Specialist Occupational Therapist

Go back Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 02 March 2026

We are seeking a motivated & flexible Occupational Therapist to join the inpatient team at Walkergate Park on a fixed-term basis for 12 months to cover maternity leave
.

The post will be offered as either:

• 1.0 WTE Band 5
• 0.8 WTE Band 6

dependent on experience, skills, and ability to meet the relevant competency requirements.

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.

The role involves the assessment, goal-setting and treatment of patients with a range of neurological conditions, including stroke & 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.

Band 6 applicants will be expected to demonstrate the ability to manage a complex caseload with a high degree of autonomy and to contribute to service development and supervision activities. Band 5 applicants will be supported with appropriate supervision and development opportunities within the team.

Band 5 responsibilities

• Undertake assessment & intervention with patients under guidance & supervision of senior OT.
• In partnership with patient & carer where appropriate, contribute to goal setting & intervention planning, with regular review of progress.
• Deliver evidence-based OT interventions within agreed care plans.
• Work as member of the MDT to support delivery of high-quality, individualised care that promotes recovery, wellbeing & independence.
• Discharge planning in collaboration with MDT.
• Actively engage in supervision, appraisal & continuing professional development.

Band 6 responsibilities

• Independently assess, plan & deliver OT interventions for patients with highly complex neurological, cognitive & behavioural needs.
• In partnership with service users & carers where appropriate, set realistic goals & develop collaborative intervention plans, ensuring regular review & adaptation of treatment based on progress & risk.
• Deliver & adapt evidence-based OT interventions, demonstrating clinical reasoning in complex & high-risk situations.
• Work autonomously as part of the MDT to ensure safe, effective & individualised care that maximises independence & recovery.
• Play key role in discharge planning, including environmental assessment, equipment provision & liaison with community services.
• Contribute to supervision & support of junior staff & students. Participate in service development, audit & quality improvement activity as appropriate.

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

NHS Employees identified as at risk of compulsory redundancy and those eligible for the NENC Re-Deployment careers hub will receive prior consideration.

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 17th February 2026

Closing date : 2nd March 2026

We welcome your application.

Interview will take place on 9th March 2026.

• Recognised Occupational therapy degree/ qualification
• HCPC Registration
• For Band 5:
  Awareness of Occupational Therapy interventions relevant to neurology / rehabilitation and Ability to work with guidance and supervision within a multidisciplinary team
• For Band 6:
  Evidence of post-registration training and experience in Occupational Therapy interventions…