Senior Occupational Therapist

NHS; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A community health provider is looking for a Band 6 Therapist to deliver high-quality therapy interventions in patients’ homes. This role involves managing a complex caseload and requires a degree in Occupational Therapy and current registration with the Health and Professions Council. Candidates should possess advanced communication and supervision skills. The position offers part-time, flexible hours, and emphasizes patient independence and holistic care.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Occupational Therapy required.
• Current registration with the Health and Professions Council needed.
• Experience of independently managing a clinical caseload.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex caseload in patients' homes.
• Complete holistic assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Supervise and support colleagues and contribute to team development.

Skills

Advanced communication skills

Negotiation skills

Research-based practice skills

Good numeracy skills

Good literacy skills

IT skills

Education

Degree in Occupational Therapy

Current registration with the Health and Professions Council

Evidence of relevant postgraduate courses

Job description

Overview

The UCR Service provides urgent support, seven‑days a week, to help prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. A two‑hour crisis response is delivered by a multi‑skilled team of professionals. Support is provided at home or in the patient’s usual residence for people at risk of hospital admission. Teams work closely with the local ambulance service to pull category 3 & 4 patients off the ambulance stack, supporting patients to remain at home.

Team Locations

The Mid Sussex & Wealden Team covers a large area with office bases in Haywards Heath & Lewes and a hub in Crowborough.

Virtual Ward Service

The UCR service also offers a general virtual ward, supported by digital technology and remote monitoring. Multidisciplinary teams ensure patients receive hospital‑level care at home safely and in familiar surroundings, speeding up recovery while freeing up hospital beds.

Band 6 Therapist – Responsibilities

• Manage a complex caseload, delivering high‑quality, evidence‑based therapy interventions in patients’ homes.
• Complete holistic assessments, develop tailored treatment plans and monitor progress, adapting interventions as needed.
• Supervise and support colleagues from Bands 2 to 5, contribute to student education, and support appraisals and team development.
• Actively involve in service evaluation, audits and improvement initiatives.
• Clinically co‑coordinate as part of the MDT.
• Plan patient pathways, manage clinical risk and promote patient independence.
• Maintain accurate documentation, support equipment management and engage in continuous professional development.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Occupational Therapy.
• Current registration with the Health and Professions Council.
• Evidence of relevant postgraduate courses, CPD and reflective practice.
• Substantial post‑qualification experience covering a broad range.
• Experience of supervising junior staff, assistants and students.
• Experience of independently managing a clinical caseload and contributing to audit and evaluation.
• Knowledge of national policies, clinical governance, audit and risk management.
• Good numeracy, literacy and IT skills.
• Advanced communication, negotiation and research‑based practice skills.

Benefits & Working Patterns

Part‑time, compressed hours – a flexible working pattern.

Employer

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust – Hayworth Villas, Market Place, Haywards Heath, RH16 1DB. https://www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/work-with-us/

Recruitment

This post may close early if sufficient applications are received.