Job summary

We are seeking a dynamic, motivated and driven Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join the Evelina London REACH service on a 9-month fixed-term contract. This exciting opportunity is ideal for a therapist who is passionate about delivering high-quality, evidence-informed upper limb rehabilitation and supporting children and young people to achieve meaningful functional outcomes.

Based within the paediatric Occupational Therapy team at Evelina London Children's Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital site, you will work with children and young people aged 0-16 years with asymmetrical/unilateral and bilateral motor disorders, including hemiparesis, as well as infants with emerging movement difficulties and children with additional medical or neurodevelopmental conditions.

As part of a specialist service, you will help children and families maximise participation, independence and quality of life through evidence-based, goal-focused interventions.

Main duties of the job

Provide specialist occupational therapy assessment, treatment planning and intervention for children with upper limb movement difficulties. Deliver evidence-informed rehabilitation programmes, including:

• Bimanual therapy
• Hybrid programmes incorporating modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT) and bimanual therapy
• Upper limb pre-habilitation and rehabilitation
• Splinting and casting
• Goal-directed occupational therapy interventions

Actively contribute to multidisciplinary tone management clinics, including upper limb Botulinum Toxin-A pathways. Work collaboratively with families, community therapists, education providers and other agencies to ensure coordinated care. Support children to develop functional skills for self-care, education, play and leisure activities. Opportunities to actively contribute to service development, quality improvement, audit and research activities are also available. The post holder will support the learning and development of students, therapy assistants and other team members.

About us

Evelina London Children's Hospital provides specialist children's services for patients from across London, the South East and beyond. The Evelina London REACH service is recognised for its expertise in upper limb rehabilitation and evidence-based interventions for children with movement disorders.

You will join a supportive and innovative occupational therapy team committed to clinical excellence, professional development and service improvement.

The post holder will receive regular clinical supervision from senior specialist occupational therapists, supported by the Clinical Lead and Head of Paediatric Occupational Therapy, alongside professional leadership from the Trust Head of Occupational Therapy. You will also have access to a comprehensive monthly professional development programme and ongoing opportunities to develop your clinical expertise

Job responsibilities

The post holder will work with children and young people presenting with a range of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions affecting upper limb function, including infants with emerging movement difficulties. The role involves undertaking specialised assessments, formulating treatment plans, and delivering intervention programmes tailored to individual goals and needs.

The successful candidate will work closely with parents, carers and local therapy teams to provide coordinated rehabilitation and long-term support. A strong emphasis is placed on partnership working to ensure interventions are embedded within everyday activities and environments.

The role also includes involvement in multidisciplinary clinics, contribution to the development of clinical pathways, and participation in evaluation and improvement of services.

Person Specification

Experience
Essential

• Postgraduate experience in adult and or children in physical disability.
• Experience of multidisciplinary team working and multi-agency working.

Desirable

• Post graduate experience in paediatric physical disability including cerebral palsy
• Experience of splinting and/or casting

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge, understanding and application of Occupational Therapy process relating to client centred practice.
• Knowledge of evidence-based activity focused rehabilitation approaches in paediatrics
• Knowledge of appropriate splinting and casting
• Current knowledge/awareness of relevant national guidance that can guide practice e.g. NICE guidelines spasticity and mgmt. of CP

Desirable

• Knowledge of classification systems such as GMFCS/MACS
• A working knowledge of normal child development.

Skills
Essential

• Skills in gathering information and structured observation with focus on upper limb function
• Ability to apply Occupational Therapy models of practice and evidence based practice.
• Ability to conduct an upper limb musculoskeletal assessment
• Ability to work to deadlines and under pressure and prioritise tasks effectively

Desirable

• Skilled in the fabrication of splints/cast
• Skilled in the delivery of activity focused upper limb rehab approaches (bimanual, CIMT goal directed training)
• Proven experience in developing and providing education and teaching programmes to other professionals and students

Other
Essential

• Excellent communication and interactive skills.
• Proactive and innovative approach.

Desirable

• Member of special interest group

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.

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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

Employer details
Employer name: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/careers/careers.aspx

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist, Caroline Seward, Caroline.seward2@nhs.net, 02071889427