University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
Specialist Occupational Therapist-Neurosciences & Hyper Acute Rehab
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Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
Main Duties of the Job
We are seeking an experienced B6 Occupational Therapist in a 12m fixed-term opportunity supporting a secondment and time-limited project. This post is a full-time (1 wte) opportunity working primarily (0.6 wte) in neurosurgery & neurology services; and in the newly created Hyper Acute Rehab project team at UHS (0.4 wte).
The post holder will be part of the wider neurosciences service, with close links to all the neurosciences and relevant therapy teams. You need to have flexibility in hours, supporting the team to deliver patient care across a 7-day service, including weekends and bank holidays, on a roster basis.
We are looking for a skilled and dynamic Occupational Therapist to provide senior clinical and operational leadership, alongside the current senior therapists within the UHS neurosciences team and assist with the strategic development of the therapy service within neurosciences. You will have robust experience in acute care and in proven leadership across the MDT.
You will work as part of a combined therapy services team delivering patient care across a 7-day service, including weekends and bank holidays, on a roster basis.
This post is part of the wider Therapy Services department. You will have many opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge through our in-service training. You will be part of a large department of over 300 Therapy staff, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Therapy support staff.
Working for Our Organisation
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
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At UHS, we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities
We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic and experienced Occupational Therapist, who wishes to develop new leadership skills, whilst specialising in both neurosciences and hyperacute rehabilitation, for a 12-month fixed term.
You will work as part of a diverse team of AHPs, working together on the hyperacute pathway, to provide a full AHP service to the patients on the unit, as well as advising on and assessing patients on outlying wards across the Trust.
You will be completing specialised neuro-specific assessments, goal-directed treatments & multi-therapy discharge planning. You will be required to liaise closely with local community services, specialist regional units & local DGHs.
We Are Looking For Someone Who Is/has
- Proven clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of patients within acute care
- Enhanced leadership skills to work alongside the multi-professional team
- Solid foundation in audit, research, personal and service development
- Confident educator of staff and peer professionals
There is regular clinical supervision as well as peer support. There are also opportunities for involvement in audit, research & service development is always encouraged as we strive for new & innovative ways of working.
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Essential
Attached you will find the person specification document, which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role; however, you also need to demonstrate the following specific skills and knowledge:
- Postgraduate experience of working in the acute hospital setting, including working with neurological patients and undertaking neurological assessments
- Proven senior experience in acute early rehabilitation of patients with complex needs
- Clear expressed desire and reasons for working in acute neurological rehabilitation, and within UHS, on your application form
- Evidence of personal development within acute neurosciences, to support enhanced skills and decision making
- Robust knowledge and understanding of NHS systems
- Postgraduate experience in supervising other staff and students
Desirable
- Evidence of providing teaching to therapy staff and students
- Demonstrable leadership skills
Please Note
- Interviews will be face to face only, on 6th August
- As part of the interview involves a practical assessment, please wear smart, comfortable clothing.
- As this is a fixed term/secondment opportunity, please discuss your application with your current manager before applying
We actively encourage all potential applicants to contact us to ask any questions they may have.
If this post is not for you and you are interested in finding out about other Therapy opportunities, please email Annette.Purkis@uhs.nhs.uk
We look forward to hearing from you.
Person Specification
Trust Values
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience
Essential criteria
- Degree in Occupational Therapy or equivalent
- Current HCPC registration
- Experience with a variety of physical and mental health conditions/multiple pathology
- Experience of fitting a range of equipment
- Experience of working with support staff
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Experience in independently managing a caseload of patients
- Previous experience within relevant clinical area
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