Specialist Occupational Therapist

Job overview

Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist -  Home 1st Therapy Service

Join Home 1st interdisciplinary team and help people regain independence where it matters most – at home.

Home 1st is a dynamic community based rehabilitation service focused on promoting independence, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions, and reducing hospital length of stay. We work across a range of settings including patients’ homes, inpatient units, hospitals, and community venues.

You will be part of a supportive multidisciplinary team, working alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and rehabilitation support workers to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.

Main duties of the job

As a Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist, you will manage your own caseload and deliver evidence‑based, personalised rehabilitation. You’ll support people with a wide range of conditions, including post‑surgical recovery, post‑critical care rehab, frailty and falls, stroke and neurological conditions, COPD and respiratory issues, dementia, musculoskeletal needs, and palliative care. The role offers the chance to build broad clinical experience and a strong professional foundation.

You will assess, plan, and deliver individualised treatment programmes, working autonomously with support from experienced clinicians and the wider MDT. You’ll help maintain a high‑quality, efficient therapy service and uphold CNWL values of compassion, respect, empowerment, and partnership. Responsibilities include providing OT assessments, delivering person‑centred rehabilitation, working flexibly across Home 1st pathways, supporting admission avoidance and early supported discharge, collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies, acting as a Trusted Assessor, and contributing to integrated pathway development.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Be professionally and legally accountable for all clinical work and patient management.
• Use specialist clinical knowledge, evidence‑based practice, and sound clinical reasoning to assess, diagnose, and treat patients.
• Obtain informed consent and work within legal frameworks for patients lacking capacity.
• Involve families and carers in decision‑making and goal setting.
• Communicate effectively using appropriate verbal and non‑verbal methods, including with patients who have communication difficulties.
• Manage clinical risk and ensure safe, competent use of equipment.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team on discharge planning.
• Maintain accurate, timely electronic patient records.

Professional Responsibilities

Adhere to HCPC and Royal College of Occupational Therapy standards.

• Maintain professional competence through CPD and keep an up‑to‑date development portfolio.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal, and in‑service training.
• Evaluate and audit clinical practice with support from the Lead Occupational Therapist.
• Plan and prioritise your own caseload effectively.
• Understand and follow CNWL‑MK clinical and HR policies.
• Supervise designated staff and complete appraisals with accurate documentation.

Personal Responsibilities

• Demonstrate good time management, punctuality, and reliable attendance.
• Maintain personal development through CPD.
• Perform assessments and manual treatments requiring moderate physical effort daily.
• Follow manual handling policies and ensure safe working practices.
• Report incidents promptly and comply with health and safety legislation.
• Complete all mandatory training.
• Respect and support equality, diversity, and cultural needs.
• Follow clinical governance policies when handling sensitive information.
• Apply infection prevention and control procedures, including when exposed to bodily fluids or unsanitary environments.