Senior Occupational Therapist – Older Person's/Medical Therapy Team
Job Summary
We have an exciting opportunity to join the Gateshead Occupational Therapy Department as part of the Older Person's Team. This role is suited to an existing or emerging Band 6 who has a passion for supporting older people to manage functional decline, maintain skills and proactively plan hospital discharges. The aim is to support patients to return home from hospital through timely assessment and intervention. We seek an enthusiastic and flexible therapist with sound clinical reasoning and risk‑management skills.
Excellent development opportunities include service improvement and access to CPD. You will work a shift pattern 08:00‑17:00 and support the weekend rota. A UK driving licence with access to a vehicle is required. You will be based at one of the Gateshead Health Locations or as directed by your line manager.
Main Duties of the Job
* Provide specialised occupational therapy assessment and treatment plans for patients with complex acute and/or chronic medical conditions.
* Independently manage a caseload, using evidence‑based and holistic principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.
* Work as a key member of the multi‑disciplinary team.
* Deliver care within a variety of clinical settings and the patient's own home.
* Support and supervise qualified and non‑qualified staff within the department.
* Contribute to service development and maintain a learning culture.
About Us
Based in the North East of England, we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital. Since 2005 we have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients. We employ around 4,800 staff and provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
* Registered Occupational Therapist with HCPC registration.
* Experience of multidisciplinary working to deliver holistic, patient‑centred care.
* Experience supervising students and support staff.
* Enthusiasm for and experience of working with frail older people or medically unwell individuals.
* Experience working within complex health systems (acute and community).
* Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
* Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
* Experience working within acute front‑of‑house services and inpatient wards.
* Understanding of NHS organisation.
Essential Skills
* Strong clinical reasoning and risk‑management.
* Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Details
* Date posted: 18 November 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
* Band: 6
* Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per annum
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full‑time
* Reference number: 297‑7566175
* Job location: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, NE9 6SX
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a DBS check.
Employment Sponsorship
Applications requiring UK Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered.
Employer Details
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Gateshead, NE9 6SX
Website: https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk
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