Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Neuro team at the Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal Hospital for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist -8 month Fixed term contract or secondment.
We are looking for an innovative and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join the Neuro rotation
Neuroscience Rotations include:
1. Hyper Acute Stroke Services, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton
2. Sussex Rehabilitation Centre, Haywards Heath
3. Neuro-medical Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton
4. Major Trauma, Royal Sussex Country Hospital, Brighton
The successful post holder will provide specialist occupational therapy interventions to clients with complex neurological impairments. Participate in, and deliver training to occupational therapy students, occupational therapy assistants, basic grade occupational therapists and colleagues within other professions in the multi-disciplinary team.
The Royal Sussex County Hospital is in the heart of Brighton which is a large vibrant city situated on the south coast and in the heart of the Southdowns national park. There is easy access to watersports, outdoor pursuits and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Brighton has a large shopping centre with all major shops but also boasts an eclectic centre of quirky independent shops in the Lanes. There are theatres, gastropubs, nightclubs and a diverse culture. It is a 45 minute train ride away from London and all of the attractions to be found there.
Main duties of the job
5. To provide specialist Occupational Therapy Interventions using an evidence based, flexible and patient-centred approach.
6. To work within a Multi-Disciplinary Team to meet the complex health and social care needs of people who are referred to our services.
7. To provide supervision and leadership for relevant junior members of occupational therapy staff in conjunction with the team leader.
8. To provide supervision and training for students on practice placement
9. To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of Occupational Therapy services within a designated specialist team.
10. To maintain a flexible and adaptable approach will be necessary to ensure delivery of an excellent OT service across all pathways.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Attached you will find the job description and person specification which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role.
We highly recommend you view this document and use it when completing the application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
Person specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
11. Knowledge of the role of an acute OT in the specialist area and the use of assessment, treatment and rehab interventions for these patients
12. Experience in the assessment and formulating treatment plans for patients
13. Complete, thorough neurological assessment identifying functional potential and barriers to discharge. Clearly stating the impact of impairments, the environment and activities and participation
14. Experience of working with patients with complex physical, psychological, emotional, sensory and social needs
15. Experience of using standardised and non-standardised assessment forms
16. Experience of working with patient/family/carers to ensure the effective communication of complex and sensitive information about conditions and treatment plans
Skills
Essential criteria
17. Ability to prioritise caseloads daily, demonstrate effective time management and delegate appropriately
18. To be able to work autonomously as well as part of the wider multi-disciplinary team
19. To be able to clinically reason and prescribe a range of equipment to assist ADL’s and adaptations within the home setting.
20. To be able to manage under pressure and respond to the rapidly changing demand of the hospital environment, whilst supporting other team members to do the same
21. Assess and manage 24 hour postural management needs including the use of specialist seating and wheelchairs.
22. To be able to coordinate complex discharges and follow up care and support junior staff with this.
23. To be able to produce clear, concise written and verbal reports
24. Competent and confident with therapeutic handling of patients with or without aids.
Desirable criteria
25. Experience of clinical audit and outcome measures
26. Presentation and training skills
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
27. To be able to provide support with leadership when the team is under pressure or in the absence of the team lead.
28. Evidence of supporting staff with clinical role and development
29. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, carers and colleagues
30. Ability to reflect on and critically appraise own performance
31. Experience in providing clinical supervision formally and informally for students and staff
Experience and Qualifications
Essential criteria
32. Professional Qualification in Occupational Therapy
33. HCPC registered
34. Evidence of recent and relevant Continuing Professional Development
Desirable criteria
35. Practice educators' course
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
36. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
37. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications