Complex Discharge Senior Therapist
Department: University Hospitals of Northamptonshire – Northampton General Hospital
Location: Northampton, England, United Kingdom
Employment type: Contract
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior Level
Job function: Health Care Provider
Overview
Senior Physiotherapist/Occupational Therapist role within a roaming therapy team supporting the Discharge Hub. The post is a 5‑month fixed term, with internal secondments considered. The role focuses on complex discharge planning, acute ward coverage, escalation care and senior decision‑making on medically fit beds.
Responsibilities
* Provide expertise and assessment to the Discharge Hub, escalation areas and medically fit wards.
* Represent the therapy service at discharge hub meetings, delivering expert advice to inform hub decisions.
* Support ward therapists on complex cases delaying discharge, identified through the discharge hub or isolated cases.
* Cover escalation areas, ensuring priorities align with base ward needs.
* Act as senior therapy decision maker on medically fit wards to drive positive risk conversations and improve flow.
* Perform advanced assessments of patients with complex conditions and comorbidities, developing tailored treatment programmes.
* Provide joint therapies assessments and treatment plans in collaboration with ward‑based therapists.
* Manage a caseload independently, working without direct supervision, contributing to patient flow.
* Mentor junior staff (Band 5/6 therapists, support workers, students) through supervision, appraisal and training.
* Lead or contribute to service development, audits, research projects and quality improvement initiatives.
* Maintain accurate clinical records, reports and data in compliance with legal and organisational requirements.
* Support continuous professional development for the therapy team, including teaching of students and new staff.
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring effective communication and discharge planning.
* Adopt and advocate best practice guidelines (NICE, RCOT/CSP, HCPC) within the service.
* Perform non‑clinical duties such as staff allocation, team meetings and financial management of therapy resources.
* Ensure safe use and maintenance of equipment, and comply with health & safety, consent and clinical governance procedures.
Qualifications & Experience
* Registered Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist with HCPC registration.
* Mid‑Senior level experience in acute/critical care or complex discharge settings.
* Demonstrated experience leading discharge planning and complex patient assessment.
* Strong knowledge of escalation and medically fit ward pathways.
* Excellent communication, leadership and mentoring skills.
* Ability to work autonomously, manage a busy caseload and meet tight deadlines.
* Proficiency in audit, research and evidence‑based service improvement.
* Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, supporting underrepresented groups.
Benefits & Working Conditions
* 7‑day working pattern – including bank holidays and provision for overnight/ weekend rota.
* Supportive and collaborative team culture within the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
* Opportunities for career progression through secondments and specialty development.
* Continuing professional development funded and supported by the Trust.
* Access to clinical and educational resources, including teaching placements.
* Work in a modernised facility that values efficiency, sustainability and innovation.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement
We encourage applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds, and are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive workplace for all staff and patients.
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