Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is offering a paediatric occupational therapist (OT) position (B6) in the Children’s Therapy department at Southampton Children’s Hospital. The role is part of the B6 paediatric rotations and involves providing quality care for children and young people aged 0‑16 years in a variety of settings, including high care, wards, clinics and outpatient environments.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver therapy and assessments across multiple specialty areas, including neurology, neuro‑rehabilitation, neuro‑oncology, neonatal, orthopaedics, mental health and neuromuscular services.
* Support early development and neuro‑protective care in the neonatal service, working alongside B7 neonatal OT and multidisciplinary teams.
* Provide independent case‑management in orthopaedic and other paediatric services, including equipment provision, ward rounds and liaison with community teams.
* Offer mental health support for children and young people admitted to acute paediatric wards and Bursledon House, including outpatient sessions.
* Lead on neuromuscular clinics under B7 supervision, liaise with inpatient teams, and participate in specialist EHCP, CIN and MDT meetings. Support ward patients as required.
* Maintain and manage a varied, complex caseload and provide supervision to B3‑B5 OT staff and students.
Rotations (Typical 9‑month cycle)
* Neurology / Neurosurgery / Neurorehabilitation / Neuro Oncology – neuro‑therapy, intensive rehabilitation, goal‑setting and discharge planning.
* Neonatal (Princess Anne Hospital) – family‑centred early development and neuro‑protective care.
* Paediatric Orthopaedics – trauma, elective and multi‑level surgery pathways.
* Mental Health – support for CYP across acute wards and Bursledon House.
* Neuromuscular – specialist clinics for DMD, SMA, CMT, and community advice.
Essential Skills
* Qualified OT with B5 or B6 experience in acute paediatric settings.
* Postgraduate background across several clinical areas, with a broad knowledge base.
* Experience with assessment, provision and fitting of specialist/complex equipment.
* Evidence of day‑to‑day supervision or named supervisory role with B2‑B4 OT staff or students.
* Strong communication, delegation and liaison skills across external agencies.
* Car driver with the ability to work between sites and flexible 7‑day rota, including weekends and bank holidays.
* Excellent interaction with children, families and multidisciplinary teams.
* Resilience, active coping strategies and ability to work under pressure.
* Proactive, enthusiastic, and committed to paediatric care.
* Flexibility to work dynamic, forward‑thinking therapy team environments.
Desirable Skills
* Postgraduate involvement in audit, research, clinical projects or service development.
* Evidence of teaching OTs and students.
* Understanding of complex equipment needs, particularly pressure care.
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience
* Degree in Occupational Therapy or equivalent.
* Current HCPC registration.
* Experience working with diverse physical, mental health conditions and multiple pathology.
* Experience in fitting a range of equipment.
* Experience working with support staff and within multidisciplinary teams.
* Evidence of continuing professional development.
* Evidence of independently managing a caseload of patients.
* Previous experience within relevant clinical areas.
Please Note
* Interviews will be held on 12th June 2026 – face‑to‑face only.
* Practicals will require smart, comfortable clothing.
* Position is not for newly qualified graduates – please enquire about B5 opportunities.
* CV applications are not accepted.
Contact
Informal enquiries or visits: Michelle Geary or Paediatric OT department, 02381204560.
Other therapy career opportunities: Annette.Purkis@uhs.nhs.uk.
Person Specification – Trust Values
* Patients First
* Always Improving
* Working Together
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