Job summary
The Great Western Hospital is seeking a Band 7 Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our Acute Occupational Therapy Team.
This role offers opportunities to develop specialist skills in areas such as Palliative Care, Frailty, Cardiology and Respiratory. You will work in an acute setting on Medical and Surgical Wards. The Acute OT team includes 22 Qualified OTs, Assistants and Apprentices, providing a supportive working environment.
Our Clinical Specialist Therapists are integral to Leadership Teams and contribute to the development of Band 6, Band 5, students, apprentices and the support workforce. Through our Improving Together methodology staff can pursue continuous improvement ideas with autonomy to implement change.
We support staff to access training and development via our Academy with opportunities to undertake higher education. If you would like more information or a brief department walk around, please contact Michaela Kirby or Briony Howard on 01793 646371.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will update and develop clinical and professional skills, be an expert in the acute setting, and provide clinical support to the team and wider MDT and partner organisations.
The post requires a flexible approach and work across professional boundaries.
About us
Our STAR values – Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect – guide our work, aiming to deliver joined-up services to the local community. Our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives, whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital.
Details
Date posted: 02 October 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year pro rata per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Job share, Flexible working, Compressed hours
Reference number: 249-7492648
Job locations: Great Western Hospitals, Marlborough Road, Swindon, SN3 6BB
Job description
Job responsibilities
* Clinical responsibilities: use specialist clinical assessment and reasoning to provide autonomous specialist assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of patients with high risk, chronic and acute medical conditions
* Formulate and develop specialist, tailored therapy treatment programmes/goals based on evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning
* Monitor, evaluate and modify treatment to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention
* Lead by example and provide knowledgeable, responsive advice to support complex care
* Identify and prescribe complex manual handling equipment and complete risk assessments
* Train patients, families, carers and nursing staff in correct manual handling procedures
* Work closely with the MDT and partner organisations to ensure high-quality services, timely discharges and appropriate referrals
* Maintain accurate paper and electronic records in line with standards
* Promote and communicate the role of Occupational Therapy and service priorities to the MDT
* Lead on communicating sensitive information regarding treatment, goals and discharge pathways to patients, relatives and other professionals
* Manage challenging situations involving distressed patients/relatives; ensure patient dignity in spaces with limited privacy
* Work independently in some environments and manage clinical and personal risk
* Understand and adhere to national guidelines and legislation affecting service provision
* Comply with HCPC and College of Occupational Therapy standards and Trust procedures
Development of Service and Team members
* Lead the implementation of local and national guidelines to meet governance standards
* Achieve national/local Trust indicators to deliver high-quality, safe services
* Support Team Lead to ensure policies and procedures are followed
* Recommend changes to practice and lead implementation with the Team Lead
* Lead and train the team to develop clinical competency assessments
* Contribute to clinical governance and quality agendas, supporting evidence from CQC Action Plan
* Support supervision, appraisal and development of band 6s and below
* Support clinical placements and supervise OT students; participate in Practice Educator training where applicable
* Engage in continuing professional development and service development projects
* Lead research, audits and pilots to advance evidence-based practice
Day to day Team Management
* Lead daily caseload and team meetings; cascade information and coordinate support
* Support day-to-day organisation, prioritise workloads and respond to hospital demands
* Prioritise clinical work and other professional activities
* Provide updates during high escalation periods; identify pressures and urgent priorities
* Support budget, equipment and resources management with clear benefits
* Participate in workforce planning and recruitment
* Be aware of performance and absence management processes
* Contribute to weekend working rotas
Qualifications
* Essential:
* BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy or equivalent training and experience
* HCPC registration
* Evidence of postgraduate training or willingness to undertake further training
* Willingness to undertake additional training
* Desirable:
* Leadership training courses
* Practice Educator training/qualification
* RCOT membership
Experience
* Essential: specialist clinical experience in complex caseload management and discharge planning within an acute setting; experience with medical, surgical and neurological conditions; ability to assess complex equipment for safe discharges; knowledge of relevant legislation and governance; experience leading a multi-professional team and coordinating discharges; experience with partner organisations and community teams; conflict management; leading day-to-day team management; staff development through supervision and appraisal; delegation, support, motivation and supervision; involvement in service development
* Desirable: service review/change management; participation in recruitment/workforce planning; experience with performance/absence management; understanding of Capacity and Mental Health Act and Care Act 2014
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a Disclosure check will be required.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer details
Employer name: Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Great Western Hospitals, Marlborough Road, Swindon, SN3 6BB
Employer's website: https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/
#J-18808-Ljbffr