Occupational Therapist
The closing date is 14 April 2026
We are looking to recruit a Band 5 Occupational Therapist into our well‑established Stroke and Neuro Rehab team at Sunderland Royal Hospital. The role involves assessment and rehabilitation of stroke and neurological patients, planning safe and timely discharges into the community, and providing rehabilitation for an identified group of patients as part of a wider multidisciplinary team. The Occupational Therapy Department is large and friendly, and has purpose‑built ADL assessment facilities. Acutely, the therapy teams work closely with community partners and the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Team, supporting the discharge planning process. This is a challenging and demanding role but highly rewarding, with a wide scope for ongoing personal and professional development. Support and supervision will be provided by the senior team, and a Band 5 support group is available for peer support. Pre‑application/interview queries and visits are welcome.
Main duties of the job
The Occupational Therapy inpatient teams based at Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside Hospitals fall within the Directorate of Therapy Services. As a Band 5 in the Stroke and Neuro Rehab team, you will complete assessments and interventions to plan and deliver safe and effective discharges from hospital, providing rehabilitation to a selected group of patients as part of the multi‑disciplinary team. You will require excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a high standard of written communication to maintain accurate and concise patient notes. As part of the discharge planning process, you must be able to visit patients’ homes; therefore, you must be able to drive department vehicles. This post is full time; Monday to Friday with a rota system for weekend cover.
About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust – There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award‑winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture/working environment.
We welcome all applications irrespective of people’s race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under‑represented groups. Looking after our workforce health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits – Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co‑ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements. If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.
Job responsibilities
* Work as a therapy practitioner using clinical reasoning skills to provide therapy assessment, treatment and advice to a caseload which will incorporate a range of presentation of conditions.
* Complete effective, concise documentation of patients’ records in line with Trust, professional & department standards.
* Work toward the achievement of specific response time targets.
* Ensure accurate data entry takes place in line with departmental standards.
* Work toward improving quality services including implementing evidence‑based practice.
* Participate in the service and patient pathways in line with clinical standards and best practice.
* Maintain professional development through participation in relevant profession CPD activities and self‑learning.
* Comply with the Trust’s vision, values and behavioural compact.
Skills and Knowledge
* Developed verbal communication and interpersonal skills
* Proven written communication skills including report writing and maintaining patient records
* Able to demonstrate analytical & judgmental skills
* Skills to prioritise workload and make judgements on priorities when there are several competing demands.
* Able to present information, written and orally in a clear and logical manner
* Basic IT skills
* Presentational skills
* Knowledge and understanding of South Tyneside and Sunderland Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction & achievements
* Basic knowledge of adaptive aids and equipment used to facilitate functional independence
* Knowledge of current legislation and guidelines which underpin practice
* Knowledge of community and local authority services relevant to Sunderland, South Tyneside and surrounding areas
* Knowledge of standard wheelchairs and the indications for safe use
Qualifications
* Recognised degree in Occupational Therapy (completed or pending completion for new graduates)
* HCPC registration (application pending for new graduates on confirmation of passing degree)
* Membership of Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)
Experience
* Experience as a student Occupational Therapist in a physical acute hospital setting
* Acute physical OT hospital discharge assessment and planning
* Experience of working, either paid or voluntary, within a care or therapy setting
Physical Skills
* Ability to engage in physical activity throughout the day and undertake moving and handling assessments with and without the use of equipment
* Ability to sit at a workstation as necessary to complete administrative aspects of the post
* Ability to work in restricted spaces where there is a requirement to bend, or kneel down
* Ability to lift and carry equipment i.e., toilet or bathing equipment used for assessments
* Ability to drive department vehicles for the purpose of carrying out community visits
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
£31,049 to £37,796 a year (2026/27 Pay award pending)
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