Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Community Stroke and Neurological Conditions team.

We are looking for a band 6 Occupational Therapist to join the multi-disciplinary team, working with Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Specialist Nurses, Rehab Assistants and a Clinical Psychologist.

The posts will rotate between Early Supported Discharge service for Stroke, Community Neuro service and Outpatient Neuro Clinic.

Central to this role are:

• A minimum of 2 years post-grad work with a wide range of rotational experience working with complex patients.
• A proven interest in neurorehabilitation and long-term condition management
• Experience of working autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Must be able to manage time effectively, prioritise demands of the service, while supporting the Band 7 team lead
• Experience in line management and supervision
• An understanding/experience of working in a community setting

You must be a car driver and to have access to a car.

Please see job description and person specification for more detail.

Main duties of the job
The post holder is responsible for management of an independent clinical caseload of patients presenting with a variety of acute, chronic and progressive neurological conditions.

This will include care for patients with significant levels of physical dependency, as well as cognitive and perceptive impairments and communication problems.

About us
Do you want to be part of an organisation recognised as one of the top community providers to work for in the country, delivering high quality NHS care? (2025 Staff Survey results)

First Community is a staff owned social enterprise rated Good by CQC, which delivers NHS community services across east Surrey and parts of West Sussex. We are looking for individuals who share our values First-rate care, First-rate people, First-rate value.

First Community is a great place to work, everyone has a voice and is supported to develop their career to its full potential. We offer all our staff: NHS terms and conditions, high quality training and development opportunities, flexible working to enable a good work life balance, an inclusive and friendly work environment, NHS pension, flexible retirement options and various employee benefits.

Please talk to us before applying or at interview about the flexibility you need. We may not be able to meet your needs exactly, but we do promise to fully consider your request and meet your needs where possible. Flexible working options may vary depending on the role.

At First Community we welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. All applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments.

Sustainability is integral to First Community achieving the NHS Net Zero target.

Job responsibilities
The post holder is responsible for management of an independent clinical caseload of patients presenting with a variety of acute, chronic and progressive neurological conditions.

This will include care for patients with significant levels of physical dependency, as well as cognitive and perceptive impairments and communication problems.

A high standard of clinical work is required, which will also include teaching and supervision of junior staff, assistants and students. There is also a requirement to deputise for the Band 7 Occupational Therapist, as required.

The role involves joint working with a range of other therapists, a Clinical Psychologist, and specialist nurses (Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons and Motor Neurone Disease/Rare Neurological conditions).

The team embrace mobile working, including delivery of clinical care within patients homes and across different clinical sites and community settings. This will include group work and in-reaching into local hospital and inpatient rehabilitation services.

Person Specification
Qualifications

• Relevant Degree/diploma equivalent
• HCPC registration
• Evidence of CPD including recent post graduate events relevant to clinical speciality

Desirable

• Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapist
• Member of special interest group

Knowledge

• Basic working knowledge of neuroanatomy, physiology and pathology
• Basic knowledge of standardised assessments and outcome measures in specialist field
• Knowledge of current developments in Health Care Provision
• Competency and ability to assess and treat core patient caseload in specialist field
• Basic knowledge and awareness of clinical and ethical decision making

Desirable

• Knowledge of Care Pathways specific to Neurological and long-term conditions
• Knowledge of specialist spasticity management
• Knowledge and skill in the splinting of the lower limb

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Basic IT skills
• Ability to organise, prioritise and delegate clinical and non-clinical tasks
• Presentation skills
• Good self-awareness of own abilities
• Proactive in seeking guidance when required
• Ability to show initiative

Desirable

• Experience using EMIS computer notes

Experience

• Minimum of two years post-grad work experience on a broad rotational scheme
• At least one years experience working in the NHS
• A proven interest in neurorehabilitation and long-term condition management
• Experience of working autonomously and as part as a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of teaching others
• Experience facilitating group work

Desirable

• Experience working in an NHS community setting
• Experience participating in clinical audit
• Experience supervising others
• Wheelchair prescription

Other

• Motivated and enthusiastic
• Committed to personal and team development
• Sensitive and empathetic manner
• Positive and innovative attitude
• Valid Driving license and Car owner

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).