Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Stroke Occupational Therapist - Band 5

The closing date is 21 September 2025

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist with a specialist interest in stroke to join our dynamic team on the Acute Stroke Unit (ASU) at University Hospital Lewisham (UHL).

The post provides an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills in neurological assessment, rehabilitation and discharge planning in the acute setting, whilst working as a member of a supportive multidisciplinary team (MDT).

As a Band 5 stroke Occupational Therapist, you will have access to regular supervision, in-service training sessions along with the opportunity to develop clinical competencies as part of your appraisal. This post will offer you the opportunity to develop your skills in this clinical field within a supportive multi-disciplinary team (MDT) in order to support stroke patients throughout different stages of the stroke pathway.

Due to the speciality nature of the role, the post would be an ideal fit for a Band 5 Occupational Therapist with experience working in an acute setting and with a basic working knowledge of treating stroke patients and/or neuro patients.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will carry an individual caseload of patients and will be required to assess, plan and deliver rehabilitation interventions including group therapy sessions. Excellent time management skills to manage a dynamic and complex caseload are therefore required.

You will be responsible for providing on-going assessment and treatment, working on patient centred goals with the aim to increase function and independence for safe discharge into the community, with complex discharge planning being a significant part of the role.

Liaison with the MDT in board-rounds and multidisciplinary team meetings (MDMs), as well as with ESD and community neurorehabilitation teams is a key feature of working on the ASU. You will therefore be required to have excellent communication and team working skills to foster effective working relationships.

About us

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:

  1. Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
  2. Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
  3. Improving the experience of staff with disability
  4. Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
  5. Making equalities mainstream

Details

Date posted

05 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum plus HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

197-UT7272

Job locations

University Hospital Lewisham

London

SE13 6LH


Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

To independently manage a designated caseload using evidence based/client centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions for acute stroke patients

To effectively and safely support the discharge of acute stroke patients into the community

To work effectively as a member of the multidisciplinary stroke team

To maintain records which fulfil legal requirements

KEY RESULT AREAS

1 Clinical

1.1 To independently manage a specific caseload of acute stroke patients

1.2 To undertake full neurological initial assessments to identify patient needs in areas of impairment and function affecting functional ability

1.3 To design / plan individual client-centered patient treatment programmes to implement oneself, or to delegate as

appropriate to maximise functional independence in activities of daily living .

1.4 To select and conduct standardised cognitive and perceptual testing with further assessment when

needed.

1.5 To be able to complete an inpatient seating assessment, and complete a post-discharge seating review for patients issued specialist seating on discharge

1.6 To carry out an initial risk assessment where necessary and to monitor ongoing risk.

1.7 To assess need and risk factors for hoist and wheelchair provision.

1.8 To advise on, recommend, make provision for the installation of; appropriate aids and adaptations to the

patients social and physical environment.

1.9 To assess for and manufacture appropriate upper limb splints as needed.

1.10 To design and monitor ongoing splint regimes.

1.11 To carry out access visits to assess environmental risks and

1.13 To identify and set client centred goals

1.14 To monitor and evaluate treatment, including the use of outcome measures, in order to measure

progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention.

1.15 To participate in decisions regarding placements post discharge

1.16 To undertake discharge planning / co-ordination of complex patients.

1.17 To refer onto appropriate agencies for:- the continuation of treatment, reassessment, monitoring, and

provision of further adaptations.

1.18 To participate in the Occupational Therapy service weekend and bank holiday rota.

2 Communication

2.1 To communicate effectively with patients and carers, OT colleagues, multidisciplinary team members and

other agencies

2.2 To participate in the multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences, with regard to patient care programmes.

2.3 To advise and educate patients and carers regarding aids/equipment and safety in the home and

community.

2.4 To participate in staff meetings and other meetings as directed by senior staff, the Lead OT and the Inpatient Therapy Manager.

3 Documentation

3.1 To maintain up to date activity data and activity records in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.

3.2 To provide reports on home visits.

3.3 To provide specific reports to other agencies as appropriate.

4 Professional Development

4.1 To adhere to the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and all other relevant policies and

procedures. These include maintaining confidentiality and respecting the patients dignity, privacy, culture

and wishes

4.2 To participate in regular caseload and clinical supervision with a senior occupational therapist.

4.3 To participate in the individual performance review programme and KSF review.

4.4 To effectively use supervision and appraisal to reflect on own practice and performance.

4.5 To delegate tasks to support staff as appropriate.

4.6 To attend internal and external training, including mandatory and statutory training and agreed lectures

/ courses to meet identified objectives

4.7 To apply acquired skills and knowledge of practice to further develop competencies to practice.

4.8 To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD regarding learning.

5 Training Staff and Students

5.1 To participate in the induction and training of other staff and students in this setting.

5.2 To give presentations on specific, chosen topics.

6 Service Development and Delivery

6.1 To work with other staff within the department to ensure that equipment is maintained and stock monitored.

6.2 To manage the caseload efficiently in order to achieve timely and safe discharges of patients from hospital.

6.3 To assist senior staff, the lead OT and the Inpatient Therapy Manager in implementing new policies

within the department.

7 Clinical Governance

7.1 To comply with all Trust Policies and procedures (including Infection Control) the Health & Safety at

Work Act and the Data Protection Act.

7.2 To be familiar with and comply with local fire procedures.

7.3 To be familiar with all Trust and Therapy emergency procedures on and off site and to respond as

necessary eg. emergency resuscitation hydrotherapy.

7.4 To report immediately on complaints, accidents and any deficits in equipment.

7.5 To assess for and advise on risk factors in given situations.

7.6 To participate in the evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within the clinical

area.

7.7 To demonstrate understanding of national guidelines and legislation relating to health care.

8 Research & Practice Development

8.1 To demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate current research and apply to practice.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The postholder may be required to undertake other duties which fall within the grade of the job, in discussion with the Inpatient Therapy Manager.

This job description will be reviewed in the light of changing service requirements. Any such changes will be discussed with the post holder.

June 2025

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

To independently manage a designated caseload using evidence based/client centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions for acute stroke patients

To effectively and safely support the discharge of acute stroke patients into the community

To work effectively as a member of the multidisciplinary stroke team

To maintain records which fulfil legal requirements

KEY RESULT AREAS

1 Clinical

1.1 To independently manage a specific caseload of acute stroke patients

1.2 To undertake full neurological initial assessments to identify patient needs in areas of impairment and function affecting functional ability

1.3 To design / plan individual client-centered patient treatment programmes to implement oneself, or to delegate as

appropriate to maximise functional independence in activities of daily living .

1.4 To select and conduct standardised cognitive and perceptual testing with further assessment when

needed.

1.5 To be able to complete an inpatient seating assessment, and complete a post-discharge seating review for patients issued specialist seating on discharge

1.6 To carry out an initial risk assessment where necessary and to monitor ongoing risk.

1.7 To assess need and risk factors for hoist and wheelchair provision.

1.8 To advise on, recommend, make provision for the installation of; appropriate aids and adaptations to the

patients social and physical environment.

1.9 To assess for and manufacture appropriate upper limb splints as needed.

1.10 To design and monitor ongoing splint regimes.

1.11 To carry out access visits to assess environmental risks and

1.13 To identify and set client centred goals

1.14 To monitor and evaluate treatment, including the use of outcome measures, in order to measure

progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention.

1.15 To participate in decisions regarding placements post discharge

1.16 To undertake discharge planning / co-ordination of complex patients.

1.17 To refer onto appropriate agencies for:- the continuation of treatment, reassessment, monitoring, and

provision of further adaptations.

1.18 To participate in the Occupational Therapy service weekend and bank holiday rota.

2 Communication

2.1 To communicate effectively with patients and carers, OT colleagues, multidisciplinary team members and

other agencies

2.2 To participate in the multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences, with regard to patient care programmes.

2.3 To advise and educate patients and carers regarding aids/equipment and safety in the home and

community.

2.4 To participate in staff meetings and other meetings as directed by senior staff, the Lead OT and the Inpatient Therapy Manager.

3 Documentation

3.1 To maintain up to date activity data and activity records in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.

3.2 To provide reports on home visits.

3.3 To provide specific reports to other agencies as appropriate.

4 Professional Development

4.1 To adhere to the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and all other relevant policies and

procedures. These include maintaining confidentiality and respecting the patients dignity, privacy, culture

and wishes

4.2 To participate in regular caseload and clinical supervision with a senior occupational therapist.

4.3 To participate in the individual performance review programme and KSF review.

4.4 To effectively use supervision and appraisal to reflect on own practice and performance.

4.5 To delegate tasks to support staff as appropriate.

4.6 To attend internal and external training, including mandatory and statutory training and agreed lectures

/ courses to meet identified objectives

4.7 To apply acquired skills and knowledge of practice to further develop competencies to practice.

4.8 To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD regarding learning.

5 Training Staff and Students

5.1 To participate in the induction and training of other staff and students in this setting.

5.2 To give presentations on specific, chosen topics.

6 Service Development and Delivery

6.1 To work with other staff within the department to ensure that equipment is maintained and stock monitored.

6.2 To manage the caseload efficiently in order to achieve timely and safe discharges of patients from hospital.

6.3 To assist senior staff, the lead OT and the Inpatient Therapy Manager in implementing new policies

within the department.

7 Clinical Governance

7.1 To comply with all Trust Policies and procedures (including Infection Control) the Health & Safety at

Work Act and the Data Protection Act.

7.2 To be familiar with and comply with local fire procedures.

7.3 To be familiar with all Trust and Therapy emergency procedures on and off site and to respond as

necessary eg. emergency resuscitation hydrotherapy.

7.4 To report immediately on complaints, accidents and any deficits in equipment.

7.5 To assess for and advise on risk factors in given situations.

7.6 To participate in the evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols within the clinical

area.

7.7 To demonstrate understanding of national guidelines and legislation relating to health care.

8 Research & Practice Development

8.1 To demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate current research and apply to practice.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The postholder may be required to undertake other duties which fall within the grade of the job, in discussion with the Inpatient Therapy Manager.

This job description will be reviewed in the light of changing service requirements. Any such changes will be discussed with the post holder.

June 2025

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

  • oDegree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy
  • oHCPC Registration
  • oDBS Clearance
  • oExperience of working in the NHS at graduate or undergraduate level.
  • oClinical experience with adult patients in a hospital/ physical setting (including prequalification)

Desirable

  • Car driver
  • Member of BAOT

Experience

Essential

  • oAbility to work as a member of a team.
  • oAbility to take responsibility for own caseload.
  • oInterest in all rotations on the scheme.
  • oAwareness of MDT working and strategies to improve this.
  • oExperience of working in a multi-cultural environment/community
  • oAwareness of Clinical Governance and its implications on the OT role.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of quality issues, clinical governance and outcome measures.
  • Previous discharge planning experience.
  • Community Experience
  • Neurology experience

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • oProblem solving approach.
  • oKnowledge of OT process and application in clinical practice.
  • oKnowledge of Evidence based practice.
  • oAbility to keep clear, precise records, which meet legal requirements, and in the English language.
  • oAbility to prioritise and organise time effectively
  • oEvidence of self- initiated learning.
  • oAbility to demonstrate effective clinical reasoning skills.
Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

  • oDegree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy
  • oHCPC Registration
  • oDBS Clearance
  • oExperience of working in the NHS at graduate or undergraduate level.
  • oClinical experience with adult patients in a hospital/ physical setting (including prequalification)

Desirable

  • Car driver
  • Member of BAOT

Experience

Essential

  • oAbility to work as a member of a team.
  • oAbility to take responsibility for own caseload.
  • oInterest in all rotations on the scheme.
  • oAwareness of MDT working and strategies to improve this.
  • oExperience of working in a multi-cultural environment/community
  • oAwareness of Clinical Governance and its implications on the OT role.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of quality issues, clinical governance and outcome measures.
  • Previous discharge planning experience.
  • Community Experience
  • Neurology experience

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • oProblem solving approach.
  • oKnowledge of OT process and application in clinical practice.
  • oKnowledge of Evidence based practice.
  • oAbility to keep clear, precise records, which meet legal requirements, and in the English language.
  • oAbility to prioritise and organise time effectively
  • oEvidence of self- initiated learning.
  • oAbility to demonstrate effective clinical reasoning skills.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Lewisham

London

SE13 6LH


Employer's website

https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Address

University Hospital Lewisham

London

SE13 6LH


Employer's website

https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist Neurology

Jessica Crankshaw

jessica.crankshaw@nhs.net

07350435332

Details

Date posted

05 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum plus HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

197-UT7272

Job locations

University Hospital Lewisham

London

SE13 6LH


Supporting documents

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