Occupational Therapist (Orthopaedics) | Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in the UK is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist to join their trauma and orthopaedic therapy team. The role involves providing specialist assessment and intervention, leading service operations, and developing junior staff in a busy clinical setting. Candidates must have strong clinical and leadership skills and a passion for orthopaedics. This position includes opportunities for research and the implementation of best practices.

Qualifications

• Strong caseload management and complex discharge planning skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate others.
• Broad acute clinical experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of the occupational therapy service.
• Provide highly specialised occupational therapy assessment and treatment.
• Supervise junior staff and students.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical skills

Communication

Caseload management

Education

Relevant Occupational Therapy qualification

Job description

Position Summary

Occupational Therapist (Orthopaedics)

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our trauma and orthopaedic therapy team at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. We are seeking an experienced therapist who is keen to develop both leadership and clinical skills.

We are a well performing and busy trauma unit supporting a diverse caseload of patients across many specialities. You will provide specialist assessment and intervention to a wide range of orthopaedic, general surgical and medical patients. You require broad acute clinical experience, strong caseload management and complex discharge planning skills and the ability to lead and motivate others. You will lead the orthopaedic service alongside the band 7 physiotherapist, providing development and support to more junior staff. The team is seeking a clinician with a passion for orthopaedics who has strong communication skills to advocate both within therapies and across the multi-disciplinary team. You will be involved in overseeing the day to day operational management of the team and will be responsible for the professional development of junior staff. You will be well supported by a clinical lead therapist who works cross site.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of the occupational therapy service in trauma and orthopaedics, ensuring that all patients are given appropriate and effective occupational therapy intervention in accordance with national guidelines.
• Work as an autonomous practitioner providing highly specialised occupational therapy assessment and treatment to a caseload of complex patients and maintain up to date occupational therapy records.
• Serve as a role model for expert clinical care and lead on specific projects / service developments and management functions as delegated by the Clinical Lead Therapist.
• Use evidence based principles/current best practice and specialist skills to assess, plan, implement and evaluate intervention.
• Work with relevant multi-disciplinary team colleagues along integrated care pathways to deliver best practice, propose changes in practice in light of new evidence and maintain a high service profile.
• Be responsible for the supervision, teaching and day to day line management of more junior staff and students on placement.
• Have the opportunity to participate in or lead a departmental research and audit project and service development.
• Operate within a 5 in 7 rota to provide seven day therapy across the service. Expect to contribute to weekend working and may include working in other areas including the emergency department.
• Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.
• Please see job description and person specification for wider details of job role - the role includes both clinical and operational management responsibilities.

About the Trust

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award-winning clinics across North West London. Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children’s services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use. We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.

Equal Opportunities

The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven’t heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.

This advert closes on Thursday 30 Oct 2025