Specialist Occupational Therapist

Overview

The role involves assessment, goal‑setting and treatment of patients with a range of neurological conditions, including stroke and traumatic brain injury, alongside other neurological conditions. Interventions include rehabilitation to support engagement in daily activities, cognitive rehabilitation, environmental & equipment assessment for discharge planning, liaison with community services and onward referral where appropriate. The occupational therapist will undertake assessment and intervention under the guidance and supervision of senior OT.

• Partner with patients and carers to set goals and intervention plans, reviewing progress regularly.
• Deliver evidence‑based OT interventions within agreed care plans.
• Work as a member of the multidisciplinary team to support high‑quality, individualized care that promotes recovery, wellbeing and independence.
• Participate in discharge planning in collaboration with the MDT.
• Engage in supervision, appraisal and continuing professional development.
• Assess, plan and deliver interventions for patients with highly complex neurological, cognitive and behavioural needs, independent of senior supervision.
• Set realistic goals and develop collaborative plans with service users and carers, adapting treatment based on progress and risk.
• Demonstrate clinical reasoning in complex and high‑risk situations.
• Play a key role in discharge planning, including environmental assessment and equipment provision, and liaise with community services.
• Contribute to supervision and support of junior staff and students.
• Participate in service development, audit and quality improvement activities.

Band 6 applicants must demonstrate the ability to manage a complex caseload with a high degree of autonomy, and contribute to service development and supervision activities.

Band 5 applicants will receive appropriate supervision and development opportunities within the team.

Applicants should have competency in the relevant UK occupational therapy standards and be able to meet the competency requirements of the role.

Walkergate Park is commissioned as a UKROC Level 1 neurorehabilitation service, providing care for patients with highly complex neurological needs who have identified rehabilitation potential and goals. The service comprises four inpatient wards: two neuro‑rehabilitation, one neuro‑behavioural and one neuro‑psychiatric ward. The Occupational Therapy team works as part of a well‑established multidisciplinary team within Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.

• Cultural diversity staff network
• Disabled staff network
• LGBT+ staff network
• Armed Forces and Veterans Staff Network
• Mind, Health and Wellbeing Community
• Menopause toolkit and cafes and staff carer support group
• Flexible working, lease cars, childcare schemes, staff discounts, season tickets for travel and a cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Personal development opportunities:
  Collective Leadership Programme, organisational development initiatives

Applicants are required to pay for their own DBS certification if a DBS check is required for the post; this will be deducted from the first monthly pay.