Job Summary
We are excited to offer an opportunity for a passionate, self‑motivated, and experienced Occupational Therapist to join our dynamic and integrated therapy service within the Intensive Care Team at University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL). The post will be primarily based at Leicester Royal Infirmary, with expectations to work cross‑site at Glenfield Hospital in line with service needs and professional development.
The Intensive Care Unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary is a 25‑beded Level 3 unit, providing care for a diverse and complex patient population across a wide range of specialist services, including Emergency Medicine, Acute Medicine, Neurology, Stroke, Spinal Services, Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Surgery, Haematology, and Oncology.
The successful candidate will join a newly established Occupational Therapy service and work closely within a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, including Physiotherapists, generic Therapy Support Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Dieticians, and Psychologists. The role offers excellent opportunities for professional development through structured supervision, peer support, and access to a strong education and training programme.
There is a strong focus on service development within the ICU therapy team, and the successful applicant will be encouraged to contribute to the ongoing development, evaluation, and expansion of the Occupational Therapy service within critical care.
Main Duties of the Job
As a Band 7 Senior Occupational Therapist within Critical Care, you will provide highly specialist Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention to critically ill patients across the intensive care unit, step‑down wards, and intensive care follow‑up clinics. You will support patients to regain functional independence in activities of daily living, such as personal care and feeding, while addressing the complex emotional, cognitive and psychological needs associated with critical illness.
The role includes providing clinical leadership and supervision to junior Occupational Therapists and Generic Therapy Assistants, supporting competency development, caseload management, and high‑quality, evidence‑based practice.
* Overall accountability for managing a highly complex and specialist clinical caseload.
* Monitor and review progress of patients against agreed goals and outcomes, ensuring smooth transition of care to wards and community teams.
* Provide expert advice to all members of the multidisciplinary team in various forums.
* Translate complex scientific, medical and therapy information into simple and easily understood practical information for patients, carers, and families.
* Demonstrate understanding of and assist in implementing clinical governance and risk management strategies appropriate to the work situation.
* Lead service development, improvement and evaluation within the ICU, contributing to pathway development across critical care, transition services and follow‑up clinics.
Person Specification
Essential
* Diploma/BSc Occupational Therapy.
* HCPC Registration.
* Clinical educator or practice course completed.
* Evidence of recent CPD specific to the speciality clinical area.
* Current advanced clinical knowledge and skill in a relevant specialty acquired through a minimum of 4 years experience.
* Significant postgraduate clinical experience within a relevant specialist area equivalent to a Master’s degree.
* Previous employment as a senior therapist in a relevant specialist area.
* Experience in teaching within Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and the wider MDT.
* Experience managing and leading a team.
* Evidence of using a wide range of approaches to patient management as demonstrated by clinical reasoning.
* Specialist skills and knowledge in the relevant clinical area.
* Experience in managing cognitive and motor impairment as well as delirium.
* Evidence of challenging current practice and implementing changes.
* Experience delivering professional presentations and formal teaching.
* Demonstrated effective written, verbal and non‑verbal communication.
* Knowledge of effective team working and evidence of multi‑professional collaboration.
* Professional attitude, leadership skills, positive approach, motivation of self and others.
* Evidence of flexibility/initiative and risk management.
* Ability to evaluate, analyse and resolve issues and problems; adapt to and manage change.
* Experiences of performance management (optional desirable).
* Demonstrated flexibility, innovative approach and effective prioritisation in pressure situations.
* Commitment to the Trust’s Values and Behaviours.
* IT skills and understanding of NHS and health and social care issues.
* Physical ability to meet trust health requirements.
* Commitment to equality and diversity – dignity and respect for all individuals.
Desirable
* Evidence of undertaking relevant validated or accredited postgraduate or masters level courses or experience at this level.
* Additional qualification such as MSc or accredited courses in critical care, acute medicine or neurology.
* Experience of involvement in research projects.
* Experience of audit, clinical evaluation and outcome measures.
* Membership of a Special Interest Group.
* Evidence of performance management experience.
* Evidence of willingness to take on new responsibilities and projects.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) is required.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current skilled‑worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer Details
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Leicester Royal Infirmary
Leicester
LE1 5WW
Website: https://www.jobsatleicestershospitals.nhs.uk/
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