Job overview
*EXPANDING SERVICE OPPORTUNITY*
Royal Sussex County Hospital is launching an exciting new 7-day front door service. We are looking for a skilled Occupational Therapist to expand the current team. The service will run 8am-8pm covering patients in the A&E Department, Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) and Acute Admissions Unit (AAU). The team provides rapid and comprehensive assessment, working within an integrated therapy model creating a seamless service across Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, enabling an efficient journey for the patients.
The Integrated Discharge Team consists of Occupational therapists, Physiotherapists, Discharge Coordinator and Rehab Assistants. There is a strong multidisciplinary approach on the acute floor with collaborative working across wider professions.
We offer:
1. A supportive working environment with regular supervision and CPD opportunities.
2. Various opportunities for learning and development of both clinical and leadership skills to ensure continuing development of both individuals and the team.
3. Involvement in Service Development and clinical audits
4. Playing a vital role in the development and success of this new 7 day service
Please note, in addition we are looking for bank staff- please apply if interested in bank hours.
Main duties of the job
5. To work independently as an autonomous practitioner by providing specialist assessment and intervention to individuals presenting with a range of physical, cognitive, social or perceptual deficits which impact on functional ability and safety within their home environment, using an evidence based and person-centred approach.
6. To ensure a proactive approach to rehabilitation to maintain and improve function and to facilitate timely discharges always thinking ‘Home First’
7. To work closely with Physiotherapy colleagues, as well as the wider multi-disciplinary team. This will involve providing both formal and informal clinical support where necessary.
8. To work within a generic therapy role with the physiotherapists
9. To provide supervision and leadership for relevant junior and senior members of staff and students on practice placement.
10. To participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of Occupational Therapy Services within a designated specialist team.
11. To participate in a 7 day rota including shifts, weekend and bank holiday cover between the hours of 8am – 8pm.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and 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, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and 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 and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Attached you will find the person specification document 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. For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the "job description and main responsibilities" section below.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
12. Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy
13. Registration with the HCPC
Experience and Skills
Essential criteria
14. Clinical experience in areas relating to speciality/post or able to demonstrate acceptable equivalent
15. Knowledge of the OT role, relevant standardised OT assessments and interventions in conditions relating to various acute specialities.
16. Knowledge of the principles of clinical governance and its application
17. High level verbal and written communication skills
18. Ability to establish and maintain communication on complex, potentially stressful topics in a range of situations, with individuals or groups
19. Ability to develop effective working and therapeutic relationships, team working
20. Ability to analyse complex assessment outcomes, identify problems and offer solutions
21. Assessment for and prescription of environmental adaptations and equipment provision; including skills in home visit assessment and function/ task analysis
22. Organisational skills to enable prioritisation of caseloads
Desirable criteria
23. Experience of audit/research
24. Experience of teaching in a clinical setting
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
25. Supervision and mentoring skills
26. Experience of Multidisciplinary working and partnership working with other agencies
Desirable criteria
27. Experience of Student and staff supervision
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria
28. Ability to work under pressure and stay calm in a crisis
29. Ability to prioritise clinical and non-clinical work
30. Responsible for own professional actions and have sufficient autonomy for the delivery of the role
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
31. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
32. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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