Senior Occupational Therapist

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Inpatient Vascular and Surgical Therapy teams at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust as a Band 6 Occupational Therapist, working full time (37.5 hours) based at Worcester Royal Hospital. Band 6 Senior Occupational Therapists are viewed within the Therapy service as potential clinical leaders who receive investment and support to become the best clinicians they can.

You will work as part of an integrated therapy team to provide OT assessment and treatment for a variety of patients on our Surgical wards, including Vascular, General Surgery and Head and Neck, and support and train newly qualified therapists, therapy support workers and students.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to residents of Worcestershire and specialised services to a wider population in Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester, employs more than 7,000 staff and has achieved Timewise accreditation, committing to flexible working and a flex‑positive employer stance.

Postholders requiring a DBS check will have the cost deducted from salary. Please see the Supporting Information section for details on DBS checks and costs.

• Provide Occupational Therapy assessment, treatment and discharge planning to acute patients within the rotational specialty, working within tight discharge timelines.
• Provide guidance and supervision to less experienced staff and students.
• Take a proactive role within the integrated Therapy team and offer advice or cover on other Trust sites as required.
• Collaborate with senior Therapists to ensure effective operational running of the integrated Therapy service on a daily basis.
• Hold an active caseload at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital or Alexandra Hospital Redditch, including assessment and treatment of inpatients and guidance for less experienced staff.
• Provide mentorship and supervision for band 5 Occupational Therapists, assistants and students, especially within the rotational specialty.
• Work closely with physiotherapy colleagues within the integrated Therapy Service, promoting the “Therapy Way”.
• Prioritise caseloads to effect timely assessment and discharge.
• Involve in direct and indirect supervision and teaching of junior staff, maintaining high professional standards and evidence‑based practice.
• Ensure timely provision of equipment, documentation and patient safety facilitation.
• Administer and interpret standardised assessments and maintain documentation in compliance with local, Royal College of Occupational Therapists and HCPC standards.
• Carry out manual handling safely, including moving and handling tasks, equipment loading/unloading and use of hand tools.
• Engage in projects, audits and clinical governance activities and apply national guidelines to practice.
• Support recruitment activities within Therapy across the Trust.
• Adhere to Trust-wide policies, HCPC registration requirements and Royal College standards.
• Travel and work across the county, including 7‑day service and Bank Holiday rota as required.

Skills and Knowledge – Essential

• Ability to clinically analyse and act on professional and ethical issues.
• Skill in assessing patients and forming appropriate acute treatment plans.
• Ability to prioritise caseload effectively to enhance patient care and hospital flow.

Experience – Essential

• Varied experience within acute NHS hospital.
• Experience with standardised cognitive assessments and manual handling equipment provision.
• Experience with early intervention, acute rehabilitation, multidisciplinary team working, fast‑track discharge and supporting junior staff/students.

Qualifications – Essential

• Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• HCPC registration.
• Post‑graduate training in medicine or surgery related areas.

Personal Qualities – Essential

• Flexible attitude to routine and non‑routine tasks.
• Experience guiding practice of others and fostering teamwork.
• Proactive supervision skills, good interpersonal…