Job summary
Within the Care Transfer Hub, the Occupational Therapy skillset takes a lead in supporting patient discharges that have a complexity around function or cognition or where there is lack of clarityaround which pathway is the best fit for a patient leaving the hospital.

The Therapist problem solves where there are challenges around discharge in 4 main areas that require a holistic approach and knowledge of overcoming functional or cognitive issues whilesupporting reablement and maximizing independence.

Main duties of the job
Assisting in discharge planning where there are complex moving and handling needs. Particularly where patients have specific equipment requirements to support reablement at home. For example, bariatric patients where knowledge of equipment and function isneeded to support optimal independence. This patient group may include identifying those who fit the criteria for proportionate care.

Overseeing discharges where cognitive impairment requires problem solving to facilitate pathway 1 back home. For example, when delirium and or dementia presents and re orientation at home is likely to improve function.

Where pathway 3 is not suitable but concerns remain from family and MDT. An understanding and support of ongoing needs and risks is required. Managing discharges where functional challenges could be overcome to facilitate pathway 1. This can then beexplained to patient family and carers to gain understanding and offer reassurance and support.

Early identification of patients with pre-existing complex challenges at home. Including those with previous extensive community involvement. They may have multiple health and or social needs. Where a sound understanding of the previous function and communicationwith community services is needed. Using clinical reasoning and problem solving to implement early discharge planning.

About us
You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.

This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term contract basis for a period until end March 2027 due to the post being externally funded. The fixed term contract status of the post holder will be reviewed in accordance with the Trust's legal obligations regarding fixed term contracts taking into consideration the ongoing source of the external funding and the requirement for the post to be maintained.

Please note all existing NHS staff will only be considered on a secondment basis. This must first be agreed with your current line manager.

Job responsibilities
Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.

When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria and that you have your managers approval to apply for the post ( funding in place until end March 2027).

Person Specification
Educational and Qualifications
Essential

• BSc in Occupational Therapy or equivalent
• Current HCPC registration
• Short Specialist post registration training programmes

Desirable

• Masters Degree in relevant speciality

Experience
Essential

• Post-registration NHS experience as an Occupational Therapist
• Experience working in the acute setting
• Experience of complex discharge planning
• Experience of working with patients with cognitive impairment or functional mental health conditions
• Post-registration experience of sufficient to acquire core competencies in Occupational Therapy practice for medical, surgical and neurological conditions and the knowledge and skill to manage a complex specialist caseload in the chosen field
• Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team.
• Working knowledge of the MCA and MH act
• Experience of assessing for and prescribing equipment

Desirable

• Member of relevant professional network
• Community experience
• Experience of working in challenging performance programmes
• Experience of assessing mental capacity
• Experience of working with bariatric patients

Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• Evidence of continuous personal and professional development
• Good post-registration theoretical and practical knowledge of therapy practice in chosen field.
• Competency in occupational therapy clinical reasoning, processes & practices
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and team working skills
• Able to maintain confidentiality
• Able to act on own initiative, organise and prioritise work and manage multiple tasks
• Able to maintain accurate written records & statistics
• Calm approach to changing work situations
• Ability to work flexibly across different wards and with different teams.
• Able to teach and motivate others
• Confidence to promote CTH values within MDT
• Assertiveness and confidence to have challenging conversations with patients and carers.
• Ability to promote the role of OT within discharge planning and the MDT
• Promote good working links with community services

Other Factors
Essential

• Flexible and reliable approach to working practices
• Positive, proactive attitude to patient care and teamwork

Desirable

• Full UK driving licence and access to a car

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).