Senior Occupational Therapist | Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust; The Common; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A National Health Service Trust in the UK is seeking a Senior Occupational Therapist to lead the delivery of high-quality occupational therapy services. The candidate will work collaboratively with healthcare teams to support patients in achieving independence in daily activities. The role offers flexible working, excellent training opportunities, and a commitment to compassionate care. Ideal applicants will have strong leadership skills and a passion for improving patient outcomes. Join a dedicated team making a significant impact in community health services.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Excellent training and development

Accredited Living Wage Employer

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge in occupational therapy and working with diverse patient groups.
• Ability to drive with a full UK license for team coverage.
• Experience in developing therapeutic interventions and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-quality occupational therapy services.
• Assess and implement evidence-based interventions.
• Creatively collaborate on comprehensive care plans.
• Monitor and evaluate patient progress.

Skills

Leadership in occupational therapy

Patient-centered care

Collaboration with healthcare professionals

Mentorship of junior staff

Clinical excellence and evidence-based practice

Job description

Our service operates Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm, offering flexible working arrangements to support both staff and service users.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and Inspire: Lead the delivery of high-quality occupational therapy services, setting the standard for practice and patient care.
• Patient-Centered Approach: Assess, plan, and implement evidence-based interventions to support individuals with a variety of physical and mental health conditions.
• Collaborative Work: Work closely with other healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, nurses, and doctors, to create comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient's needs.
• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior and newly qualified therapists, sharing your expertise and nurturing their professional development.
• Clinical Excellence: Stay at the forefront of advancements in occupational therapy, continuously improving your practice and ensuring that interventions reflect the latest evidence-based practices.
• Outcome-Focused: Monitor and evaluate patient progress, adjusting therapy plans as necessary to ensure the best outcomes.

You will need to be able to drive with a full UK license due to the geographic area covered by the team.

Are you an experienced Occupational Therapist with a passion for making a meaningful impact? Do you thrive in fast‑paced, collaborative settings where your expertise helps shape lives for the better? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Position

As a Senior Occupational Therapist, you will play a pivotal role in supporting a diverse range of patients—helping them to improve their ability to perform everyday activities with confidence and independence. Your extensive knowledge and experience will be instrumental in developing and leading therapeutic interventions, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring junior staff. We are the main provider of NHS community services across East and West Sussex, with 6,000 staff serving 1.3 million people. We deliver essential care to adults and children, helping them manage their health, avoid hospital admissions, and reduce hospital stays. Our Trust vision is to provide excellent care at the heart of the community. We offer opportunities across medical, clinical, support, and corporate services.

Why work for us?

• Positive 2024 NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing
• Varied environments: community hospitals, patients' homes, and bases across Sussex
• Flexible working options: part‑time, flexi‑time, annualised hours, and flexi‑retirement
• Excellent training, development, and research opportunities
• Accredited Living Wage Employer, we ensure fair pay for all our staff
• Cost‑effective workplace nurseries in Crawley, Hove, and Brighton
• Active EMBRACE, Disability & Wellbeing, LGBTQIA+, and Religion & Belief networks
• Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust

Our values

Compassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence guide everything we do.