Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant - Neurosurgery
Closing date: 09 April 2026
We are excited to announce that we have one post available for an Occupational Therapy Assistant to support the Occupational Therapy team in the Neurosurgery service at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. It is a permanent post, working 37.5 hours per week.
We are seeking highly motivated individuals to join our compassionate team. We expect you to have had relevant care experience and demonstrate an understanding of the Occupational Therapy role.
The successful applicant will support the qualified Occupational Therapy staff working with patients to deliver an efficient and professionally competent OT service to patients of the Trust. The post will include working across the Neurosurgery wards, with the expectation to complete occasional community visits as directed by the qualified OT.
You will work with and be supported by a dynamic and enthusiastic team of skilled multi‑professionals. The focus of the role is to support the qualified staff by observing patient transfers, function and cognition and reporting on their safety and ability to perform activities of daily living.
You will have access to regular clinical supervision and a range of training opportunities. You will be supported in completing annual appraisal.
For further information please see the personal specification and the job description. For any queries please contact Nicci O'Neill – clinical specialist OT nicci.o'neill@uhb.nhs.uk.
Main duties of the job
• Support the Occupational Therapy team working across the neurosurgery wards. • Work with a variety of patients who may have a clinical diagnosis such as traumatic brain injury, brain tumour, spinal injury. • Observe patients daily, within functional and cognitive tasks including personal care, transfers, drink and meal preparation. • Demonstrate an understanding of when it is not appropriate to pursue a given activity with a patient and give feedback to the OT following input, ensuring accurate and timely documentation is completed. • Perform manual handling tasks as required. • Manage equipment, including liaison with local equipment stores and fitting of equipment in patients' homes. • Carry out other departmental duties as directed by the Therapy team. • Undertake community visits when required; a departmental vehicle is available to support staff to complete these. Current driving licence is desirable. • Maintain accurate documentation in line with Trust and Therapy policies and procedures, and use computer‑based systems throughout your role.
About us
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued. We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do, and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people. We want to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds and support the diversity you bring to help you achieve your full potential. For staff with a disability, including physical disability, long‑term health condition, mental health or neurodiverse condition, we commit to making reasonable adjustments needed for you to carry out your role.
Job responsibilities
Please note: For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see the attached Job Description.
Qualifications
* Good level of written and spoken English and Maths (at least GCSE or equivalent)
* Evidence of personal development related to healthcare
Experience
* Relevant experience within the NHS healthcare setting, including direct contact with patients
* Ability to work independently with guidance
* Knowledge of the aims and principles of occupational therapy
* Understanding of the implications of illness and disability
* Working experience within the healthcare/NHS environment
* Experience of safe provision and use of patient equipment in this area
* Knowledge of health and safety matters relating to this specialist area
* Experience of working with people with neurological impairment/injury
Additional Criteria
* Evidence of commitment to CPD
* Enthusiasm for working with a wide range of people
* Ability to work weekends as part of a 7‑day working pattern when appropriate
* Commitment to patient‑centred care
* Reliable and trustworthy
* Willingness to work flexibly to meet changing demands of the service
* Ability to meet the physical demands of the job role
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 is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
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