Specialist Occupational Therapist

Job overview

• WTE | Fixed-Term 10-Month Contract (Secondment Cover) Open to internal and external applicants
• WTE | Fixed-Term 9-Month Contract (Maternity Leave Cover) Internal applicants only

We are seeking two enthusiastic and motivated Specialist Occupational Therapists to join the innovative @home Service, one of London's largest Urgent Community Response teams. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Band 6 seeking a new challenge, a Band 5 ready to progress, or a returning-to-practice Occupational Therapist.

The @home Service delivers rapid assessment, intervention and rehabilitation to support people with urgent and complex health and social care needs to remain safely at home, helping to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and support discharge from acute services.

You will provide specialist occupational therapy assessment, intervention and care planning within patients' homes, managing a varied caseload as part of a larger integrated multidisciplinary team.

Community experience and an interest in urgent community-based care are desirable. Serving the diverse populations of Lambeth and Southwark, the role offers exposure to a wide range of cultures, languages and complex needs.

We are looking for adaptable clinicians with strong communication, assessment and clinical reasoning skills. In return, we offer excellent opportunities for professional development, career progression and extended-scope practice.

Main duties of the job

Provide case management for adults and older people through intensive short-term support and rehabilitation, engaging in patient-centred and inclusive goals setting aimed at maximising their independence in the community.

Work across traditional professional boundaries; liaising with health and social care professionals and voluntary agencies to deliver individualised and expert patient centred care to a high standard.

Work both autonomously and collaboratively with colleagues across health and social care to ensure seamless, coordinated care and positive patient experiences in patients’ homes.

You will have supervisory, teaching and training responsibilities for the Nursing Rehab Support Workers, Allied Health Students, and the wider multidisciplinary team.

Active participation in evidence-based projects, departmental research and audits including recommendations for changes in practice as required and in line with current NHS directives.

Maintain ongoing professional development across the four pillars of practice through supervision, reflection, and multidisciplinary working; and adhering to standards set out by Health and Care Professions Council and Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the full job description for comprehensive summary of the essential and desirable criteria for this role. Main headings include:

• Professional and clinical responsibilities
• Communication
• Service Development - Research / Audit / Quality
• Staff management and Leadership
• Education and Training
• Personal and Professional Development

Key relationships include: Head of Nursing, Deputy Head of Nursing, Deputy Chief AHP, Therapy Lead Practitioners, Clinical Development Matron, Matrons, @home GPs, Nursing staff and the wider MDT, District Nurses and Community Matrons, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Allied Health Professionals, Consultants and Junior Medical Staff, community and acute therapy and rehabilitation teams, Social Services staff administrative and support staff, Home Care Provider Staff, Voluntary Sector Staff.

General points to note: This job may involve frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions, e.g. bodily fluids, unpleasant smells, exposure to variant weather conditions, and within a fast-paced environment.

Being community-based, you will visit patients in their own homes across Lambeth and Southwark. Travel within the boroughs can be achieved by public transport and/or trust-provided or your personal vehicle for those holding a valid UK driving licence.

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.