Band 6 Occupational Therapist (Band 6) - Acccess to Communication and Technology - Birmingham C[...]

Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Birmingham, West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking community healthcare provider as an Occupational Therapist, where you'll play a vital role in enhancing the lives of individuals with communication and technology needs. This exciting opportunity allows you to work within a dynamic team, using your expertise to assess and support patients with diverse needs. With a commitment to integrated care and community health, you'll contribute to meaningful service improvements and collaborate with various professionals. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a supportive environment, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

NHS terms and extensive holidays

Relocation allowances

Retail discounts

Well-being services

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Significant experience in neurology, paediatrics, or learning disabilities.
• Ability to travel regionally; valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Assess individuals with AAC needs using occupational therapy skills.
• Manage a caseload of individuals for assessment of EC and communication needs.

Skills

Occupational Therapy

Experience with Electronic Assistive Technology

Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

Communication Skills

Education

Graduate Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Find out more about applying to join Team BCHC.

Join our team

Community services are a key part of the NHS of the future. Be part of that future now. Join us and help achieve better care and healthier communities.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Occupational Therapist to provide maternity leave cover within our OT team within the Access to Communication and Technology (ACT) Service.

The post-holder will work within three clinical caseloads related to Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT): for people with severe physical disabilities needing Environmental Control (EC) or computer access, and for people with communication and language difficulties needing Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC).

The post holder will:

• Have significant experience post qualification, with relevant experience working with:

- Children

- People with Neurology Conditions

- People with Learning Disabilities

• Be able to work independently and travel widely within the Midlands region
• Develop knowledge, experience, and skills in assistive technology through supported training and supervision
• Internal secondment considered for this role

Main duties of the job

The post holder will:

• Use occupational therapy skills alongside Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) and Clinical Science (CS) staff within the interdisciplinary team to assess individuals with AAC needs, in accordance with ACT AAC clinical competencies.
• Work autonomously, managing a caseload of individuals referred for assessment of EC, computer access, and communication needs.
• Participate in service improvement initiatives, research, audits, and procedure development within ACT, the trust, and nationally for AAC and EC.

Establish effective working relationships with:

• ACT Team – Clinical, Technical, Stock, and Admin staff
• Patients, carers, and families
• External organisations such as Higher Education providers and professional bodies

Working for our organisation

IMPORTANT

• Check your Trac account regularly for communication during shortlisting and selection.
• Complete all sections of the application form fully, including referees' full details and contact information.

Be Part of Our Team...

BCHC employs over 5000 staff across Birmingham and the West Midlands, delivering a wide range of community and specialist healthcare services in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and people's homes. We are committed to integrated, personalized care rooted in local communities, aiming to be a leading NHS provider in the region.

If you want to ‘Be Part of Our Team’ and work with a Foundation Trust striving for excellence in care and community health, we want to hear from you.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further details, see the attached job description and person specification.

Person specification

Experience

• Significant post-qualification experience in neurology, paediatrics, or learning disabilities
• Evidence of CPD
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams
• Previous experience with EAT
• Ability to travel regionally; valid driver’s license required

Qualifications / training

• Graduate Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy

Disability Confident Employer and Guaranteed Interview Scheme

BCHC offers guaranteed interviews for candidates who are disabled, neurodiverse, or have long-term health conditions, provided they meet the essential criteria. We encourage applications and reasonable adjustments where needed.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We serve diverse communities and promote equality of opportunity for all staff and applicants, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

Promoting Workforce Equality

We are committed to addressing under-representation of certain groups, including BME communities, and guarantee interviews for under-represented applicants meeting essential criteria at Band 8a and above, based on merit and positive action principles.

Flexible Working

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid models, to promote work/life balance and staff wellbeing. Requests can be discussed during interviews.

We acknowledge AI tools like ChatGPT and others can assist in the application process; further details are available on our website.

Benefits of working for us:

• NHS terms, extensive holidays, and pay enhancements
• Relocation allowances
• Retail discounts
• Well-being services
• Flexible working options

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must hold appropriate UK professional registration.

This role is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

Name: Jo Cartwright, Job title: ACT Service Lead, Email: [e-mail], Phone: [phone]

Further details available by contacting Jo Cartwright or Karen Grinsted at the same number.

Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust
3, Priestley Wharf
Holt Street
Birmingham Science Park
B7 4BN

Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

We value patient, carer, and community feedback to improve our services.