Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Senior Occupational Therapist to work as part of the Community Therapy Services, providing rehabilitation to the patients of Gateshead which includes working into immediate care facilities and patient homes.
The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support admission avoidance, hospital discharge and contribute to urgent community response (UCR) adopting home first principles.
Key attributes include effective communication, problem solving skills and resilience in challenging situations.
You will be supported within the clinical team which is part of the wider Occupational Therapy structure, with clinical supervision, peer support and access to CPD opportunities. There will also be opportunity for service improvement and development in the role.
The role requires a shift pattern across 7 days (including bank holidays and weekends) and a full UK driving licence with access to a car for work purposes.
Main duties of the job
* Act as an experienced autonomous practitioner, providing specialised occupational therapy assessment and treatment plans for patients with complex acute and/or chronic medical conditions which require intervention to prevent hospital admission/support discharge.
* Independently manage a caseload, using evidence‑based and holistic principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.
* Work as a key member of the MDT.
* Deliver care within a variety of clinical settings (virtual wards, wards, PIC) and within the patient's own home (community settings).
* Support and supervise qualified and non‑qualified staff within the department.
* Contribute to service development and the learning culture within the department.
About Us
Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.
Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.
We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.
Our values are represented by the acronym ICORE: Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.
We offer a range of staff networks and wellbeing initiatives as part of our “Balance” programme.
Details
* Date posted: 04 December 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change
* Band: 6
* Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per annum
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full‑time
* Reference number: 297-7619082
* Job location: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Gateshead, NE9 6SX
Job Responsibilities
* Work within a variety of clinical settings (virtual wards, wards) and within the patient's own home (community settings). This will involve loan working.
* Be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work including the management of patients in your care.
* Report to a Band 7 Occupational Therapy Team Lead.
* Work as part of the multidisciplinary team to deliver a holistic, patient‑centred approach to care, regularly liaising with MDT members including those from health, social services and voluntary agencies.
* Ensure that patients are identified for prompt discharge from the service and handover to community services as required.
* Provide leadership for junior staff, as agreed with senior staff.
* Support the Band 7 Team Lead in planning, coordinating, and delivering the service to patients and assist in the development, planning and progression of service provision.
* Deputise for the Band 7 Team Lead in their absence as required.
* Supervise other qualified and non‑qualified staff within the team.
* Supervise Occupational Therapy students on clinical placements.
* Participate in CPD and develop skills and knowledge through participation in in‑service training.
* Maintain records as an autonomous practitioner.
* Be an active participant in the weekend working rota.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
* Hold a qualification enabling registration with the Health Professions Council (HCPC) as an Occupational Therapist.
* HCPC Registration.
Essential Knowledge / Skills
* Evidence of knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of patients with medical, social and psychosocial factors, utilising a holistic approach.
* Maintain and develop current evidence‑based practice in relation to patient groups.
* Interpersonal communication skills including ability to demonstrate well‑developed negotiating and persuasive skills.
* Standard IT skills.
Desirable
* Membership or involvement in relevant special interest group/network.
* Evidence of contributing to CPD activities.
Experience
* Experience of working as part of an Occupational Therapy team and/or multidisciplinary team, showing an understanding of other professional roles.
* Experience of organising and prioritising a patient caseload in a busy acute hospital and community based settings.
* Experience of working under indirect supervision and as an autonomous practitioner.
* Experience of comprehending and working within policies of data protection and health and safety.
* Experience of supporting the development of others.
Special Requirement
* Driving Licence; Car owner and available for use at work.
* Understanding of NHS organisation and National Clinical priorities.
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.
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Gateshead, NE9 6SX
Website: https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk
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