Job summaryTo provide an Occupational Therapy Service for Acute Inpatients at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Take responsibility for a specified caseload undertaking assessment, treatment, and evaluation of patients referred to the service
To work as part of a Multi-disciplinary/Agency team
Work as an autonomous professional according to College of Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and the Health Professions Council Regulations
Actively participate in Continuing Professional Development and contribute to the development of in-service training
Main duties of the job- Work under the indirect supervision of the senior occupational therapist and carry out clinical and administrative duties.
- Normal duties are based on the hospital wards and assessment of the patients home as required
- Manage an agreed clinical caseload within a multidisciplinary/agency framework.
- Undertake assessment using clinical reasoning to select from a range of standardised and non-standardised tools/techniques. Establish problem list and goals relevant to the acute setting
- Select appropriate treatment techniques from within current scope of practice referring to evidence base. This includes a full range of rehabilitative, developmental and compensatory techniques.
- Implement the appropriate Occupational Therapy intervention ensuring planned outcomes are achieved to enable the individual to achieve his/her optimum level of independence
- Provide support and education to patients and carers regarding all aspects of Occupational Therapy
- Plan, organise and undertake access/home visits
- Plan and prioritise own workload and delegate tasks where appropriate to ensure effective use of time and personal management.
- Plan and prepare for clinical intervention individual and group activities as appropriate. To be able to accurately document relevant information from treatment sessions, apply clinical reasoning, and adjust treatment / discharge plan as appropriate
- Facilitate the safe transfer of people and equipment using approved moving and handling techniques
About usThe Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were 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.
Date posted: 24 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 5 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 000988
Job locations: The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX, United Kingdom
Job descriptionJob overviewWe have an opportunity for a band 5 Occupational Therapist to join our integrated therapy team at the Princess Alexandra Hospital on a fixed term basis between August and December 2026. You will be responsible for your own clinical caseload and undertake assessments using clinical reasoning to establish problem lists and treatment goals. You will be supported by senior therapists for supervision and appraisals with weekly IST sessions. This would suit a newly qualified OT or one considering a return to practice.
Main duties of the job- To provide an Occupational Therapy Service for Acute Inpatients at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
- Take responsibility for a specified caseload undertaking assessment, treatment, and evaluation of patients referred to the service
- To work as part of a Multi-disciplinary/Agency team
- Work as an autonomous professional according to College of Occupational Therapy ‘Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct’ and the ‘Health Professions Council Regulations’
- Actively participate in Continuing Professional Development and contribute to the development of in-service training
Detailed job description and main responsibilitiesCOMMUNICATION SKILLS- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Liaise effectively with patients, families, and carers.
- Liaise effectively with members of the multi-disciplinary care teams, and other statutory and voluntary bodies.
- Attend and report relevant ward rounds, case conferences and clinics
- Use the appropriate communication techniques relating to age, culture, ethnicity and disability to respond to the needs of the patient, family and carers
- Use tact, diplomacy and negotiating skills to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people involved.
- Keep accurate clinical records in accordance with profession and trust standards
- Use I.T. skills accurately in report writing, treatment planning and communication.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS- Apply theory to practice in order to manage a specific caseload
- Actively participate in Continuous Professional Development and maintain a portfolio recording learning outcomes.
- Demonstrate the awareness of trust wide and local policies and procedures
- Understand national guidelines and legislation relating to Health and Social Care and their impact on service provision.
- Understand the importance of audit procedures and participate in the collection of timely, accurate statistics, data and other information that may be required to support the services audit plan and clinical governance framework
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH- Contribute and provide constructive feedback on departmental policies
- Participate in the planning, evaluation and audit of practice, clinical pathways and protocols
- Participate in the delivery of Occupational Therapy development
- Participate in and contribute to the continuing development of in-service training programmes.
- Cascade information to colleagues as appropriate to enhance their development and understanding of the profession.
- Critically evaluate current research and apply to practice
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES- To maintain and develop professional expertise in own specialist field of Occupational Therapy
- Undertake and manage a varied caseload
- To plan and prioritise own workload effectively
- To appropriately delegate tasks to OT Assistant, and manage their workload day to day
- Support Occupational Therapy Students on placement
- To provide training for OT Assistants / Support Workers
- Represent Occupational Therapy at MDT meetings
SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT- Use of manual handling equipment on a regular basis.
- Regular individual assessment, and ordering social care equipment for discharge.
- Use of IT skills for record keeping and equipment ordering, communication via emails
- Keep accurate statistics
- Compliance with National, Trust and Departmental policies and procedures at all times
DECISIONS & JUDGEMENTS- Plan and organise own caseload.
- Supervise assistants.
- Achieve generic, and band 5 rotation specific competencies to work independently. Aware of limitations, and refer issues / complex cases to senior staff appropriately
COMMUNICATIONS & RELATIONSHIPS- Communicate daily caseload with their supervisor.
- Regular representation of occupational therapy in multidisciplinary meetings. They will keep both written and electronic records.
- Communication with outside agencies as required
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB- The post holder will engage in physical assessments of patients on a daily basis.
- They will use manual handling and mobility aids on a regular basis.
- Fit, adjust and safely use a range of equipment and tools for a variety of therapeutic activities
MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB- Working in a fast-paced environment
- Coping with working with different qualified professionals on a regular basis
- Dealing with patients and carers in distressing circumstances
- Please see attached job description and personal specification for further details. You are also welcome to call the department on 01279827199 for an informal chat about the role.
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- HCPC registered as Occupational therapist.
- Grad. Diploma and / or degree in Occupational therapy.
ExperienceEssential- Good understanding of a wide range of medical conditions
- Wide range of clinical placements and experiences during training
- Inpatient, and community setting experience as a student
Desirable- An understanding of the changes within the NHS and the possible effects on Occupational Therapy
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.Employer detailsEmployer name: The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Address: The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact:Team Lead Occupational Therapist, Carmelo Zimba, carmelo.zimba@nhs.net
