Specialist Occupational Therapist (Transition Unit)

Barnsley Hospital Nhs Foundation Trust; Hanley; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist to join the Acorn Intermediate Care Unit, focusing on rehabilitation and safe discharge home. The post supports a broad OT remit, delivers expert intervention, and collaborates with family, patients and the MDT to optimise outcomes.

The role involves leadership within the OT team, flexible service delivery, and involvement in NHS Frameworks and Quality Guidelines.

Qualifications

• Broad range of clinical experience in Occupational Therapy, with NHS acute hospital exposure.
• CPD portfolio and post-graduate study demonstrate ongoing professional development.
• Current HCPC registration and an OT qualification are essential for practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist OT advice to relatives, carers and MDT to promote the OT role.
• Advise patients and carers on safe equipment use, adaptations, and treatment techniques.
• Prescribe equipment and manage access to devices following protocols.
• Document changes in patient condition for the MDT.
• Produce discharge summaries, risk assessments and care recommendations.
• Represent OT at MDT meetings and liaise with the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Liaise with internal staff and external agencies to coordinate patient care.
• Oversee and manage caseloads of junior staff within the area.

Skills

Broad clinical experience

NHS acute hospital experience

OT assessment and intervention

Education

Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy

HCPC registration

CPD portfolio

Post-qualification experience

Job description

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist on the Acorn Intermediate Care Unit supporting patients through their rehabilitation and discharge to their own environment.

The post holder will have a broad range of specialists skills to support patients in a bedded intermediate care unit and providing expert occupational therapy intervention and advice to family, patients and care providers to support patients transitioning home on discharge.

The post holder will provide clinical expertise to the multi-disciplinary team to inform their decision making and to provide advice and guidance to carers, non-clinical staff or members of other professions, who may be influenced by this and to maintain professional relationships with relevant others working as part of the wider team.

As part of the leadership team, the post holder must be flexible and dynamic and have a positive approach to enhancing service delivery and implementing NHS Frameworks and Quality Guidelines.

We offer clinical supervision, staff support, professional development opportunities within a supportive working environment. Excellent training facilities are available within the Trust.

Main duties of the job

The specialist Rotational Occupational Therapist will be expected to:

• To provide specialist advice, for relatives, carers and members of the MDT, to promote the OT role in patient care.
• To advise patients, carers, relatives, colleagues on the safe use of equipment, minor adaptations, treatment techniques, moving and positioning, in relation to individual patients.
• To be competent in prescribing equipment, and have an in depth knowledge of equipment available for patients and how it is accessed. Ensure that all issued equipment is used safely and correctly, following protocols.
• To accurately and effectively report and document any changes in patients condition or progress to other relevant MDT team members.
• To provide specialist written reports, discharge summaries, risk assessments and other recommendations regarding individual needs as required by the service.
• To represent the OT service and/or individual patients at MDT meetings, and case conferences to ensure the delivery of a co-coordinated multidisciplinary service. This will include discussion of patient care and patient progress.
• To work as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team liaising and working with other trust staff in the management of the patients appropriate to the medical service and with external agencies as required.
• To oversee and manage the caseloads of more junior staff within a designated area.

About us

Barnsley is a place of real warmth and community spirit. With a proud industrial past, the town offers affordable living, great transport links, rich culture and many green spaces. Barnsley punches above its weight and has recently seen economic growth, substantial regeneration and digital ambition, whilst leading the way in healthcare innovation and employability.

At Barnsley Hospital, we are a close-knit, ambitious team delivering outstanding care in the heart of South Yorkshire. Our aim is to be the best place to work and we have been consistently rated by our people as being amongst the very best Trusts in the country in areas such as compassionate leadership, teamwork and supporting colleague wellbeing.

We offer a friendly working environment where you will be recognised and valued for what you do, led with compassion and integrity and have your career and wellbeing supported.

Barnsley Hospital NHS FT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fair treatment to all applicants.

For individuals who require sponsorship under the skilled worker or health & care visa route please use the link on the right hand side of the advert to check your eligibility.

The cost of the DBS (criminal records check) for Band 6 and above roles will only be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction.

Please note

We reserve the right to close positions early

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Broad range of clinical experience in a variety of OT settings, e.g. must include NHS acute hospital setting.

Desirable

• Experience of clinical audit and research.

Knowledge and Awareness

Essential

• Sound knowledge and application of current best practice in Occupational Therapy.
• COT Accredited APPLE Clinical Fieldwork Educator qualification, or working towards.
• Sound working knowledge of Acute Medical and Elderly related conditions and the impact on occupational health and function.
• Demonstrates evidence of understanding and application of CPD. requirements outlined by the HPC.

Desirable

• Understanding of current OT and where AHPs fit into the NHS Plan, or an ability to develop this.
• Understanding of NHS direction.
• Working knowledge of the use of the NHS KSF for performance appraisal.

Value-based questions

Essential

• In around 100 words please describe what Equality & Diversity means to you and why they are important.
• In around 100 words please describe a time when you were under pressure but remained calm, compassionate and focused at work.
• In around 100 words please describe a situation where you have demonstrated respect for your colleagues/patients in a difficult or sensitive situation.

Qualifications

Essential

• Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Current Health Professions Council registration.
• Post qualification experience (i.e. Band 5 junior grade rotation/static band 5 post), in a relevant field.
• Documented evidence of continuing professional development (CPD portfolio), post graduate study.

Desirable

• Member of British Association of Occupational Therapists.
• Evidence of specific responsibilities e.g. committee membership.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fair treatment to all applicants.