Specialist Occupational Therapist in Front Door Therapy Team

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279); Worthing; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Worthing seeks a skilled Specialist Occupational Therapist to join their Front Door Therapy Team. The successful candidate will provide specialist interventions, collaborate within a multidisciplinary setting, and support patients with diverse needs. This role offers development opportunities in a supportive team environment, and the salary ranges from £38,682 to £46,580 per annum pro rata. If you value diversity and inclusion in clinical practice, apply to be part of this progressive team.

Qualifications

• Clinical experience in OT specialties or equivalent.
• Proven experience as an Occupational Therapist.
• Experience teaching in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist occupational therapy interventions within a Multi-Disciplinary Team.
• Deliver a specialist OT role for patients with complex health and social needs.
• Supervise and train students on practice placement.

Skills

Knowledge of OT role and standardised assessments

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Ability to assess environmental adaptations

Presentation and training skills

Education

Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy

Job description

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Specialist Occupational Therapist in Front Door Therapy Team

Closing date: 04 January 2026

Worthing Hospital is launching an exciting new 7‑day front door service and we are looking for a skilled Occupational Therapist (OT) to join the team. The service runs from 8am to 6pm, covering patients in the A&E Department and the Emergency Floor. The team provides rapid and comprehensive assessment within an integrated therapy model, creating a seamless service across Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, enabling an efficient journey for patients. You will deliver a high standard of assessment, advice, treatment and evaluation for patients referred to the Front Door Therapy Team, including those with varying presentations and complex physical, social and psychological conditions.

We are a supportive and friendly dynamic team with a strong commitment to staff development. This new 7‑day service offers opportunities for learning, development and the chance to support the AHP Team Leads as it evolves. If you are interested in bank hours, please apply – a development role from B5 to B6 will be considered for an appropriately experienced candidate.

Main duties of the job

• Provide specialist occupational therapy interventions using an evidence‑based, flexible and patient‑centred approach within a Multi‑Disciplinary Team.
• Deliver a specialist OT role for patients with complex health and social care needs.
• Provide supervision and leadership for relevant junior OT staff in conjunction with the team leader.
• Participate in planning, development and evaluation of OT services within the specialist team.
• Supervise and train students on practice placement.

About us

UHSussex values diversity, inclusion and supports staff through a wellbeing programme and flexible working. As a university trust and leader in research we offer continuous learning, teaching and training to help you grow and develop a long, rewarding career.

Job responsibilities

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route where the applicant meets the specific requirements set by UKVI. Please review the attached job description and person specification and tailor your application to demonstrate how you meet these criteria.

Person Specification

Experience / Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Clinical experience in OT specialties or equivalent.
• Proven experience as an Occupational Therapist.
• Experience teaching in a clinical setting.

Skills

• Knowledge of OT role, standardised OT assessments and interventions for acute specialities.
• Excellent communication skills for complex, stressful topics with individuals or groups.
• Analytical skills to evaluate assessment outcomes, identify problems and offer solutions.
• Organisational skills to manage complex information efficiently.
• Ability to assess and prescribe environmental adaptations and equipment, including home‑visit assessments and task analysis.
• Presentation and training skills.

People Management and Development

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

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• Evidence of personal development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
• Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Applicants will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Salary: £38,682 – £46,580 per annum (pro rata).