Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic, experienced Occupational Therapist to join our dynamic inpatient therapy team at Watford General Hospital.
We are welcoming applications for a fixed term, full time post in the Care of the Elderly team, until 21st November 2026.
The post has core hours of 8am-4pm and is part of 7 day working and would be included in that rota (frequency of 1:6 weekends) with rest days in the following week.
The role would involve utilising evidenced based clinical skills to support patients as well as supporting junior members of the team with complex cases.
Main duties of the job
The role would involve utilising evidenced based clinical skills to support patients as well as supporting junior members of the team with complex cases.
Good time management, a flexible approach, ability to problem solve and complex discharge planning are essential skills to this post, along with effective interpersonal and leadership skills.
About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contactwestherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical management of a caseload, completing detailed assessment, treatment and discharge planning.
Clinical supervision and support to junior therapists and therapy assistants.
There are existing Band 7 Occupational Therapists within the Care of the Elderly Team to provide peer support, as well as a well-established probationary, supervision and appraisal process. We also are able to support our Band 7 staff through the Trusts leadership and development programmes with both internal and external courses.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical management of a caseload, completing detailed assessment, treatment and discharge planning.
Clinical supervision and support to junior therapists and therapy assistants.
There are existing Band 7 Occupational Therapists within the Care of the Elderly Team to provide peer support, as well as a well-established probationary, supervision and appraisal process. We also are able to support our Band 7 staff through the Trusts leadership and development programmes with both internal and external courses.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications:
Essential
- Member of Professional Body or equivalent recognised by Health Care Professionals Council.
- Occupational Therapy degree qualification or equivalent and NHS experience.
- Documented evidence of Continued Professional Development of expanded and highly specialised knowledge and skills.
- Attendance at a Clinical Educators Course.
- Substantive post registration experience.
- To take a lead role in the evaluation of their specialist field and make recommendations or changes within and outside of the organisation.
- Ability to assess patient conditions, including those of a highly complex nature, to establish diagnosis and formulate a highly specialised treatment plan.
Desirable
- Attained or working towards a Post Graduate Degree/qualification.
- Membership of a professional Special Interest Group or National or Regional Network.
Knowledge:
Essential
- Understanding of organisational structure of the NHS and Social Care.
- Demonstrate an ability to provide professional/clinical leadership.
- Understanding of Standards - Health Care Professions Council/COT/BAOT/Local/National.
- Understanding policies and procedures (local e.g. Health and Safety).
- Demonstrate ability to search and review the evidence base.
- Demonstrate evidence of written projects/audit.
- Demonstrate understanding of clinical governance and the implications of the service.
Experience:
Essential
- Teaching.
- Patients, relatives, carers, individually and in groups.
- Ability to teach and present to qualified/non-qualified staff and other disciplines, in groups or individually, using a variety of media.
- Ability to lead clinical education of less experienced staff, students, or assistants.
- Demonstrate presentation skills in a variety of media.
- Clinical problem-solving ability.
Desirable
- Working with older people.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications:
Essential
- Member of Professional Body or equivalent recognised by Health Care Professionals Council.
- Occupational Therapy degree qualification or equivalent and NHS experience.
- Documented evidence of Continued Professional Development of expanded and highly specialised knowledge and skills.
- Attendance at a Clinical Educators Course.
- Substantive post registration experience.
- To take a lead role in the evaluation of their specialist field and make recommendations or changes within and outside of the organisation.
- Ability to assess patient conditions, including those of a highly complex nature, to establish diagnosis and formulate a highly specialised treatment plan.
Desirable
- Attained or working towards a Post Graduate Degree/qualification.
- Membership of a professional Special Interest Group or National or Regional Network.
Knowledge:
Essential
- Understanding of organisational structure of the NHS and Social Care.
- Demonstrate an ability to provide professional/clinical leadership.
- Understanding of Standards - Health Care Professions Council/COT/BAOT/Local/National.
- Understanding policies and procedures (local e.g. Health and Safety).
- Demonstrate ability to search and review the evidence base.
- Demonstrate evidence of written projects/audit.
- Demonstrate understanding of clinical governance and the implications of the service.
Experience:
Essential
- Teaching.
- Patients, relatives, carers, individually and in groups.
- Ability to teach and present to qualified/non-qualified staff and other disciplines, in groups or individually, using a variety of media.
- Ability to lead clinical education of less experienced staff, students, or assistants.
- Demonstrate presentation skills in a variety of media.
- Clinical problem-solving ability.
Desirable
- Working with older people.
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
