Go back County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Specialist Occupational Therapist/ Specialist Physiotherapist
The closing date is 02 July 2025
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest integrated organisations in the country, providing hospital and community services to a population of over 650,000. We are an ambitious and innovative organisation with a talented workforce of over 7,000 colleagues. Our Vision is to be Right First Time, Every Time, and our mission is to provide safe, compassionate, and joined-up care to the populations of County Durham and Darlington.
We are looking for a dynamic individual to join the Intermediate Care and Crisis Therapy Team at Chester le Street Community Hospital. The team works across the Durham, Chester-le-Street, and Derwentside area, providing therapy into rehabilitation beds within care homes and out into the community. The role involves providing urgent community response therapy interventions to prevent avoidable hospital admissions. The post involves working as part of a multidisciplinary team including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Therapy Assistant Practitioners, and Assistants.
Main duties of the job
As a member of the organisation, the post holder will:
1. Complete individual responsibilities and share team objectives.
2. Work as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team.
3. Complete holistic and specialist assessments and create specialist rehabilitation plans for patients in Intermediate Care beds.
4. Lead or contribute to service improvement, transformation, and innovation.
5. Work as part of the crisis therapy team to meet national guidelines for two-hour response therapy and urgent response care.
6. Work flexibly across the service and support other clinical service needs as required.
7. Demonstrate leadership by action and inspire others, acting as a role model and embodying the behaviours and values of CDDFT.
8. Communicate positively and effectively.
9. Actively give and receive constructive feedback.
10. Work with integrity, adaptability, and trustworthiness.
11. Show resilience, courage, and commitment to the vision and aims of CDDFT.
12. Contribute actively to improving the health and well-being of the population served.
About us
Applicants must accept an interview slot in the system to proceed, even if previously arranged with the manager. All essential certificates listed in the person specification must be produced to complete pre-employment checks. We operate from two acute sites—Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham—and provide community care across various settings including hospitals, clinics, and patients' homes. We welcome applications from disabled and BAME candidates to promote diversity. Full job descriptions are available in the supporting documents. Please check online for current visa requirements and eligibility.
From April 9th, 2025, healthcare assistants must have at least two years of NHS experience and current visa status for sponsorship consideration.
Job responsibilities
The successful applicant will:
1. Organise and prioritise workload and supervise clinical staff within a defined area.
2. Undertake comprehensive assessments of patients, including those with complex presentations.
3. Utilise clinical reasoning and manual assessment techniques for accurate management and rehabilitation planning.
4. Maintain clinical records and audit documentation for compliance.
5. Delegate treatment plans to unqualified staff.
6. Conduct environmental and home assessments, organise equipment for safe discharges.
7. Manage crisis interventions and provide holistic community assessments to reduce hospital admissions.
8. Supervise less experienced staff and ensure safe equipment use.
9. Participate in clinical governance, incident reporting, and quality improvement activities.
10. Engage in continuous professional development and reflective practice.
11. Participate in staff appraisals, training, and research activities.
12. Maintain HCPC registration and adhere to professional standards.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* BSc/MSc in Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy or equivalent.
* Evidence of CPD and recent post-graduate courses.
* Understanding of Trust’s culture and NHS standing.
* Involvement in interest groups.
Skills & Knowledge
* Up-to-date knowledge in physical disability assessment and treatment.
* Understanding of clinical governance, quality, and audit.
* Ability to work within policies on data protection, equality, and safety.
* Physical ability to perform job duties.
* Effective communication, independent work, and delegation skills.
* Participation in research and audit.
* Experience in supervision and clinical education.
Statutory Registration
* HCPC registered Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.
* Member of BAOT or CSP.
Additional Requirements
* Ability to travel and carry equipment.
* Commitment to flexible, multidisciplinary working.
Experience
* Qualified experience in physical rehabilitation and general rehab.
* Experience of multidisciplinary teamwork and working in varied settings.
* Experience in Intermediate Care and crisis management.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This role is subject to DBS checks as per the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Salary: £37,338 to £44,962 per annum (AFC Band 6)
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