Specialist Occupational Therapist - Neuro Rehab

The Methodist Church in Britain; Thatcham; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS pension

Flexible working options

Career development

Job summary

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 6 Occupational Therapist to work across community neuro rehabilitation and the inpatient Neuro Rehabilitation Unit in West Berkshire. The role involves detailed neurological assessment, complex discharges and driving requirements, with a full-time permanent contract.

HCPC registration and a full UK driving licence with daily vehicle access are required.

Qualifications

• HCPC registration is required.
• Experience in neurological services is essential.
• Supervising and appraising staff experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess and rehabilitate patients with neurological conditions as part of MDT.
• Lead on treatment planning and maintain clinical records.
• Apply specialist OT techniques for cognitive, perceptual and sensory assessments.
• Coordinate complex discharges and liaise with social care.
• Provide education to patients, carers and professionals.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Team collaboration

Written & verbal communication

Decision making under pressure

Independent working

CPD and continuous learning

Education

Occupational Therapy degree or diploma

Post-graduate speciality training (cognitive/perceptual impairment)

Job description

This Band 6 post sits within the community neuro rehabilitation and early supported discharge for stroke teams at Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust. The work centres on detailed neurological assessment and rehabilitation, with complex discharges and equipment needs coordinated alongside a consultant-led ward team. The role is split between community visits in West Berkshire and the inpatient Neuro Rehabilitation Unit at West Berkshire Community Hospital, with home visits and a full-time permanent contract. HCPC registration and a full driving licence with daily vehicle access are needed.

What the job involves

• Assess and rehabilitate patients with neurological conditions, working with the MDT towards meaningful goals
• Carry out assessments, differential diagnosis and treatment planning, keeping accurate clinical records and reports
• Apply specialist manual therapy, sensory, cognitive and perceptual assessment skills
• Liaise with external agencies on care, social, postural and equipment needs
• Coordinate complex discharges to support safe transitions home or to other care settings
• Take part in MDT clinical decisions, patient care and triage of new referrals
• Give specialist advice and education to patients, carers and professionals, communicating complex and sensitive information clearly
• Supervise, train and support Therapy Assistants and students
• Contribute to service development, clinical audit, team training and practice improvement
• Maintain professional competence through CPD, clinical guidelines and current research
• Adhere to Trust policies, professional standards and clinical governance requirements
• Support the wider Berkshire Neuro Rehabilitation service as required, including other neurological conditions within competency

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Occupational Therapy
• Post-graduate clinical speciality training, such as accredited cognitive or perceptual impairment courses or practice educator accreditation

Registration & licences

• HCPC registration

Experience

• Post-graduate experience within a neurological service
• Supervising and appraising staff
• Working in multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary teams
• Audit and research methods
• Liaising with UK social care

Skills & knowledge

• Clinical leadership and ability to lead and work well within a team
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, interpersonal and computer skills
• Confidence in own decisions and judgement under pressure
• Knowledge of national policy, clinical governance and UK social services
• Ability to work independently, adapt flexibly and think forward, with drive for clinical excellence
• Self-development through PDP, developing others through CPD and in-service training, and willingness to learn

Checks & eligibility

• DBS and occupational health clearance
• Full UK driving licence and daily access to a vehicle

Nice to have

• Royal College of Occupational Therapists membership
• Formal post-graduate qualification in a relevant area, such as an MSc
• Membership of a relevant special interest group
• Minimum of 6 years post-graduate experience
• Minimum of 2 years as a senior Occupational Therapist
• Experience of formal and informal teaching
• Highly specialist knowledge of Occupational Therapy in neurological conditions
• Knowledge of assistive technology for neurological patients

What’s offered

• 27 days' annual leave rising with service, with option to buy and sell leave
• NHS pension scheme
• Flexible working options
• Learning and career development opportunities
• Cycle to Work and car leasing scheme, including electric vehicles
• Access to wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at retailers and restaurants, and free parking across Trust sites
• Maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave