Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Hyper acute stroke unit (HASU) at the Royal Sussex County Hospital for a band 6 Occupational Therapist. HASU focusses on patients with acute stroke diagnosis. We provide early treatment of stroke including thrombolysis and thrombectomy in accordance to national stroke guidelines. We have a 7 day a week therapy service.
We are looking for an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist with experience working in an acute setting and with a working knowledge of treating stroke patients and /or neuro patients.
The successful post holder will provide specialist occupational therapy interventions to clients with complex Stroke impairments. Participate in, and deliver training to occupational therapy students, occupational therapy assistants, basic grade occupational therapists and colleagues within other professions in the multi-disciplinary team.
The Royal Sussex County Hospital is in the heart of Brighton which is a large vibrant city situated on the south coast and in the heart of the Southdowns national park. There is easy access to watersports, outdoor pursuits and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Brighton has a large shopping centre with all major shops but also boasts an eclectic centre of quirky independent shops in the Lanes. There are theatres, gastropubs, nightclubs and a diverse culture. It is a 45 minute train ride away from London and all of the attractions to be found there.
Main duties of the job
To provide specialist occupational therapy interventions using evidence based, flexible and patient-centred approach, working within a Multi-Disciplinary Team to meet the health and social care needs of people who are referred to our services.
To perform a specialist occupational therapy role for patients referred to the post holder’s clinical team with complex health and social care needs.
To provide supervision and leadership for relevant junior members of occupational therapy staff in conjunction with the team leader.
To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of Occupational Therapy services within a designated specialist team.
To provide supervision and training for students on practice placement
To participate in a 7 day rota
The Stroke team lead will work closely with the team lead’s across neuro to support when required.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Attached you will find the job description and person specification which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role.
We highly recommend you view this document and use it when completing the application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.
Person specification
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Degree or Diploma of the college of Occupational therapists or equivalent from abroad
2. HCPC registration
3. Relevant clinical experience in stroke, neurology, elderly rehabilitation or a closely related field
4. Evidence of relevant post graduate clinical courses/continuing professional development and reflective practice
Desirable criteria
5. Experience of audit/research
Skills
Essential criteria
6. Knowledge of the OT role, relevant standardised OT assessments and interventions in conditions relating acute Stroke
7. Evidence of managing 24-hour postural management
8. Awareness of NSF & stroke guidelines and long-term care
9. Formulating treatment goals and carrying out neuro-specialist treatment within an interdisciplinary framework
10. Awareness of importance of 24/7 task specific intensity
11. Assessment for and prescription of environmental adaptations and equipment provision; including skills in home visit assessment and function/ task analysis.
12. Ability to establish excellent and maintain communication on complex, potentially stressful topics in a range of situations, with individuals or groups
13. Organisational skills to enable prioritisation of caseloads.
14. Using formal and standardised neurological tests
Desirable criteria
15. Experience of using SSNAP data collection
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
16. Supervision and mentorship skills for junior staff and students
17. Evidence of involvement in service development
18. Ability to work under pressure and stay calm in a crisis
19. Ability to work autonomously, liaise and coordinate with the Management Team on a day-to-day basis and to take appropriate action as necessary
Equality, Diversity & inclusion
Essential criteria
20. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
21. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for those that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.
Closing adverts early: Please apply as early as you're able for this role. In the event of exceptional interest we may close adverts earlier than specified.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications