Job overview
**Please note this post is open to internal applicants only**
An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit a into a fixed term Band 4 Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner at St. Richard's Hospital Chichester. This post offers the opportunity for an applicant with established Band 3 Occupational Therapy competencies in the specialist areas of Orthopaedics to develop their skills at B4 level.
This successful applicant will undertake a designated project focusing on development of the pre-assessment pathway at SRH, in addition to the assessment and discharge of routine non-complex patients, following a specified protocol within own level of practice.
Under the general supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist, the successful applicant will apply technical and creative skills in the provision of a flexible, patient centered programme of Occupational Therapy assessments and treatments and provide skilled and insightful assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of specific designated clinical caseload, according to treatment protocols to maximise their function and independence.
Main duties of the job
To manage a designated patient caseload and treat according to treatment protocols; being able to make alterations when required by assessment of patient progression.
To work in varied and unsupervised settings, with personal or telephone access to qualified Occupational Therapist.
To undertake home visits and access visits, with or without a therapist (accompanied/unaccompanied), as required.
To provide non-clinical services to the speciality team e.g. administrative duties, maintaining a safe environment and maintaining equipment.
To undertake delegated projects.
To provide educational support to patients / carers in unsupervised settings.
To promote understanding of the aims of therapy.
To interpret the elements of the patient performance in order to form appropriate intervention plans guided by a qualified Occupational Therapist where appropriate.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please read the attached Job description and ensure you detail your experience alongside the person specification.
Person specification
Skills and Experience
Essential criteria
1. At least 3 months experience working in OT in Acute Hospital Setting
2. Experience of communicating with patients, relatives and the MDT.
3. Ability to work autonomously with seeking support when required. Demonstrated ability to have an empathetic approach to those in their care.
4. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Desirable criteria
5. Full UK driving licence
6. Able to interpret clinical observations in light of OT treatment
7. Ability to construct basic spreadsheets and presentations
Experience/ Qualification
Essential criteria
8. Completion of Occupational Therapy B3 competencies, Health care related qualification at NVQ level 3 or equivalent qualification or level of experience (AF)
9. Good skills in numeracy, literacy and written communication
Desirable criteria
10. 5 GCSE’s Grade A-D (9-3) including English and Maths or Level 1 Functional Skills or equivalent. (AF) Evidence of own development of knowledge and skills e.g. Portfolio / CPD (continuing professional development) (I)
11. Basic understanding of anatomy and Physiology.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
12. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
13. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications