertise to develop individualised rehabilitation plans. You will support patients recovering from injury and surgery, as well as those living with longer-term and complex hand conditions.
The role also provides the opportunity to work alongside senior surgical and therapy colleagues within multidisciplinary clinics, helping to coordinate care and improve patient outcomes.
Your Role
You will take responsibility for a varied caseload within outpatient and specialist hand therapy services. Your work will include:
– Completing detailed assessments of patients with complex hand and upper-limb conditions.
– Applying advanced clinical reasoning to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation planning.
– Providing specialist therapy following injury, surgery and long-term conditions.
– Designing and applying appropriate splints and other therapeutic interventions.
– Working collaboratively with surgeons, therapists and other healthcare professionals.
– Supporting effective patient pathways and contributing to clinical decision-making.
– Helping maintain safe, organised and efficient clinic services.
– Identifying opportunities to improve the quality and effectiveness of hand therapy provision.
Your influence will extend beyond your individual caseload. You will contribute to clinical education, supervision, audit, research and quality improvement, helping colleagues develop their skills and supporting the introduction of better ways of working.
You will also have opportunities to contribute to wider professional networks and encourage the consistent use of evidence-based hand therapy practice.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking a confident and knowledgeable practitioner with the skills required to manage complex clinical presentations independently.
You should be able to demonstrate:
– Strong clinical assessment and decision-making abilities.
– Advanced knowledge and practical skills relevant to hand therapy.
– Experience managing complex patients and rehabilitation needs.
– Effective communication and multidisciplinary working skills.
– The ability to contribute to teaching, supervision and professional development.
– An interest in research, clinical audit and continuous service improvement.
– A commitment to delivering safe, compassionate and patient-focused care.
Applicants must hold current UK professional registration relevant to the role.
Please refer to the full Job Description and Person Specification for complete details of the qualifications, experience and competencies required.
Working for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we want our people to have the support they need both professionally and personally.
Employees can benefit from:
– Flexible working arrangements where service requirements allow.
– Access to the NHS Pension Scheme.
– A generous annual leave entitlement.
– Opportunities for career progression and continuing professional development.
– Blue Light Card discounts across shopping, dining, leisure and other services.
– A supportive and inclusive working environment.
We value the contribution of people from different backgrounds and are committed to developing a diverse workforce. Applications are welcomed from candidates with a wide range of experiences and perspectives.
Why Choose Somerset?
Somerset combines a relaxed rural setting with excellent connections to some of the UK’s most popular cities.
The area offers beautiful countryside, attractive natural landscapes and access to stunning coastline. Bristol, Bath and Exeter are within convenient travelling distance, while London can be reached in around two hours.
With good schools and educational facilities, together with comparatively affordable housing, Somerset can offer an appealing environment for both professional development and everyday life.
Whether you prefer the tranquillity of the countryside or easy access to lively cities, Somerset provides a varied setting in which to live and work.
Further Information
For a complete overview of the position, including responsibilities, qualifications and essential criteria, please review the full Job Description and Person Specification accompanying the vacancy.
Disclosure and Barring Service
This position is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Appointment will therefore require an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to establish whether any relevant criminal convictions need to be considered.
Skilled Worker Sponsorship
Candidates who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome to apply. Applications will be considered alongside those from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK, subject to the applicable eligibility and sponsorship requirements.
Applicants seeking overseas entry clearance may be required to provide criminal record certificates covering countries where they have lived for the required period. This requirement can also apply to adult dependants.
Candidates should consult the latest UK government guidance regarding criminal record checks for overseas applicants.
Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration appropriate to the position. Further information about professional registration requirements can be obtained through NHS Careers.
Application Support
If you need assistance with your application or would like further information about the vacancy, please contact:
Lucy Lowe
Email: lucy.lowe@somersetft.nhs.uk
Vacancy Details
Employer: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Position: Clinical Specialist Hand Therapist
Band: 7
Salary: £49,387 – £56,515 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part-time
Location: Yeovil District Hospital, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4AT
Closing Date: 15 September 2026
Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change
