Job overview
We are delighted to be advertising the opportunity for Band 5 Occupational Therapist's to join the expanding Rotational Programme in our Occupational Therapy Department at Gateshead NHS Trust. These posts are ideally suited for existing Band 5’s who wish to broaden their clinical experience as well as final year OT students who are seeking their first clinical post (including those due to qualify summer 2026). The Preceptorship programme is in place to support student to practitioner transition.
The Occupational Therapy rotation has wide clinical variety including: Acute Medicine, Older Person Medicine, Surgery, Trauma and Elective Orthopedics, Stroke and Older Persons Mental Health Community Services and Rapid Response. You will have the opportunity to apply the Occupational Therapy Process with patients presenting with a variety of needs arising from occupational dysfunction in a variety of clinical teams. The rotations currently operate on a 6 monthly cycle; some of the services operate over 7 days.
We are seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic Band 5 Occupational Therapists’ to join our well-established and friendly team. Within the department we actively support Supervision, Appraisal, Preceptorship, Service development and CPD opportunities. If you would like to know more please get in touch to arrange an informal visit/chat.
Main duties of the job
We are a friendly department that work collaboratively to provide a dynamic and pro-active service for our patients. We have staff ranging from Technical Instructors to Clinical Specialist’s; all staff contribute to support and training within the department. We offer opportunities for professional and personal development; we have a robust structure for clinical supervision. You will be well supported by our motivated therapy staff and you will be expected to be a proactive member of the team.
We would welcome applicants that have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to enable you to work well as part of a team; ideally you will have experience of working within multi-professional teams. You should have a flexible and adaptable approach. We are looking for you to have enthusiasm to develop skills and experiences in a range of settings.
Essential Requirements
- Diploma/Degree/ Masters in Occupational Therapy and are registered with HCPC at the time of appointment.
- You have a valid UK driving license with access to a vehicle for work purposes. As this role is rotational you will based across the Trust premises depending on clinical demands.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main Purpose of the Job
To provide an assessment and therapeutic service in line with the core skills of Occupational Therapy to people presenting in the following specialties within the service:
- Medical Team
- Older Person’s Medical Team
- Older Person’s Mental Health Community Service
- Orthopaedics (Trauma and Elective)
- Surgical Team
- Inpatient Stroke Team
- Rapid Response
The post will offer experience of working in a variety of settings including community and hospital. It will involve working as an integral member of multi-disciplinary teams.
Dimensions
- To perform OT assessment of patients with diverse presentations and complex conditions and to develop and deliver an individualised treatment programme.
- To be responsible for your own caseload and a defined area of the service, working without direct supervision.
- Responsible to the Team Lead/ clinical specialist within the clinical area.
- To work as part of the multi-disciplinary team to deliver a holistic patient-centered approach to care.
- To regularly liaise with MDT members including those from heath, social services and voluntary agencies to ensure an integrated and comprehensive service is provided.
- To ensure that patients are identified for prompt discharge and handover to community services.
- Maintaining clinical records as an autonomous practitioner
- To supervise non-qualified staff within the team.
- To supervise occupational therapy students on clinical placements.
- To participate in CPD and develop skills and knowledge through participation in the in service training.
- To be an active participant on the weekend working rota.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Maintain and develop current evidence based practice in relation to patient group.
- Problem solving skills
- Standard I T Skills
Desirable
- Understanding of NHS organisation
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as part of an Occupational Therapy team and/or multidisciplinary team, showing an understanding of other professional roles.
- Experience of organising and prioritising a patient caseload in a busy acute hospital and community based settings.
- Experience of working under indirect supervision and as an autonomous practitioner.
Desirable
- Evidence of contributing to CPD activities.
- Experience of supporting students within a clinical setting.
- Membership/involvement in relevant special interest group/network.
Disposition
Essential
- Good team worker
- Enthusiastic & flexible
- Motivated & hard working.
- Willing and motivated to take part in change/ service improvement.
Qualifications
Essential
- Hold a qualification enabling registration with the Health Professions Council (HCPC) as an Occupational Therapist (or working toward Summer 2025 graduation)
- Sound knowledge of Occupational Therapy core skills – including knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of patients using a holistic approach.
- Experience of working as part of an occupational therapy team and/or multidisciplinary team, showing an understanding of other professional roles and team dynamics.
- Maintain a professional portfolio for CPD / evidence of learning and reflection.
- Full UK Driving License with access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a range of environments including clients’ homes/ community.
- Experience of organising and prioritising a complex patient caseload in a busy acute hospital and community based settings.
- Membership/involvement in relevant special interest group/network
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Rotational Occupational Therapist with Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust in Queen Elizabeth Hospital/ Bensham Hospital/ Gateshead Trust Localities.. It is listed as a Occupational Therapist role. The advertised salary is £32073.00 to £39043.00. The contract type is Permanent: 6 monthly rotations (April and October) within the department.. The application deadline is 26 Aug 2026.
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