Advanced Occupational Therapist

at  University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us .
Please see below for a detailed job description for the role
Are you looking to join an established team of highly specialised AHPs? Are you passionate about developing your skills in the areas of acute rehabilitation and complex case management? We have an exciting opportunity for a 7-month fixed term Band 7 Occupational Therapist who will work within our diverse, enthusiastic, and motivated Medicine Therapy Team at UHS.
You will work as part of a combined therapy services team delivering patient care across a 7-day service, including weekends and bank holidays, on a roster basis.
Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.
For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to.
All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.
Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.
Specific to this role we are open to discussing flexibility in the hours that you work. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what’s possible for the role and service.
About the Team
Our integrated therapy team cover a diverse range of wards including a Respiratory High Dependency Unit (RHDU); Hepatology; Renal; Respiratory; Gastroenterology; Infectious Diseases and General Medicine wards. We routinely cover complex patient presentations including neurological, cognitive, bariatric, moving and handling, complex social situations, and tissue viability. Our therapy team is a valued part of an expansive MDT, priding itself in delivering patient centred care. The entire MDT strives to be at the forefront of innovation and development.
This post is part of the wider Therapy services department. You will have many opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge through our in-service training. You will be part of a large department of over 290wte Therapy staff including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Therapy support staff.
This is an excellent opportunity for a B7 OT wishing to update their acute skills, or a for an experienced B6 who is looking to progress into a leadership role for the first time and learn new leadership skills.
The successful candidate will need a broad range of relevant clinical experience and be able to demonstrate a real passion for the diversity that a medicine patient caseload can provide. The ability to treat patients with care, compassion and dignity is imperative, as well as excellent prioritisation and time management skills. The ability to adapt to a fast paced, ever-changing environment is essential.

Your Responsibilities

• You will lead the assessment and treatment of complex patients with a variety of pathologies,

and therefore it is essential that you have a broad range of experience and skills to meet the demand of the caseload.

• Develop leadership and management skills to be able to supervise and support other members of the team.
• Engage in training and developmental opportunities for yourself and the delivery of training for others.
• Assist with leading the Medicine Therapy Team alongside the current band 7 group.
• Mentor students from local universities.
• Lead on service development projects.

Essential skills/experience

• Experience working in the acute hospital setting
• Experience in completing complex equipment assessments, including hoisting and managing

pressure care

• Experience within a variety of acute areas e.g. Orthopaedics, Medicine, Elderly Care, Neuro
• Experience working in a large multidisciplinary team and communicating effectively.
• Experience in managing and supporting staff, rotas and other team management skills.
• Evidence of leadership skills.
• Knowledge of NHS systems.
• Clear desire to work within UHS therapy services.
• Clear desire to work in acute services.

DESIRABLE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE INCLUDE:

• Involvement in service developments and facilitating change.
• Knowledge of cognitive assessments appropriate to the acute setting
• Evidence of providing teaching to wider MDT, therapy teams and students

PLEASE NOTE:

1. Please ensure you fulfil all the essential criteria and have read the Job description before
   applying
2. We appreciate people taking the time to write and submit applications, however using those
   written using AI or a computer system might not be considered.
3. We do not accept CV applications.
   If you would like some more information about the post, please contact Lana Astridge, Medicine Team Leader Lana.Astridge@uhs.nhs.uk
   If this post is not for you and you are interested in finding out about other UHS Therapy opportunities, please email Annette.Purkis@uhs.nhs.uk
   If you are an innovative and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist, we would love to hear from you

• You will lead the assessment and treatment of complex patients with a variety of pathologies