Specialist Occupational Therapist in Acute Neurology

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Chichester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Chichester is seeking a Specialist Occupational Therapist in Acute Neurology to assess and treat stroke and neurological patients. The role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work autonomously in a team setting. Candidates with a Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy and previous experience in the acute setting are encouraged to apply. This role offers a supportive environment with opportunities for skill development.

Benefits

Supportive working environment

Opportunities for professional development

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Clinical experience in areas relating to speciality/post.
• Proven experience as an Occupational Therapist.
• Experience of teaching in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist occupational therapy interventions.
• Supervise and lead junior members of staff.
• Evaluate Occupational Therapy services.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work autonomously

Knowledge of OT role and assessments

Supervision and leadership skills

Presentation and training skills

Education

Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Specialist Occupational Therapist in Acute Neurology, Chichester

col-narrow-left

Client:

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Location:

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

col-narrow-right

Job Reference:

89fc5128f54c

Job Views:

4

Posted:

12.08.2025

Expiry Date:

26.09.2025

col-wide

Job Description:

Job overview

This post holder will be part of the Acute Neurology Occupational Therapy team, who assess and treat stroke and neurological patients, and who will be key in supporting the delivery of the service.

You will have a passion for Occupational Therapy , excellent communication skills and enthusiasm with the ability to work autonomously and as a part of the wider MDT. Ideally you will have experience in the acute setting working with patients with acute neurological conditions , or you may be an experienced Band 5 looking to progress and develop into a Band 6.

This is a 12 month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave, or could be a secondment for internal candidates who want to gain experience in this area.

We have a supportive team and active band 6 peer group with opportunities for service level projects, teaching and professional development . A flexible and adaptable approach will be necessary to ensure delivery of an excellent OT service across all pathways.

We can offer:
• A supportive working environment with regular supervision and CPD
• Band 6 peer support
• Opportunity to contribute to service development
• Development of highly specialist skills within your speciality

Main duties of the job

To provide specialist occupational therapy interventions using an evidence based, flexible and patient-centred approach, working within a Multi-Disciplinary Team to meet the health and social care needs of people who are referred to our services.

To perform a specialist occupational therapy role for patients referred to the post holder’s clinical team with complex health and social care needs.

To provide supervision and leadership for relevant junior members of occupational therapy staff in conjunction with the team leader.

To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of Occupational Therapy services within a designated specialist team.

To provide supervision and training for students on practice placement

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. 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.

Candidate Information Pack:

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To provide specialist occupational therapy interventions using evidence based, flexible and patient-centred approach, working within a Multi Disciplinary Team to meet the health and social care needs of people who are referred to our services.

To perform a specialist occupational therapy role for patients referred to the post holder’s clinical team with complex health and social care needs.

To provide supervision and leadership for relevant junior members of occupational therapy staff in conjunction with the team leader.

To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of Occupational Therapy services within a designated specialist team.

To provide supervision and training for students on practice placement

Person specification

Experience/Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy
• Clinical experience in areas relating to speciality/post or able to demonstrate acceptable equivalent
• Proven experience as an Occupational Therapist
• Experience of teaching in a clinical setting

Skills

• Knowledge of the OT role, relevant standardised OT assessments and interventions in conditions relating to various acute specialities.
• Ability to establish and maintain communication on complex, potentially stressful topics in a range of situations, with individuals or groups
• Ability to analyse complex assessment outcomes, identify problems and offer solutions
• Ability to organise and respond effectively to complex information
• Assessment for and prescription of environmental adaptations and equipment provision; including skills in home visit assessment and function/ task analysis
• Presentation and training skills

People Management and Development

• Experience of Multidisciplinary working and partnership working with other agencies
• Supervision and mentoring skills
• Audit and research skills

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

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

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

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