Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist - Ageing Well

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about optimising the lives of older people and recognising that every minute matters. This is an exciting time to join our acute Care of Older People team as we work to develop the service in line with current national frailty initiatives and ensure we are delivering genuine Occupational Therapy in the acute setting.

The successful candidate will play a vital role in developing this evolving service and so will work with the Clinical Specialist/Team Leader to continue service improvement work to support patients to minimise time in hospital, regain as much independence as possible and be able to age well and live a fulfilling life. The postholder will be based at Musgrove Park Hospital however there will be an expectation that assessment and intervention will also need to be undertaken in the patients home environment.

We have an excellent peer support programme and many opportunities for Continuing Professional Development. The post holder will be motivated to improve services for the benefit of patients, have knowledge of frailty and ageing well and understand the value of the occupational therapy role within this area. It is recognised that patients with dementia and delirium are at greater risk of an extended hospital stay, the postholder will be creative and willing to trial different ways of working to optimise Occupational Therapy to these patients, working closely with community services

Main duties of the job Along with the Advanced Clinical Specialist/Team Leader, the post holder will take a specialist clinical lead role in the provision and development of an effective and specialised Occupational Therapy Service. To provide a high standard of Occupational Therapy to patients referred to the Occupational Therapy Service. The post holder will have a passion for improving services for the benefit of patients with an emphasis on ageing well and understand the value of the occupational therapy role within this area of older adult care.

The post holder will support the Clinical Specialist/Team Leader with service improvement, utilising ageing well education throughout their practice. The aim being to prevent hospital deconditioning through use early intervention principles. This supports maximising independence and reduces time spent in hospital to provide the chance for each patient to live a fulfilling life. The post holder will supervise Junior Band 5 Occupational Therapists, assistants and students, and assist the band 7s with teaching and clinical supervision of Occupational Therapists, students and multidisciplinary staff.

The post holder will deputise for the Advanced Clinical Specialist/Team Leader undertaking any specific clinical and professional responsibilities in their absence i.e. day to day operational management and prioritisation of the ward/service caseload and Occupational therapy team. The post holder will be responsible for his or her own Continual Professional Development.

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer, Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
• Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.