Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner

Transformationunitgm; Chichester; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Band 4 Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner at St. Richard's Hospital in Chichester. The role involves assessing and discharging routine patients, applying creative skills under the guidance of a registered Occupational Therapist. Candidates must have Band 3 competencies in special areas like Orthopaedics and Acute Neurology.

Benefits

Wellbeing Programme for staff

Flexible working options

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 months experience working in OT in an Acute Hospital Setting.
• Good numeracy and literacy skills.
• Driving license is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage a designated patient caseload according to treatment protocols.
• Undertake home visits and access visits as required.
• Provide educational support to patients/carers.

Skills

Communications

Empathy

Autonomy

Education

Health care related qualification at NVQ level 3 or equivalent

5 GCSE’s Grade A-D including English and Maths

Job description

Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site St. Richard's Hospital Town Chichester Salary £27,485 - £30,162 per annum, pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 10/06/2025 23:59

Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner

Band 4

About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts , we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit a permanent Band 4 Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner at St. Richard's Hospital Chichester. This post will be based on the acute wards and the successful applicant must have established Band 3 Occupational Therapy competencies in the specialist areas of Orthopaedics and Surgery or Acute Neurology

This successful applicant will undertake the assessment and discharge of routine non-complex patients, following a specified protocol within own level of practice.

Under the general supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist, the successful applicant will apply technical and creative skills in the provision of a flexible, patient centered programme of Occupational Therapy assessments and treatments and provide skilled and insightful assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of specific designated clinical caseload, according to treatment protocols to maximise their function and independence.

Main duties of the job

To manage a designated patient caseload and treat according to treatment protocols; being able to make alterations when required by assessment of patient progression.

To work in varied and unsupervised settings, with personal or telephone access to qualified Occupational Therapist.

To undertake home visits and access visits, with or without a therapist (accompanied/unaccompanied), as required.

To provide non-clinical services to the speciality team e.g. administrative duties, maintaining a safe environment and maintaining equipment.

To provide educational support to patients / carers in unsupervised settings.

To promote understanding of the aims of therapy.

To interpret the elements of the patient performance in order to form appropriate intervention plans guided by a qualified Occupational Therapist where appropriate.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please read the attached Job description and ensure you detail your experience alongside the person specification.

Person specification

Skills and Experience

• At least 3 months experience working in OT in Acute Hospital Setting
• Experience of communicating with patients, relatives and the MDT.
• Ability to work autonomously with seeking support when required. Demonstrated ability to have an empathetic approach to those in their care.
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Full UK driving licence
• Able to interpret clinical observations in light of OT treatment
• Ability to construct basic spreadsheets and presentations

Experience/ Qualification

• Completion of Occupational Therapy B3 competencies, Health care related qualification at NVQ level 3 or equivalent qualification or level of experience (AF)
• Good skills in numeracy, literacy and written communication
• 5 GCSE’s Grade A-D (9-3) including English and Maths or Level 1 Functional Skills or equivalent. (AF) Evidence of own development of knowledge and skills e.g. Portfolio / CPD (continuing professional development) (I)
• Basic understanding of anatomy and Physiology.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

Important information for applicants:

Please note, the use of AI generated applications will be closely monitored. It is at the managers discretion to reject your application if they feel the majority has been created through the use of AI tools.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria.For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Name Katharine Carlisle Job title Occupational Therapy Operational Manager Email address [e-mail] Telephone number 01243 788122 Additional information

Katharine Carlisle Extension Number: 35196