Band 5 Rotational Occupational Therapist

The Methodist Church in Britain; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a rotational Occupational Therapist to contribute to comprehensive patient assessments and individualised treatment plans across several acute specialties. The post supports learning and development with supervision from senior staff and opportunities to work with the Prevention of Deconditioning Team.

The role welcomes students nearing qualification, newly qualified therapists and experienced practitioners, with HCPC registration or student

Qualifications

• Diploma/BSc in Occupational Therapy with ongoing CPD in a portfolio
• HCPC registration, or student status
• Broad range of clinical experience in acute hospital settings
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team

Responsibilities

• Carry out comprehensive assessments to identify OT needs and plan treatment
• Develop, implement and evaluate individualised treatment plans
• Manage an allocated caseload autonomously with senior support as needed
• Practise as an autonomous clinician using evidence-based knowledge
• Participate in regular supervision and practice reviews
• Contribute to timely discharge and patient flow
• Supervise and support students on observational placements
• Engage in audits, research and service evaluations to drive improvements

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

IT skills

Education

Diploma in Occupational Therapy (COT) or BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy

Job description

A rotational Occupational Therapy post at Bedford Hospital South Wing, part of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, moving across acute specialties such as neurology and stroke, frailty, respiratory and orthopaedics. The work centres on assessing patients with physical and psychological conditions, setting up individual treatment plans and managing an allocated caseload with support from senior staff. Open to students nearing qualification, newly qualified therapists and experienced practitioners, with the chance to work with the Prevention of Deconditioning Team. HCPC registration or student status is required.

What the job involves

• Carry out comprehensive assessments of patients with physical and psychological conditions to identify their occupational therapy needs
• Develop, implement and evaluate individualised treatment plans to support patient outcomes
• Manage an allocated caseload and a designated clinical area or ward autonomously, seeking senior advice when needed
• Practise as an autonomous clinician, applying evidence-based knowledge, clinical reasoning and professional judgement
• Take part in regular clinical supervision and review of practice
• Contribute to timely discharge
• Support and supervise work experience students on observational placements, maintaining professional conduct and confidentiality
• Take part in clinical audits, research and service evaluations, recommending improvements to senior staff

What’s required

Qualifications

• Diploma in Occupational Therapy (COT) or BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy
• Evidence of continuing professional development kept in a portfolio

Registration & licences

• HCPC registration, or student status

Experience

• Broad base of clinical experience gained through practice education
• Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Experience of working in an acute hospital setting

Skills & knowledge

• Working knowledge of a broad range of occupational therapy assessment and treatment techniques
• Working knowledge of a broad range of illnesses, injuries and conditions
• Awareness of the research process and critical evaluation of evidence
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Good interpersonal skills
• Awareness of confidentiality at all times

Other

• Accurate, legible patient notes
• Compliance with Trust policies on data protection, equal opportunities and health and safety
• Effective time management
• Highly organised and responsive to changing workloads

Nice to have

• Membership of BAOT/COT
• Experience of working in healthcare
• IT skills including word processing and email
• Group skills

What’s offered

• Ongoing support from the Practice Development Occupational Therapist and Team Managers
• Valuable experience across several clinical specialties through rotations
• Access to a programme of training and development
• Opportunity to work with the Prevention of Deconditioning Team
• Trust commitment to staff health and wellbeing