Specialist Occupational Therapist

OUH; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 6 Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist to deliver high-quality rehabilitation for adults with complex neurological conditions. You will work within inpatient, outpatient and specialist clinics at the Oxford Centre for Enablement, coordinating care with the IDT and leading goal-setting and discharge planning.

The role requires HCPC registration, a degree in Occupational Therapy, and experience in neurological rehab, with

Qualifications

• HCPC registration as an OT
• Degree or diploma in Occupational Therapy
• Experience in neurological rehabilitation

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of functional abilities, cognition, home environments and psychological needs, with guidance from senior colleagues for highly complex cases.
• Prioritise and manage an individual caseload, delivering tailored OT interventions under supervision of Highly Specialist OTs.

Skills

Specialised OT

Autonomous practice

Discharge planning

Interdisciplinary team

Risk assessment

Education

Degree in Occupational Therapy

Tools

Clinical audits

Job description

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research.

John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call thisDelivering Compassionate Excellenceand its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.

Many of our recruitment programmes useValue Based Interviewingto identify those who have the skills we seek, who share our values and who are able to deliver compassionate excellence from the outset. We know that this makes a significant difference to your job satisfaction and above all the outcomes and experience of our patients and their families. For more information about our Values and Value Based Interviewing please visit www.ouh.nhs.uk/about/vision-and-values

Job overview

The postholder will provide specialised occupational therapy assessment and treatment to adults with complex neurological conditions within inpatient, outpatient and specialist clinic settings at the Oxford Centre for Enablement. Working autonomously with support from senior occupational therapists, they will manage a complex caseload, develop and review individualised, evidence-based rehabilitation plans, assess functional abilities, cognition and home environments, and promote patients’ independence, participation and quality of life.

The role involves working collaboratively within the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to establish rehabilitation goals, coordinate treatment, support discharge planning, conduct home visits and recommend appropriate equipment, care arrangements and onward referrals. The postholder will act as a keyworker for designated patients, chair goal-planning and discharge meetings when required, and ensure safe practice through appropriate risk assessment and manual handling.

Effective communication is essential when working with patients, families, carers, healthcare professionals and external agencies, particularly when managing complex physical, cognitive, emotional or communication needs. Responsibilities also include maintaining accurate clinical records, obtaining informed consent, assessing mental capacity and adhering to relevant legal, ethical and professional standards.

Main duties of the job

• Conduct comprehensive standardised and non-standardised assessments of patients’ functional abilities, cognitive skills, home environments and psychological needs, seeking guidance from senior colleagues when managing highly complex cases.
• Effectively prioritise and manage an individual patient caseload, developing tailored occupational therapy interventions under the guidance and supervision of Highly Specialist Occupational Therapists.
• Undertake home visits to support safe discharge planning, working collaboratively with health and social care professionals to assess equipment and care requirements and facilitate appropriate referrals to onward services.

Working for our organisation

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and most respected NHS teaching trusts, providing world-class healthcare across four hospitals: the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and Horton General Hospital and over one hundred satellite sites. Find out more information here OUH at a Glance 2026/27

You'll become part of an organisation at the forefront of patient care, research, education and innovation. You'll have access to excellent learning and development opportunities, work alongside highly skilled multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to services that make a real difference.

Our commitment to Delivering Compassionate Excellence is at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence, we strive to create an environment where staff feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel and the OneTeamOneOUH - LIVING OUR VALUES video.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and safe workplace for everyone. As signatories to the NHS Sexual Safety Charter, we have a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate behaviour and are dedicated to fostering a culture where all colleagues feel welcomed, respected and able to be themselves. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Band 6 Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist is responsible for delivering high-quality, specialised rehabilitation to adults with complex neurological conditions while managing a clinical caseload with an appropriate level of autonomy. The role combines advanced assessment and treatment, multidisciplinary coordination, discharge planning, clinical supervision, service development and professional education. The postholder is expected to support continuous improvement, promote patient independence and safety, and contribute to the delivery of an effective, evidence-based neurological occupational therapy service under the guidance of senior occupational therapy colleagues.

The postholder will support the Lead Occupational Therapist and senior colleagues in the coordination, management and development of the neurological occupational therapy service. This includes contributing to service improvement, clinical audits, quality assurance, resource management, health and safety, recruitment and the supervision and appraisal of junior staff, assistants and technical instructors.

In addition, the role involves supporting student placements, staff induction, multidisciplinary education and training, and maintaining continuing professional development through supervision, research, active learning and a professional portfolio. The postholder will apply current evidence and develop specialist clinical skills to ensure the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred neurological rehabilitation.

Please refer to the full job description and person specification

Person specification

HPC Registration in OT

• Post-qualifying experience within a neurological setting
• Experience of discharge planning and liaison with other health/social care professionals and outside agencies
• Experience of working as a band 6
• Degree/diploma in Occupational Therapy
• Post-qualifying experience within a neurological setting
• Experience of discharge planning and liaison with other health/social care professionals and outside agencies
• Good knowledge of neurological conditions/illnesses
• Knowledge of the skills required in the assessment and treatment of neurological patients
• Knowledge of the range of therapeutic approaches/interventions available to OTs working in neurology
• Knowledge of some of the evidence base for OT treatments used in neurology
• Experience of contributing to service developments/clinical audit
• Evidence of active engagement in post-registration professional development/courses
• Evidence of attendance a formal neuro specific courses/professional development within neurology
• Experience of working in a neurological rehabilitation setting
• Experience as a practice educator to OT students
• Experience of contributing to internal training/teaching

Sexual Safety Charter : In 2023NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles

Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.

If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Vacancy Closures: Please note, this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications are received.

Visa and Immigration: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is able to offer Certificates of Sponsorship for all eligible roles for a Skilled Worker Visa without exception, provided the role meets the minimum salary and skill level criteria set by the Home Office (UKVI). All eligible candidates will be considered with equal consideration at all stages of the application and recruitment process. Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa | NHS Employers / Work in the UK - GOV.UK

COVID-19: The COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment, we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated there is helpful advice and information at Oxfordshire County Council Website where you can also find out more about how to access vaccination.

Probation Period: This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period. If you currently hold a contract of employment with the Oxford University Hospitals, this will not apply. This statement does not apply to Medical staff or Executive Appointments.

Referencing: When providing employment reference details please provide correct work related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your first referee will need to be your line manager, supervisor or clinical lead from your current or most recent post or place of study. Please note that if you have previously worked for the Trust we will require a reference from your last Manager, this information is essential if your offer of employment is to be confirmed.

To note: Applicants must write their own applications. If AI tools are used, the application may be rejected as this document is crucial for assessment. This does not prevent you from seeking support via AI with applications for the purposes of any disability and/or long-term health conditions.

When using AI to help write your application, it is important to personalise it, especially your supporting statement. While AI can simplify the process, it will not fully understand the job's requirements and/or be able to showcase your skills, knowledge, and experience. Write your statement to show why you are interested in the role and how you would be a valued member of the team/OUH employee.

No unsolicited recruitment agency telephone calls or emails.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

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.

Application numbers

Please note that this job advertisement will close automatically once the application limit is reached, regardless of whether this occurs before the advertised closing date.

Band 5 NurseandBand 2 Healthcare Support Workerrecruitment iscentralised, meaning when you apply you will be considered fora number of rolesacross the Trust. If you have any questions please email: [e-mail] .

Vacancies with our PFI partners

Domestic / catering / porteringservices at theJohn Radcliffe Hospitalare provided byMitie.

Domestic / catering / portering / maintenance engineerservices at theChurchill HospitalandNuffield Orthopaedic Centreare provided byG4S.

Maintenance engineer services at the John Radcliffe Hospital are provided by Equans.

All meetings and interviews will be scheduled on Microsoft Teams from a verified OUH email account.

Departments and services

You can view our departments and services alphabetically. Some areas also have dedicated microsites, which are featured in the linked images below.

"Oxford University" is a registered trade mark of the University of Oxford, and is used with the University's permission.