Job summary
Are you an experienced Occupational Therapist ready to take the next step into a Team Lead role?
Do you want to join an 'Outstanding' Trust that values your clinical expertise and supports your leadership development?
We're seeking an OT Team Lead for our Wokingham Inpatients Unit - a community physical health unit of two wards. We are a key stepping stone for adult patients transitioning back into the community following surgery or acute medical care.
This is a unique opportunity for an OT with extensive experience in physical health needs to team lead in a hospital-based environment. In this hands-on role, you'll have your own caseload, however your focus will be supervising & guiding a team of OTs. You'll enjoy being a part of the professional development of junior colleagues. Working closely with the Physiotherapy Lead and Inpatient Service Manager in the wider Therapy team, you'll help positively shape patient care and service improvements.
Our Trust is rated "Outstanding" by the CQC, who highlight our positive, supportive culture where staff feel valued. At Berkshire Healthcare we have an exceptional leadership programme, a strong AHP leadership structure and excellent OT peer support.
Working hours are Mon to Fri - with flexible working arrangements considered. We welcome full-time and part-time applications (from 30 hrs/week).
Applications are processed as they are received. We would encourage you to apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early!
Main duties of the job
1. A clinical expert in your specialist area, you'll lead the Occupational Therapy contribution to the multidisciplinary team (MDT) on inpatient wards.
2. Plan and deliver Occupational Therapy for patients with wide ranging physical conditions and diverse presentations, taking lead responsibility for their care.
3. Autonomously manage a caseload of patients, some with highly complex needs, conducting assessments and developing patient-centred care plans.
4. Work as part of the MDT, including case conferences and discharge planning, ensuring patient information is managed professionally in line with confidentiality and data protection standards.
5. Supervise and support Band 6 and Band 5 Occupational Therapists, OT assistants, and multi-therapy assistants, ensuring ongoing supervision, appraisals, and training to maintain high-quality service.
6. Provide professional training and support to the MDT in your specialist area.
7. Lead the implementation of changes in clinical practice, including planning, developing, and evaluating services, and managing projects such as audits and research.
8. Foster key relationships with various healthcare teams, including acute care, secondary care, primary care and GPs, intermediate care teams & social services, clinical governance & patient safety managers community matrons, case managers and district nurses.
About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
9. Caring for and about you is our top priority
10. Committed to providing good quality, safe services
11. Working Together with you to develop innovative solution
Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
12. Flexible working options to support work-life balance.
13. 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
14. Generous NHS pension scheme
15. Excellent learning and career development opportunities
16. 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
17. Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
18. Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
19. Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
20. Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave.
21. Free parking across Trust sites
Job description
Job responsibilities
The "must haves" for this role are:
22. Qualified OT with current HCPC registration
23. Significant post qualification experience in physical health, including complex conditions
24. Leadership experience at Band 6 or Band 7 (or equivalent)
25. A clear understanding of the NHS
26. Ability to travel between multiple sites efficiently
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification
We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.
Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to call: Ellen Bowley on or 0118 90460644 wholl be delighted to help.
Please note, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications/Training
Essential
27. Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy
28. HCPC Registration
Desirable
29. RCOT Membership
30. Membership of relevant special Interest Group
31. Master's level study
Previous Experience
Essential
32. Relevant post graduate NHS experience
33. Experience in the management of patients with highly complex conditions
34. Knowledge and participation in clinical governance relevant to this clinical area and to Occupational Therapy
35. Experience of working independently and as part of an MDT
36. Experience in the use of standardised assessments
37. To have an extensive repertoire of mobilisation and facilitation skills for therapeutic handling of patients
38. Experience of the development of staff and teaching others
39. Clinical leadership experience
40. Experience of working with external agencies social services
41. Proven leadership ability
Continuous Professional Development
Essential
42. Post-graduate training in a relevant clinical speciality
43. Evidence of ongoing CPD relevant to the role
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Essential
44. Highly specialist knowledge of Occupational Therapy in the management of patients with highly complex conditions
45. Understanding national policies and guidelines relevant to area
46. Knowledge and participation in clinical governance relevant to this clinical area
47. Knowledge of Assistive technology
48. Ability to work independently and alone in the community.
49. Excellent interpersonal skills
50. Knowledge of audit and research
51. Presentation skills
52. IT skills
53. Drive and enthusiasm for clinical excellence and clinical development of the team
54. Effective written and verbal communication skills
55. Ability to manage competing demands and adapt to the needs of the service
56. Able to maintain judgement under pressure and set priorities
57. Ability to lead a team
58. Ability to work well within a team
Additional Requirements
Essential
59. Ability to travel between multiple sites efficiently
Desirable
60. Car driver and access to a car