An opportunity has arisen for an occupational therapist within our acute stroke service who is able to demonstrate specialist skills within stroke care. Our stroke services point of access is via a neurology assessment unit which supports rapid patient assessment and diagnosis and is co-located with a 16 bedded hyperacute service and 28 bedded acute ward. Sheffield has an integrated stroke pathway including an off site rehabilitation centre and community stroke services. This post will be based in the Acute service of the Stroke pathway. The successful post holder will work closely with the clinical specialist occupational therapist and team members, evaluating and optimising the delivery of therapy in the acute setting. The post holder will demonstrate clinical reasoning and knowledge of the hyper acute and acute stages of stroke care and rehabilitation through the pathway, inclusive of a strong awareness of patient flow, a home first principle to discharge assessment. Main duties of the job • The successful candidate will receive support, supervision and opportunities for continuing professional development within an environment that facilitates collaborative team working. • Candidates should possess a BSc/Diploma in Occupational Therapy and current HPC registration. You must be able to demonstrate:- • Experience as a qualified Occupational Therapist. • Experience at Specialist level in relevant specialty sufficient to manage a complex caseload in the field of stroke. • Experience and skills in teaching and development of staff and students. • Excellent interpersonal, communication and team working skills. • Candidates will be expected to contribute to the delivery of services across weekends and will work weekend shifts as part of their regular shift patterns. Working for our organisation You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives. This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term contract basis for a period of a maximum of twelve months due to maternity leave of the substantive post holder. The fixed term contract status of the post holder will be reviewed in accordance with the Trusts legal obligations regarding fixed term contracts and statutory maternity provisions. When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria. Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria • BSc in Occupational Therapy or equivalent qualification • Current HCPC registration • Specialist post-registration training programmes Experience Essential criteria • Post-registration NHS experience as an Occupational Therapist • Post-registration experience of sufficient to acquire core competencies in Occupational Therapy practice for medical, surgical and neurological conditions and the knowledge and skill to manage a complex specialist caseload in the chosen field Desirable criteria • Clinical Governance or Health & Safety, link worker • Member of special Interest Group • Fieldwork educators Course • Clinical Effectiveness course/Project Further Training Essential criteria • Evidence of continuous personal & professional development • Good post-registration theoretical and practical knowledge of therapy practice in chosen field Desirable criteria • Evidence-Based Practice • Clinical Governance Special Skills/apptitudes Essential criteria • Competency in occupational therapy clinical reasoning, processes & practices • Excellent interpersonal, communication and team working skills • Able to maintain confidentiality • Able to act on own initiative, organise and prioritise work and manage multiple tasks • Able to maintain accurate written records & statistics • Calm approach to changing work situations • Able to teach and motivate others Desirable criteria • Understanding of therapy in an acute hospital • IT literate • Understanding of stress and ability to help others cope under pressure