Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for Childrens Occupational Therapy in South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust to join the Childrens Occupational Therapy Department based at Palmer Community Hospital/Sunderland Childrens Centre. You will be responsible for supporting children and young people to improve their health, well-being and functional independence by delivering occupational therapy interventions that enable greater functional performance, active participation and social inclusion in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). You will work collaboratively with children, young people, families and other professionals to identify and manage individual needs, developing a holistic approach to care alongside Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Mental Health Support Teams, Getting Help services and the 019 team. You will contribute to promoting independence, participation and positive outcomes for children and young people within the community.

Main duties of the job
As a Childrens Occupational Therapist, you will be responsible for assessing and treating children with physical, learning and developmental difficulties in accordance with service protocols and Clinical Governance principles. You will be managing a personal caseload, using appropriate prioritisation and caseload management techniques to organise your workload effectively and ensure therapy is delivered in a structured and timely manner. You will be supporting the assessment and treatment of children presenting with complex needs and applying your clinical knowledge and professional judgement to determine appropriate therapeutic approaches and interventions.

About us
Here at NHS Professionals, we run England's largest NHS staff bank and are experts at putting people in places to care. Every year we help thousands of dedicated and highly skilled NHS workers enjoy better career opportunities, more flexible shifts, and a healthier work-life balance across our partnered Trusts.

Career Progression access to Learning & Development opportunities, so that you can take on new roles and challenges

Work-life Balance flexible shifts, committed shifts, wellbeing resources and build paid annual leave

Opportunity & Access over 50 partner NHS Trusts to give you the flexibility of choice to work how and where you want

Job responsibilities

• TO communicate clearly and effectively with children, parents, carers and relevant professionals, providing appropriate information regarding therapy plans, expected outcomes, progress and discharge arrangements in a timely and understandable manner.
• TO contribute to safeguarding responsibilities by recognising children who may be at risk, following appropriate procedures and initiating referrals where concerns may require further safeguarding intervention or support.
• TO support safe and effective discharge planning by liaising with relevant professionals, external agencies, families and carers to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place following completion of therapy input.
• TO provide specialist advice, education and training to colleagues, school staff and other healthcare professionals, contributing to in-service teaching and sharing occupational therapy knowledge within paediatric care.
• TO ensure that appropriate resources, equipment and the clinical environment are used safely and effectively, including identifying equipment requirements and supporting the responsible allocation of available resources.
• TO maintain your professional competence through continuing professional development, clinical supervision, training and participation in relevant research, audit and service development activities to support evidence-based practice.

Qualifications
Essential

• HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with a Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Extensive paediatric Occupational Therapy experience with up-to-date specialist CPD.
• Knowledge of child development, paediatric conditions, safeguarding and neurodevelopmental approaches.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams, supervising staff and students, and delivering training.
• Strong specialist assessment, communication, clinical reasoning, organisational and prioritisation skills.

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).