Occupational Therapist (Rotational) - Specialising in Neurosciences

Employer information

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Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated occupational therapist to join our dynamic team at the National hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. The post is rotational within a specialist multidisciplinary team at this renowned teaching hospital.

Areas covered on the rotation include stroke services, neurorehabilitation, acute neurological and neurosurgical inpatients, upper limb rehabilitation, and neuro-outpatients. Each area is unique in the experience they offer with the opportunity to develop specialist skills in the management of acute and chronic complex neuro-disability patients.

The department has well-structured in-service training supporting the knowledge and skills framework and personal development plans. Team members are encouraged to engage in teaching and training at a local and national level; with clear structures in place for involvement in clinical developments and participate in multi-disciplinary audit and research.

You will be working in a rewarding and challenging clinical environment and be responsible for supervision of at least one team member and the day-to-day management of the OT service delivery in your clinical area. You must have substantive post-graduation experience, including neurology. Effective communication skills and a positive approach to the management of complex disability are essential.

Main duties of the job

• Manage and prioritise an independent caseload of patients with complex neurological conditions.
• Complete comprehensive occupational therapy assessments and develop patient-centred treatment plans.
• Deliver specialist occupational therapy interventions to maximise patients' functional independence and participation.
• Coordinate discharge planning with patients, families, multidisciplinary teams, and community services.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team working, case conferences, ward rounds, and family meetings.
• Communicate complex and sensitive information effectively to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.
• Maintain accurate and legally compliant patient records, reports, and outcome measures.
• Supervise and support Occupational Therapy students, assistants, and junior staff.
• Contribute to teaching, training, mentoring, and clinical supervision activities.
• Participate in audit, research, service evaluation, and quality improvement projects.
• Promote and implement evidence-based practice within neurological rehabilitation.
• Deputise for the Band 7 Occupational Therapist when required.
• Ensure safe clinical practice, including risk assessment and safe use of equipment.
• Contribute to service development, policy implementation, and professional leadership activities.
• Maintain professional development through ongoing learning, training, and clinical supervision.

Working for our organisation

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research.

We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites:

• University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing)
• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
• University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
• Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
• University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
• University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women's health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.

We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Person specification

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential criteria

• State registered Occupational Therapist (HPC)
• Degree in OT (or equivalent)
• Broad Knowledge of current best practice in Neuro-Occupational Therapy
• Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of OT models of practice
• Knowledge of relevant issues in relation to NHS e.g. New NHS: modern, dependable Disability legislation Health and safety at work act National Service Frameworks/ NICE Guidelines

Desirable criteria

• Member of Relevant Special Interest Group e.g. COT-SSNP
• Member of BAOT
• AMPS trained

Experience

Essential criteria

• Substantive post-graduation clinical OT experience required within a physical setting
• Substantive specific neurological post-graduation OT experience
• Use of problem oriented medical records / SOAP Notes
• Evidence of involvement in Clinical Governance programmes including one or more or the following areas: Audit and clinical effectiveness Risk management Public patient involvement Other
• Evidence of active participation in and/or experience in teaching one or more of the following areas: OT in-service training MDT in-service training Student training COT-SSNP Internal/External Courses Joint sessions with junior staff

Desirable criteria

• Experience of the use of OT models
• Evidence of supervision experience: Basic Grade OT OT Technical Officers OT Assistants OT Students
• Rehabilitation experience

Skills & Abilities (for AfC staff these should link to the KSF dimensions for the role), e.g.

Essential criteria

• Ability to manage own caseload assessing and treating acute, chronic and progressive complex and challenging patients and to determine priorities.
• Ability to work unsupervised as a competent autonomous practitioner
• Evidence of commitment to continuing professional Development • Relevant post graduate training courses • Professional Portfolio

Additional employer information

At UCLH, we have a real 'One Team' ethos, and our values - safety, kindness, teamwork and improving, are central to the way we work. This is supported by our staff, who voted us as the #1 NHS Acute Trust to work for in the whole of England.

At UCLH we take equality of opportunity seriously and are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer, with a culture that creates a real sense of belonging and trust. It is our fundamental aim, to recruit, retain and promote a diverse mix of people who are representative of our local communities. Applications are encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to support our world class research, innovation and creativity.

UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff and has a dedicated policy which allows staff to apply for flexible working right from the beginning of employment. For more information please go to: https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/work-with-us/why-choose-uclh/flexible-working.

We offer our permanent staff an interest free season ticket loan for travel, all our staff have access to free independent and confidential support, large retail discounts, a staff discount platform, cycle to work scheme and on-site accommodation to name a few.

Additionally, UCLH Arts and Heritage's staff wellbeing programme, Creative Comfort, offers a variety of ways to engage with the arts as a member of UCLH staff. You can try out the weekly choir, weekly art club and join the Culture Club for exclusive access to free and discounted tickets for opera, exhibitions, theatre and more.

We recognise, reward and thank colleagues by nominating them for our annual Celebrating Excellence Awards, which are funded by UCLH Charity.

We are also members of www.mytrustbenefits.co.uk/ which offers discounts on high street retail stores, offers on travel deals, and also to take advantage of cash back schemes.

You must already have the right to work in the United Kingdom or fully meet the eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. We welcome applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship; however, we can only consider these where all UKVI requirements are met. Before applying, please ensure that both you and the role satisfy the relevant UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) points‑based system criteria, as applications that do not meet these requirements cannot be progressed. For more information about the criteria, please click here

This vacancy may close before the current listed closing date. You are advised not to delay submitting your completed application.

Some administrative recruitment activities may be undertaken using automated workflow and robotic process automation technologies. These tools assist authorised staff in processing recruitment records and employment checks but do not make decisions regarding your employment.

Please note that all correspondence regarding your application will be via email. The emails will be sent to you via TRAC.jobs and not via NHS Jobs, we encourage you to check your inbox regularly.

Please note that if you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date of the advert to assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.

The Trust uses electronic new starter forms on Trac to collect personal details. Information collected is securely stored and used to set up the employee record on the ESR HR system.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

• Job description (PDF, 672.3KB)
• Functional requirements (PDF, 262.3KB)
• UCLH Values (PDF, 919.9KB)