Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 4 Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor for its Therapy for Older People (TOP) team within the Acute Inpatient Service.
The closing date is 14 April 2026
Are you an experienced healthcare professional looking to further your career? We are seeking a Band 4 Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor to join our dedicated Therapy for Older People (TOP) Team at Cambridge University Hospitals. Working closely with both Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Services, this role offers the chance to make a real difference in patients' lives as part of a supportive and multidisciplinary environment.
As an Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. Under the guidance of Registered Therapists, you will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team within the Inpatient Therapy Service and be responsible for managing an allocated caseload within the Inpatient Wards. You will support patients in their hospital journey, working to enable independence and improve their quality of life.
If you are passionate about delivering exceptional patient care and want to be part of an innovative team, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
Your responsibilities will include:
* Manage an allocated caseload within the Inpatient DME Wards.
* Support and implement therapy interventions designed by Occupational Therapists.
* Conduct therapeutic activities and exercises with patients, in line with agreed care plans.
* Assist in assessments of patients' functional abilities and report progress to Senior Clinicians.
* Support discharge planning by providing input on patients' progress and potential needs.
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of patient care.
* Contribute to the smooth operation of the Therapy Service, including equipment management and administrative tasks.
To succeed in this role, you will need to demonstrate:
* Previous experience as a Therapy Assistant, Assistant Practitioner or a similar role within a healthcare setting.
* Knowledge of rehabilitation principles and the roles of Occupational Therapy.
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients, families and colleagues.
* A proactive, team-focused approach with the ability to work independently.
* Competence in using IT systems for record‑keeping and reporting.
* NVQ Level 4 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent qualification), or willingness to work towards it.
About us
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and more than 1,100 beds, the Trust focuses on a quality service that is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised for its outstanding care and rated “Good” overall by the Care Quality Commission, CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community.
We welcome applications for all positions irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Immigration
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full‑time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Applicants on a Student visa will only be considered if they:
* have applied for a Graduate visa; or
* have successfully completed their course and applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date; or
* the Trust has agreed to sponsor them as a Skilled Worker and they will complete their studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date.
Benefits to you
We offer development opportunities and a range of benefits, including on‑site leisure facilities, a shopping concourse, day nurseries, reduced‑cost Stagecoach bus travel, free Park & Ride journeys, subsidised parking, and 24/7 hot food on campus. Flexible working arrangements include part‑time, job‑share, term‑time, and flexible start and finish times.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Good general education to GCSE level or equivalent.
* NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a health care setting.
* Evidence of relevant in‑service training.
* NVQ Level 3 Care certificate.
* Willingness to undertake relevant training as required.
Experience
* Experience of managing a delegated workload, independently assessing, prescribing appropriate interventions and evaluating outcomes.
* Working in a variety of health‑caring settings in a direct patient role.
* Working as a team member.
* Prioritising, planning and organising own tasks.
* Working within guidelines.
* Experience of working with challenging and complex patient groups.
* Working independently with indirect supervision.
* Assisting with personal care.
* Experience of moving and handing patients and equipment.
* Working with individuals with a disability or illness, including assisting with personal care activities.
* Working with Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists, including discharge planning.
* Working in project groups on service development.
* Contributing to the development of the learning environment.
* Experience of working in the NHS.
* Experience of working in an acute hospital.
* Experience of working in a Therapy Team and with a patient's rehabilitation.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of confidentiality within healthcare.
* Knowledge of the roles of Occupational Therapy.
* Evidence of participation in personal and professional development activities.
* Knowledge of how to use adaptive equipment to help those with physical disability.
* Understanding of how disability can affect patients' performance in activities of daily living.
* Awareness of the Occupational Therapy process in an acute care setting.
Skills
* Effective and adaptive communication skills.
* IT skills including e‑mail, Word and Excel.
* Close team working.
* Professional attitude and appearance.
* Positive promotion of the role of rehabilitation in a patient's journey within Acute Care.
* Seeks guidance appropriately and proactively.
* Work under pressure.
* Work independently under the supervision of a qualified clinician.
* Administer clinical assessments, formulate treatment plans and carry out interventions under a qualified clinician.
* Make informed decisions under the guidance of a Team Leader.
* Good observation skills.
* Accurate reporting of patient‑related activities both verbally and in documentation.
* Effective time management.
* Respond to unexpected circumstances appropriately.
* Literacy and numeracy skills.
* Personal time management.
* Operate within the boundaries of the job role.
* Build therapeutic rapport with patients.
* Manage inappropriate and challenging behaviour.
* Manage resources, e.g., equipment stock levels.
* Prioritise tasks to manage a caseload with indirect supervision.
* Awareness of the needs of other team members.
* Complete risk assessments.
Additional Requirements
* Behave towards patients, visitors and colleagues in accordance with Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
* Willingness to change work team to suit service needs.
* Mechanisms for dealing with stress and use them appropriately.
* Willingness to be flexible in approach and attitude.
* Physical capability to navigate the demands of the role, e.g., manual handling procedures.
* Willingness to cover other Therapy Services as needed.
* Willingness to manage transport of patients for home assessments and throughout the hospital.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
£28,392 to £31,157 a yearper annum pro rata
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