Job summary
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Band 7 Critical Care Pathway Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our Critical Care team at Yeovil District Hospital. Are you passionate about supporting a patient through a life changing situation? Using your Core Occupational Practice to support a patient through their Critical care journey to getting back to living their life? To support our patients from Acute service to community? Then we want to hear from you!

In this specialist role, you will deliver highly skilled Occupational Therapy assessment and rehabilitation to patients within the Intensive Care Unit with the aims to support into the community. You will manage a complex caseload, contribute to ICU follow up pathways, and work closely with the multidisciplinary team to improve functional outcomes and support patient recovery. The post includes service development responsibilities, clinical leadership, supervision of junior staff, and active involvement in audits, quality improvement, and education.

This role requires advanced clinical reasoning, strong communication skills, and the ability to work autonomously within a fast paced environment. Weekend working is essential.

Main duties of the job

• Provide highly specialist OT assessment and treatment for critically ill patients in ICU and outlying wards.
• Lead on complex rehabilitation planning, including physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs.
• Contribute to and deliver ICU follow up clinics and onward referral pathways.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary intensive care team to optimise patient outcomes.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and training for junior staff, assistants, and students.
• Support service development, audit, quality improvement, and the creation/review of clinical pathways.
• Ensure accurate documentation, safe use of equipment, and compliance with professional and Trust standards.
• Support effective communication with patients, families, and colleagues, often involving sensitive or complex information.

About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset?
Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Details
Date posted: 15 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 184-OL-BL-6164

Job description
Please see attached the Job description for further details about the role and person specification.

Person Specification
Qualifications - Essential

• Graduate Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy
• HCPC Registered
• Commitment to advanced clinical and professional development demonstrated through evidence of courses achieved.
• Completed Leadership training and applied learning in practice

Qualifications - Desirable

• Member of RCOT
• Member of specialist interest group
• Evidence of post-graduate training / development courses relevant Critical Care

Experience - Essential

• Substantial post-registration experience working in an acute setting
• Experience of working in a Critical care setting or other relevant experience
• Evidence of staff development and teaching or through mentoring or supervising students.
• Evidence of Successful team leadership
• Experience of Data collection and Audit
• Evidence of relevant continuing professional development including applying in practice
• Development of policies
• Experience of identifying areas for service improvement and delivery

Experience - Desirable

• Significant experience working at in senior clinical role
• Evidence of continuing professional development since graduation

Additional Criteria - Essential

• Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients
• Car Driver
• Commitment to lifelong learning
• Some weekend working and late shift working required

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website. Employer: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Yeovil District Hospital, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4AT, United Kingdom. Employer's website: https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/

For questions about the job, contact:
OT Professional Service Lead, Miriam Wilson, miriam.wilson@somersetft.nhs.uk, 01935606244

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