Job summary
This role will be active in developing and evaluating occupational therapy service delivery within acute care to support patient experience, treatment and discharge planning. The successful applicant will work with another B7 Team Lead to support clinical development and governance needed to deliver best patient care.

You will work closely within a multi-disciplinary team, with the service manager and AHP advanced care practitioners, to support clinical standards and governance needed to maintain and support effective patient care.

We are proud of the developments that have been made with acute services specifically regarding reconditioning and advocating for home first and appropriate discharge pathways. This role offers the opportunity to further shape the workforce model for the future.

We are looking for someone who is an effective, committed and motivated clinician with the relevant operational and clinical experience; someone who can lead change and forge strong working relationships.

We can offer you excellent peer support and robust supervision with a focus on wellbeing because we recognise that this is the success to achieving excellence in patient care. We invest in the education and development of our workforce.

Main duties of the job

• Undertakes clinical Occupational Therapy that requires specialist clinical expertise - medical and surgical conditions.
• To undertake line management for planning, co-ordinating delivery and evaluation of the Occupational Therapy team in IDT on the Conquest and EDGH site. This will include the management of staff, standards of care and staff competency.
• To participate in pooled budget meetings within Integrated Community Equipment Service.
• To be responsible for ensuring Clinical Governance within the IDT
• To assist the Therapy Lead in the IDT with recruitment, appraisal, CPD and all issues relating to Trust policies.

About us
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Statement on the Use of AI
We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Closing date: 12 November 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 374-KN383

Essential Qualifications

• BSc or MCs in Occupational Therapy
• Health professional council registration
• Evidence of a comprehensive record of continued professional development including attendance at specialist / advanced clinical courses.
• Post graduate courses relevant to the clinical specialism

Desirable Qualifications

• Leadership qualification / training
• Member of specialist Interest Group (BAOT)
• Evidence of postgraduate development to Masters level

Essential Experience

• Previous experience of working as an Occupational Therapist at band 6 or above
• Experience of assessment, treating and discharging planning for patients with highly complex needs
• Experience of developing and appraising staff
• Experience of delivering services along with evidence based guidelines
• Experience of performance management

Desirable Experience

• Three years experience within area of speciality
• Experience in leading and teaching programmes of education
• Previous experience as a band 7
• Experience of service development
• ICES Pooled Budget management responsibility

Essential Skills

• Expert clinical skills and reasoning within area of speciality
• Excellent interpersonal skills to deal with complex family dynamics and distressing or sensitive situations
• Full understanding of the national agenda for relevant clinical pathways
• Ability to highlight development needs of self and staff and provide appropriate plan of action
• Able to operationally lead on the delivery of services within a high pressure service and during times of variable demand

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Address: Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne, BN21 2UD, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

For questions about the job, contact:
Professional Lead for Occupational Therapy, Emma Pope, emma.pope3@nhs.net, 07879474650