Job Summary
We are looking to appoint two Band 5 Occupational Therapists into our inpatient Medical and Surgical OT team at Sunderland Royal Hospital on a fixed‑term basis (until 31.03.26) to cover winter pressures. The team is based in a large, busy and friendly department where there are opportunities to develop your clinical skills and knowledge with a varied patient group, with a wide range of conditions, who require your input to help maximise independence and safety in preparation for discharge from hospital.
Main duties of the job
You will need to have a variety of placement experience which must include an acute physical hospital setting or have relevant post‑graduate experience as an OT. You will need to be able to work effectively as part of a team and also as part of the wider multi‑disciplinary team and be able to prioritise and manage your time effectively. Within the team you will hold your own caseload of patients and will be supported by a senior OT to work with both straightforward and more complex cases in order to develop your skills and knowledge. We have a pro‑active and supportive Band 5 group who plan their own agenda and seek out group CPD activities and we take a department‑wide approach to sharing skills and knowledge between clinical teams. We also have very good links with our community partners and take a city‑wide approach to providing learning opportunities to increase the knowledge and awareness of all staff to work better together for the people of Sunderland, South Tyneside and surrounding areas. The post is 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, and will include bank holiday working as part of a rota. Due to the need to visit patients’ homes as part of your assessment process, you must be able to drive the department vehicles or have the ability to meet the travel requirements of the role.
PLEASE REFER TO ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.
About us
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 peoples 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.
We employ around 8,746 people and provide 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.
Details
Date posted: 24 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£31,049 to £37,796 a year
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
3 months
Working pattern
Full‑time, Flexible working
Reference number
C9155-CSAHP-1125-14
Job locations
Trust Headquarters
Sunderland Royal Hospital
Sunderland
SR4 7TP
Job description Job responsibilities
To 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.
PLEASE REFER TO ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.
Person Specification
Physical Skills Essential
* 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 e.g. toilet or bathing equipment used for assessments.
* Ability to drive department vehicles for the purpose of carrying‑out community visits or ability to meet the travel requirements of the role.
Experience Essential
* Experience as a student Occupational Therapist in a physical acute hospital setting.
* Acute physical OT hospital discharge assessment and planning.
Skills & Knowledge Essential
* Developed verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
* Proven written communication skills including report writing and maintaining patient records.
* Able to demonstrate analytical & judgemental 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.
Qualifications Essential
* Recognised Degree in Occupational Therapy (completed or pending completion for new graduates).
* HCPC registration (application pending for new graduates on confirmation of passing Degree).
Desirable
* Knowledge of community and local authority services relevant to Sunderland, South Tyneside and surrounding areas.
* Intermediate IT skills.
* Knowledge of standard wheelchairs and the indications for safe use.
* Membership of Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require 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
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Trust Headquarters
Sunderland Royal Hospital
Sunderland
SR4 7TP
Employer's website
https://www.stsft.nhs.uk
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