We are looking for a dynamic and proactive Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join our innovative Primary Care Network (PCN) team. This unique role focuses on helping patients whose physical or mental health is affecting their ability to work. You will carry out holistic assessments, complete MED3 fit notes on behalf of GPs, and provide ongoing support to help patients overcome barriers to returning to work.
If you’re HCPC-registered, confident in vocational rehabilitation, and able to work independently within a supportive multidisciplinary team, we’d love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
The role will focus on supporting patients whose physical or mental health impacts their ability to work. The post-holder will work alongside the GP Duty Teams and review incoming patient fit-note requests. The post-holder will speak to patients about their situation and needs, sign Med 3 forms, co‑develop plans with the patient, and review these plans. The post-holder will liaise with our local WorkWell programme team colleagues, meet regularly with our Neighbourhood multi‑agency group, and provide holistic vocational advice and rehabilitation support to patients. The post-holder will be a qualified Occupational Therapist and would suit someone interested in vocational wellbeing, and looking to lead an innovation project within a General Practice setting.
The role includes:
* Reviewing, issuing, and updating Med 3 fit-notes within your scope of practice.
* Carrying out functional and vocational assessments.
* Providing follow‑up reviews and adapting support as needed.
* Liaising with employers (with patient consent) to recommend workplace adjustments.
* Acting as a specialist resource for PCN colleagues on work and health matters.
About us
This is an innovation post, funded for 12‑months by an innovation grant linked to the DWP WorkWell initiative. Our hypothesis is that having an OT at the front end of the fit-note process will reduce GP time and improve outcomes for the patient. The post-holder will be key in shaping, designing, and evaluating the project as we go along. Although not guaranteed, we expect there to be potential to continue funding if the role demonstrates value to our GP Practices. The post will support the seven GP Practices of Ely North and South PCNs, all situated within East Cambridgeshire. Ely PCNs is considered a mature and successful Primary Care Network, supporting 50 Additional Roles staff within the positive, well‑connected, and forward‑thinking Neighbourhood of East Cambridgeshire.
Job responsibilities
Job Summary
The role will focus on supporting patients whose physical or mental health impacts their ability to work. The post-holder will work alongside the GP Duty Teams and review incoming patient fit-note requests. The post-holder will speak to patients about their situation and needs, sign Med 3 forms, co‑develop plans with the patient, and review these plans. The post-holder will liaise with our local WorkWell programme team colleagues, meet regularly with our Neighbourhood multi‑agency group, and provide holistic vocational advice and rehabilitation support to patients. The post-holder will be a qualified Occupational Therapist and would suit someone interested in vocational wellbeing, and looking to lead an innovation project within a General Practice setting.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
* Complete and review Med3 fit-notes within scope of competence.
* Conduct both initial, and where required more comprehensive, assessments focusing on health, wellbeing, function, and work capacity. This might include home visits and/or workplace visits where required at the discretion of the post-holder.
* Co‑develop with the patient realistic and pragmatic plans to support a sustainable return to work.
* Provide follow‑up and review appointments to track progress and adapt recommendations and plans where required.
* Offer vocational advice to patients, including workplace adjustments, pacing strategies, and phased return‑to‑work plans.
* Liaise with our GPs, advanced clinical practitioners, physiotherapists, mental health practitioners, Social Prescribers and Health & Wellbeing Coaches to ensure joined‑up care.
* Remit to work with employers, occupational health teams, and community agencies to support sustainable work outcomes when required.
Design and evaluation
* The post-holder will be an integral part of the design and evaluation of the project as it progresses.
Communication and liaison
* Act as a specialist resource for work and health queries within the PCN.
* Provide guidance to clinical colleagues on assessing work capacity and understanding Med 3 fit note requirements.
* Communicate effectively with patients, carers, employers, and external agencies, maintaining confidentiality.
Documentation and Governance
* Maintain accurate clinical records in accordance with HCPC standards and NHS data governance policies.
* Ensure all MED3 fit note activity complies with statutory guidance and is recorded appropriately.
* Participate in audits and service evaluations to inform best practice and improve patient outcomes.
Professional Development
* Maintain HCPC registration and undertake learning relevant to the role.
* The post-holder will receive regular management support and clinical supervision.
* Contribute to training and education of colleagues on work and health topics.
Person Specification
Knowledge
* Understanding of the legal and policy framework for MED3 fit notes.
* Knowledge of workplace health legislation and Reasonable Adjustments.
* Knowledge of local employment support services.
* Familiarity with Access to Work processes.
Additional criteria
* Ability and willingness to work across multiple GP Practice sites.
* Ability and willingness to travel between community sites.
* Driver with access to own vehicle (to support home / workplace visits and access multiple GP Practice sites).
Experience
* At least 2 years post-registration OT experience.
* Some experience in vocational rehabilitation or functional capacity assessment.
* Experience working in Primary care or with a Primary Care Network.
* Experience using the SystmOne GP clinical system.
Skills
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Ability to manage own caseload and work autonomously.
* Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
* Service development / project evaluation / and audit skills.
* Presentation and teaching skills.
Qualifications
* Undergraduate degree or higher (or equivalent) in Occupational Therapy.
* HCPC registration.
* Valid UK driving licence.
* Post-graduate training in vocational rehabilitation.
* Additional qualification in Occupational Health.
Personal attributes
* An enthusiasm to work on an innovation project, appreciating some elements will not yet be tried and tested.
* Flexible and adaptable to service needs.
* Empathetic, patient‑centred approach.
* Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
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.
Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours
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