Overview
This Band 7 role is the joint team lead therapy position for our integrated medicine team alongside a Band 7 physiotherapist. You will be responsible for therapies intervention across 6 wards and for managing 11 staff members. You will provide high quality expert Occupational Therapy to a specialist medical and neurology caseload on acute medical wards (including cardiology and respiratory) and oversee patients within the hospital with a neurological diagnosis. You will require advanced clinical reasoning, critical thinking, reflection and analytical ability to support assessments. You will be supported with induction, probation and yearly appraisals and will contribute to your own continuing professional development and the evidence base of occupational therapy. You will educate occupational therapy students on practice placements and support the management of the occupational therapy service as required by the deputy therapy manager and therapy manager. This is a full-time position, including weekend work when rostered.
Main duties of the job
To provide individual and client-centred assessments to medicine and neurology, managing the most complex cases addressing occupational performance skills, patterns, contexts and activity demands in collaboration with patients and carers. To undertake specialist multi-needs assessments using complex and advanced clinical reasoning, demonstrating critical thinking, reflection and analysis to develop individual and group goal- and task-oriented treatment plans. To act as a source of clinical expertise and advice, providing clinical leadership within the medical team and acting as a resource for other teams in relation to neurology. To develop collaborative treatment plans with patients, carers and colleagues in the hospital and, if necessary, in the patient’s home environment, applying ethical clinical reasoning and problem-solving techniques to determine agreed outcomes across health and social care. To maintain high professional standards and promote quality improvements appropriate to the needs of the occupational therapy service and profession. To manage clinical and managerial caseloads ensuring clinical governance, quality assurance and occupational therapy professional standards are met.
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) cares for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave, a national programme changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. We work with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. We are a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Details
Date posted: 13 March 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 000586
Job locations: The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX
Job responsibilities
Clinical
* To provide individual and client-centred assessments to medicine and neurology, managing the most complex cases addressing occupational performance skills, patterns, contexts and activity demands in collaboration with patients and carers.
* To undertake specialist multi-needs assessments using complex and advanced clinical reasoning, demonstrating critical thinking, reflection and analysis to develop individual and group goal- and task-oriented treatment plans.
* To carry out specialist complex physical and functional assessments and treatments using dexterity, coordination, manual and sensory skills to facilitate and promote functional independence.
* Prepare and disseminate reports and data including highly sensitive information regarding clinical examinations and prognostic indicators for functional performance to vulnerable patient groups.
* To act as a source of clinical expertise and advice, providing clinical leadership within the medical team and serving as a resource for other teams in relation to neurology.
* To develop collaborative treatment plans with patients, carers and colleagues in the hospital and, if necessary, in the patient’s home environment, demonstrating ethical clinical reasoning and problem solving techniques to determine agreed outcomes across health and social care.
* To maintain high professional standards, promoting and developing quality improvements relevant to the occupational therapy service and profession.
* To be responsible for clinical and managerial caseload management, ensuring clinical governance, quality assurance and occupational therapy professional standards are met.
* To undertake complex risk assessments and advise others on appropriate management related to moving and handling, safe use of equipment, pre-discharge assessments and home assessments, ensuring safety during occupational therapy interventions both in hospital and at the patient’s home.
* To understand and apply National Guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care in occupational therapy practice.
* To lead in developing and implementing clinical training programmes and in-service training for occupational therapy staff and other professionals.
* Be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your work, supporting more junior staff to do likewise, and working within the scope of practice and professional guidelines as determined by the Royal College of Occupational Therapy and other relevant sources.
Managerial
* Operationally lead and manage designated occupational therapy staff within the medical team, providing guidance, supervision and performance management including the education and management of students on practice placements.
* Comply with relevant legislation such as Health and Safety, Medical Devices and Data Protection Act regarding hoists, related accessories and manual handling equipment.
* Contribute to the Trust’s clinical governance and quality assurance programmes, setting and monitoring practice standards within the occupational therapy service in liaison with interdisciplinary colleagues.
* Inform the occupational therapy service of changes in clinical practice that may influence service delivery, business planning and strategic reviews to support the annual plan and objectives.
* Ensure accurate and up-to-date records of professional judgments and decisions, with related statistical information reported according to occupational therapy policies.
* Participate in recruitment, selection and induction of junior occupational therapy staff as required.
* Participate in policy and service development within occupational therapy, medicine and neurology, leading delegated projects.
Communication
* Articulate and uphold the value base and principles underpinning occupational therapy practice and interdisciplinary work.
* Use effective interpersonal skills to communicate complex and sometimes unwelcome prognostic information where agreement is required and barriers to understanding exist, such as with vulnerable patients.
* Utilise formal and informal reporting mechanisms including electronic reporting to ensure effective communication across health and social care.
* Encourage active participation of patients and carers in the occupational therapy process.
* Use verbal and non-verbal communication to receive and disseminate complex clinical information in all therapeutic, educational, and professional contexts, acknowledging sensitivity and context.
* Maintain confidentiality in line with Trust and Service policies.
* Advocate for patients and carers with a client-centred approach to support meaningful participation in life roles.
* Maintain and develop professional communication links across health and social care, including representation at multidisciplinary forums and networks.
* Utilise advanced communication skills as a primary educator of other professionals, including doctors, nurses, AHPs and students, on the role and scope of occupational therapy.
Professional Development
* Maintain professional status and competence at a senior level, keeping knowledge and skills up to date through continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
* Actively participate in internal and external post-registration education programmes.
* Use supervision, monitoring and performance development plans to promote clinical and personal effectiveness of self and others.
* Share expert clinical knowledge and skills with colleagues and peers locally and nationally.
Research, Audit and Quality
* Engage in evidence-based practice by undertaking and contributing to audit projects and research opportunities relevant to occupational therapy within the critical care and neurology service.
* Participate in therapies research and activities to develop research knowledge and skills.
* Lead and develop designated occupational therapy service audits, reporting findings and actions at local and directorate levels.
Physical Demands
* Engage in physical assessments of patients frequently.
* Use manual handling techniques and equipment, and mobility aids regularly.
* Fit, adjust and safely use a range of equipment and tools for therapeutic activities.
* Work across different wards and clinical areas on a day-to-day basis.
Most Challenging Parts
* Work with patients and carers in distressed circumstances and life-changing conditions.
* Ensure timely, cohesive, and appropriate care planning by the whole MDT.
* Support staff dealing with this client group.
* Work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
* Coordinate with multiple internal and external professionals and agencies regularly.
Systems and Equipment
* IT skills to use computer systems necessary for duties, including equipment ordering systems.
* Use of electronic Patient records and equipment for patients.
* Appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
This job description may be subject to change according to the needs of the service. Changes will be discussed with the post holder and manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.
Personnel Specifications
Qualifications
* Professional qualification in Occupational Therapy
* Current HCPC registration
Experience
* Experience working as a senior Band 6 or preferably Band 7 level in a medical and neurology setting
* An understanding of national health and social care, regional and local (ICB and the Trust) initiatives
* A foundation in specialist knowledge and application of OT assessments and interventions relevant to the post
* Experience of supervising staff and students
* Participation in audit and service improvement projects
Desirable
* Change Management
Disclosure
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service may be required.
Employer details
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX
Website: https://www.pah.nhs.uk
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