Advanced Occupational Therapist - Neurology Outpatients
The closing date is 19 January 2026
Harrogate district hospital is pleased to be offering an innovative opportunity to work clinically and provide leadership for the Occupational Therapy neurological out-patient service. The service is diverse treating patients with physical and cognitive deficits from acquired brain injury and progressive conditions. The post holder will work with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team including physiotherapists and rehabilitation practitioners.
We are looking for a motivated and dynamic OT to join our therapy team. Applicants must have a masters or an equivalent qualification and relevant clinical experience with neurological patients as they will supervise other OT's and play a key part in service development.
This post sits as part of a wider team covering stroke (acute and community, complex rehab and amputees) where there are other band 7 OT's for per support.
You will be working as part of Harrogate District Foundation Trust’s Hospital through collaborative working and providing high quality evidence-based services.
For more information or to arrange an informal visit to the department, please contact Emma Havercroft - Occupational Therapy Professional Lead on 01423 553211 or at emma.havercroft@nhs.net
Main duties of the job
To lead in the Occupational Therapy service neurology out-patients offering advanced specialist assessment and rehabilitation to patients with complex needs.
To provide therapy leadership for neurological out-patients and work as part of the band 7 OT's across the stroke, neurology and amputees services. To triage and manage the out-patient waiting list effectively. The post will be based at Harrogate and District foundation trust (HDFT).
The post holder will be the lead Occupational Therapy for neurology out-patients alongside a band 6 OT, the specialist physiotherapists and a rehabilitation practitioner. Working as part of the MDT and providing specialist holistic care to neurological patients with acquired brain injuries and those with progressive neurological conditions. The post will require the provision of a high advanced standard of occupational therapy assessment, treatment and advice to patients in order to provide a quality service to the local population.
To undertake the highly advanced role in planning and co-ordinating resources, delivering and evaluating the occupational therapy service provided to out-patients and where necessary in their homes.
To take a lead role in design, implementation, data collection and evaluation of services within this patient group. This will include supervision, training and education of junior staff as to how these patients are best managed and treated.
About us
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) cares for the population in Harrogate and the local area, as well as across North Yorkshire, Leeds and parts of the North East.
At HDFT we provide outstanding care to both our patients and our staff and we value Kindness, Integrity, Teamwork and Equality. If you're looking for an interesting and rewarding career in the NHS, where you can make a real difference to patients' lives, HDFT could be the place for you!
We offer colleagues:
* A supportive culture so colleagues can bring their whole selves to work.
* Staff Recognition - as well as regular appraisals, we recognise achievements with our Making a Difference & Team of the Month Awards, along with annual Colleague Recognition Awards.
* Employee Support and wellbeing - we offer a wide range of staff benefits including an Employee Assistance Programme, counselling service and a fast-track Physiotherapy service.
Please note:
* Due to high levels of interest, posts may close early if we reach a sufficient number of applications
* Visa sponsorship is only available for certain roles. Please ensure the role you are interested in meets the criteria for a visa before submitting your application.
* Please also be aware that the Trust does not offer relocation packages for Agenda for Change roles.
* All job offers are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.
Job responsibilities
* To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of the practitioner's professional activities
* To work as an autonomous practitioner managing a defined, specialist clinical caseload, being professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of own work.
* To provide advice on specialised occupational therapy care and treatment for patients with surgical, cardiology and respiratory conditions and facilitate rehabilitation based on theoretical knowledge and relevant practical experience. To be consulted frequently for specialist advice and guidance by junior team members and other health care professionals both within and outside the trust
* To formulate, evaluate and reassess individualised occupational therapy management and / or treatment plans.
* To be responsible for own and team patient care plans.
* To assess and induct individualised programmes of therapy.
* To implement and manage inpatient caseloads across the team appropriately.
* To jointly, with other band 7 staff, plan, organise and evaluate, and ensure effective delivery of inpatient, outpatient and group classes across all the respiratory services, liaising with appropriate members of the MDT.
* To liaise and coordinate with the referring health professionals (including Specialists, Primary Care Physicians and Secondary Care Physicians, regarding rehabilitation of patients.
* To ensure that the Service Manager & Principal Occupational Therapist are kept up to date with service development/clinical governance issues.
* To attend MDT and planning meetings on relevant issues.
To be involved in service improvement initiatives undertaken at ward levels.
Patient focused care
The drive to deliver caring services focused on recognising, understanding & meeting the individual needs of patients.
Provides a role model for the team in patient focused care.
Can lead & facilitate the development of holistic care within the team.
Able to give guidance to others on issues of confidentiality.
Monitors, audits & takes action to ensure patient related standards are met.
Responds appropriately to verbal complaints.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* State Registered Occupational Therapist
* BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy or equivalent.
* Completed a range of post-grad training on relevant subjects.
* Min 4 years experience including NHS
* Be an accredited professional practice educator.
* Completed leadership training
* Good supporting information statement
Experience
* 4 years min post graduate experience with 2 at a senior level
* Minimum 2 years' experience of neurology
* Experience of complex rehabilitation
* Experience of assessment and treatment of cognition
* Experience of working within mental health
* Experience of assistive technology
* Experience of working with pain management principles
* experience of postural management and group work
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.
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
£47,810 to £54,710 a yearper annum pro rata
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