Specialist Community Occupational Therapist

Central London Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Central London Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist to join the team in Hemel Hempstead. You will apply core OT skills to assess and treat adults with complex conditions, working openly as an autonomous practitioner in community settings.

You will be expected to maintain HCPC registration, keep a CPD portfolio up to date, and contribute to multi-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy confirmed.
• Current HCPC registration.
• Up-to-date CPD portfolio evidence.

Responsibilities

• Assess and treat adults with physical conditions in autonomous community practice.
• Demonstrate and explain safe manual handling and use of equipment to patients and carers.
• Assess, advise, and review medical devices and rehabilitative equipment.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to plan and deliver care.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reports.

Skills

Complex medical conditions assessment

Clinical reasoning

Client-centred goal setting

Prioritisation

Outcome measures

Interdisciplinary team working

Teach junior staff

Report writing

MS Word

Social services knowledge

National frameworks (NSF NICE)

System One

Microsoft Teams

Education

Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy

Current HCPC registration

Evidence of up-to-date CPD portfolio

RCOT membership (desirable)

Tools

System One

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Word

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Applicants are expected to present clear and relevant evidence of the competencies and responsibilities detailed in the attached Job Description and Person Specification, together with a demonstrated commitment to the Trust's values of Accountability, Inclusion, Compassion, and Empowerment.

Person specification

Education/Qualification

Essential criteria

• Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
• Current HCPC registration
• Evidence of up-to-date CPD portfolio

Desirable criteria

• Member of the RCOT
• Member of the RCOT

Experience

Essential criteria

• Minimum 2 years Post Graduate experience
• Experience working as an autonomous practitioner assessing and treating patients with physical conditions.
• Experience of current OT assessment and treatment techniques/modalities
• Experience treating adult and/or elderly client groups.
• Experience of assessing, advising, and demonstrating to clients and carers about safe manual handling techniques (including use of equipment and adaptations)
• Experience of assessing for and reviewing of medical devices and other rehabilitative equipment for patient/clients, carers, and others. This includes safe handling, fitting and demonstration.

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience of working in the NHS
• Experience of community working
• Broad rotational experience at a junior level including experience in Care of the Elderly, Orthopaedics and Neurorehabilitation
• Experience in supervising staff and students

Skills and Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of complex medical conditions including multi-pathologies and falls.
• High level skills in the assessment and treatment of adults with complex multi-pathologies.
• Ability to apply core occupational therapy skills across a range of clinical conditions with a client centred goal setting approach
• Ability to problem solve, prioritise, and demonstrate clinical reasoning.
• Knowledge of outcome measures and evidence-based practice associated with occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of the role of Allied Health Professionals and interdisciplinary team working.
• Ability to teach junior staff/students/peers through an in-service training programme.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, in both verbal and written format, including report writing skills.
• Good IT skills, including ability to use Microsoft word.
• Knowledge of the role of Social Services and voluntary agencies.
• Knowledge of relevant national frameworks and guidance e.g. NSF, NICE.

Desirable criteria

• Ability to effectively use System One and Microsoft teams.
• Knowledge and experience in research and audit.

Personal/Physical Attributes

Essential criteria

• Hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010)

We review all applications carefully to ensure fairness and verify references. At interview, you will be asked about your experience, so be honest and ensure all information is accurate. The use of AI during interviews is not permitted.

If you use AI or other tools to support your application, it must reflect your own skills, knowledge, and experience. Supporting information should be in your own words and include your personal insights. AI can assist with drafting but may produce generic or inaccurate content. Applications that rely heavily on AI may lack authenticity and reduce your chances of success.

CLCH Trust does not recommend relying solely on AI when completing your application.

CLCH Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

CLCH is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for providing exceptional patient care. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining talent from all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident employer, we pledge to:

• Guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role.
• Provide reasonable adjustments to support diverse needs throughout the recruitment and employment process.
• Challenge misconceptions about disability and foster an inclusive culture for everyone.

We are committed to building a workplace where all staff feel valued and have the opportunity to thrive. Simply let us know how we can support you.

Learn more about our equal opportunities policy on our website: Equal opportunities: Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust