Job Summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic, well‑motivated and skilled Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join our Acute Medical Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Integrated Team working across all ward areas and departments within the Medicine division. The role requires an enthusiastic approach, forward‑thinking, a passion for promoting patient recovery, and a problem‑solving mindset. The candidate must be comfortable in a fast‑paced, pressured environment, possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and be able to support other team members. You will have a broad clinical expertise across multiple settings and be responsible for providing occupational therapy assessment, intervention, and discharge planning/stepping down for patients with a range of clinical diagnoses. You will work independently and collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, developing patient‑centred services, identifying holistic short‑ and long‑term goals, and rehabilitation plans. There will be opportunities to develop acute skills and embed occupational therapy within this setting, as well as participate in service improvement, new working models, clinical audit, and professional development. A Band 5–6 development post would also be considered.
Main Duties of the Job
Occupational Therapists carry out independent, holistic professional assessments of a person's needs, with regard to independent living and functioning/occupational performance. The post holder will provide specialist Occupational Therapy services at a designated area, managing a defined caseload of patients who require specialist skills. Patients will have chronic, complex, disabling, life‑limiting or challenging conditions. The practitioner will implement the Occupational Therapy process with complex patients, advise multi‑agency staff, supervise junior staff, and support the lead OT in service planning and evaluation. The post holder will demonstrate advanced knowledge, skill, and experience.
Job Responsibilities
* Undertake comprehensive, specialist Occupational Therapy assessments for patients within your caseload, using standardised and non‑standardised tools.
* Interpret and analyse clinical and non‑clinical factors to identify occupational performance deficits, and provide specialist advice and interventions.
* Formulate goals in partnership with the patient, justifying recommendations and utilising appropriate interventions.
* Implement evidence‑based interventions at a specialist level, evaluating and modifying treatment programmes as needed.
* Manage a varied and complex caseload efficiently, delegating and allocating work to junior staff.
* Advise, support, and educate patients, carers, and other professionals in self‑management of patient conditions.
* Initiate and organise multidisciplinary and multi‑agency case reviews, possibly acting as key worker.
* Develop and maintain specialist clinical skills, underpinned by theory, research, and practical experience.
* Assess for and recommend adaptations, environmental modifications, and assistive technology; manage procurement processes.
* Conduct risk assessments, manage and document risk, and complete incident reports in line with Trust guidelines.
* Develop and adopt rehabilitation programmes in alignment with patient goals, acting autonomously where necessary.
* Engage in research activities, including literature searching, audits, and outcome measurement.
* Collaborate with other agencies, applying knowledge of Health and Social Services systems to facilitate treatment and equipment decisions.
* Maintain up‑to‑date records and activity data, ensuring compliance with professional standards.
* Delegate, supervise, and develop junior staff, contributing to department operations and deputising for senior staff when required.
* Follow and promote organisational policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Communication
* Communicate effectively with medical, nursing, therapy, education, and social services staff to ensure coordinated care.
* Deliver complex or sensitive information in an empathetic, reassuring manner, respecting patient language preferences.
* Use techniques to overcome communication barriers and adapt communication style as needed.
* Handle challenging situations, including verbal aggression or distress, with professionalism.
* Educate and advise patients, carers, and other professionals about the occupational therapy process.
* Produce comprehensive therapy reports, clearly outlining clinical reasoning and recommendations.
* Maintain electronic and written records in accordance with guidance.
* Ensure resources are available to meet diverse communication needs, e.g., for ethnic minorities and hearing‑impaired individuals.
* Lead and participate in team meetings, contributing to service improvement and advocacy for patients.
Training and Development
* Continuously develop and demonstrate specialty skills, keeping current with evidence‑based practice.
* Complete mandatory training and maintain own CPD portfolio.
* Participate in annual development reviews and supervision, undertaking post‑registration training as required.
* Support and supervise qualified and support staff and students, fostering learning and potential accreditation.
* Engage in research activities such as journal clubs, audits, and evidence‑based projects.
* Provide training to colleagues, the multidisciplinary team, and other agencies.
* Stay updated on relevant legislation and current issues in health, housing, social services, and education.
Organisational Responsibilities
* Promote and implement organisational policies, procedures, standards and guidance.
* Make recommendations for equipment and propose prescriptions when appropriate.
* Induct new staff and contribute to service development, governance, and recruitment activities.
* Handle complaints sensitively, following procedures and directing them to the appropriate person.
Person Specification
* Essential qualifications: Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy.
* Desirable qualifications: Experience in supervising students.
* Essential experience and skills: Postgraduate therapy experience in a relevant setting; ability to use a variety of assessments and interventions; supervision skills; advanced communication skills; workload management skills; research skills.
* Other essential: HCPC registered; commitment to lifelong learning; car driver with access to a car for community visits; ability to work weekends on a rota.
Additional Information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit UK Visas and Immigration website.
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer Details
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
RBH, Haslingden Road, Blackburn, BB2 3HH
Website: http://jobs.elht.nhs.uk/
Job Details
* Reference number: 435-D259-25
* Job location: RBH, Haslingden Road, Blackburn, BB2 3HH
* Band: Band 5
* Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 a year
* Contract: Fixed term, 12 months, Full‑time
* Posted: 05 November 2025
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