Job summary
A fantastic opportunity for an experienced Band 6 or existing Band 7 Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to lead a dynamic multidisciplinary Discharge to Assess team, supporting Home First principles and delivering high-quality urgent community care across central Manchester.

The role offers a combination of senior clinical practice, team leadership, service development and operational management within a fast-paced and innovative urgent care service.

The Discharge to Assess (D2A) team work seamlessly with the acute hospitals to ensure people can be discharged in an appropriate and timely manner as soon as they are safe to leave the hospital.

Your clinical skillset will contribute to people being able to remain safely and supported in their own homes, to improve their quality of life.

Rapid assessment, goal setting, coordination, communication and team working are all key skills for this role. As the lead therapist for the team, we are looking for someone who will clinically lead and develop team members as well as develop quality improvement, audit and governance activities; and manage team operational duties.

D2A (central) is part of our Manchester Community Response Service which includes Hospital@Home, Crisis Response, and Intermediate Care.

The service operates from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. The team provide a bespoke package of assessments to identify current and short-term needs for a period of up to 6 weeks post discharge.

Main duties of the job
The post-holder will triage, assess, implement, plan and evaluate the delivery of direct patient care as an independent practitioner. Working as a practitioner within a multi-disciplinary / multi-agency service, they will facilitate timely discharge from an acute hospital and provide assessment and support planning to meet a person's needs in the community applying the 'closer to home' and 'home first' philosophy. The post holder will provide and / or arrange appropriate support and interventions in the community working closely with colleagues across all sectors.

The post holder will provide highly specialist knowledge and clinical skills to ensure the delivery of care within the service and in the wider community and across the acute / community interface.

The role requires taking a leadership role in Discharge to Assess as well as working as an integral part of the team to provide specialist assessment skills, knowledge and management of patients in the community whilst ensuring the delivery of high calibre care, and efficient use of resources. You will provide leadership, education and support to other team members through promotion of innovative strategies to manage change and improve service delivery.

About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement. Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.

You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.

At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.

Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Details
Date posted: 16 October 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: 349-LCOD-8340348-RL3

Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you'll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. Apply through our website.

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged. MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce.

Person Specification
Essential

• Degree / Diploma in Occupational therapy / Physiotherapy
• Knowledge of rehabilitation of older people.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Substantial post registration NHS experience at Band 6 level
• Experienced in providing clinical leadership and problem solving.

Desirable

• Relevant Postgraduate Training
• Evidence of CPD / active involvement in projects and governance activities
• Excellent knowledge of current legislation and protocols within hospital discharge and community support
• Previous experience at senior level

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.