Specialist Occupational Therapist

Job Overview

Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist - Home 1st Therapy Service

Join Home 1st interdisciplinary team and help people regain independence where it matters most – at home.

Home 1st is a dynamic community based rehabilitation service focused on promoting independence, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions, and reducing hospital length of stay. We work across a range of settings including patients’ homes, inpatient units, hospitals, and community venues.

You will be part of a supportive multidisciplinary team, working alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and rehabilitation support workers to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.

Main duties of the job

As a Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist, you will manage your own caseload and deliver evidence‑based, personalised rehabilitation. You’ll support people with a wide range of conditions, including post‑surgical recovery, post‑critical care rehab, frailty and falls, stroke and neurological conditions, COPD and respiratory issues, dementia, musculoskeletal needs, and palliative care. The role offers the chance to build broad clinical experience and a strong professional foundation.

You will assess, plan, and deliver individualised treatment programmes, working autonomously with support from experienced clinicians and the wider MDT. You’ll help maintain a high‑quality, efficient therapy service and uphold CNWL values of compassion, respect, empowerment, and partnership. Responsibilities include providing OT assessments, delivering person‑centred rehabilitation, working flexibly across Home 1st pathways, supporting admission avoidance and early supported discharge, collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies, acting as a Trusted Assessor, and contributing to integrated pathway development.

Working for our organisation

Development & Support

We are committed to your professional development. You will:

• Receive regular supervision from senior clinicians
• Work closely with clinical leads to develop your clinical, practice educator, and professional skills
• Participate in training, competency development, and observed practice
• Be encouraged to grow as both a clinician and a future clinical educator
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Varied and rewarding clinical experience across community and inpatient settings
• Strong multidisciplinary teamwork
• Structured support and career development pathways
• Opportunity to make a real impact on patient independence and quality of life
  
  

Clinical Responsibilities

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Be professionally and legally accountable for all clinical work and patient management.
• Use specialist clinical knowledge, evidence‑based practice, and sound clinical reasoning to assess, diagnose, and treat patients.
• Obtain informed consent and work within legal frameworks for patients lacking capacity.
• Involve families and carers in decision‑making and goal setting.
• Communicate effectively using appropriate verbal and non‑verbal methods, including with patients who have communication difficulties.
• Manage clinical risk and ensure safe, competent use of equipment.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team on discharge planning.
• Maintain accurate, timely electronic patient records.
  
  

Professional Responsibilities

Adhere to HCPC and Royal College of Occupational Therapy standards.

• Maintain professional competence through CPD and keep an up‑to‑date development portfolio.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal, and in‑service training.
• Evaluate and audit clinical practice with support from the Lead Occupational Therapist.
• Plan and prioritise your own caseload effectively.
• Understand and follow CNWL‑MK clinical and HR policies.
• Supervise designated staff and complete appraisals with accurate documentation.
  
  

Personal Responsibilities

• Demonstrate good time management, punctuality, and reliable attendance.
• Maintain personal development through CPD.
• Perform assessments and manual treatments requiring moderate physical effort daily.
• Follow manual handling policies and ensure safe working practices.
• Report incidents promptly and comply with health and safety legislation.
• Complete all mandatory training.
• Respect and support equality, diversity, and cultural needs.
• Follow clinical governance policies when handling sensitive information.
• Apply infection prevention and control procedures, including when exposed to bodily fluids or unsanitary environments.
  
  

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Degree qualification in Occupational Therapy
• HCPC registered
• Car driver with access to a car for work
• Demonstrate /evidence of recent continuing professional development
• Membership of recognised and relevant professional body
  
  

Experience

Essential criteria

• Previous substantial experience of working in the NHS
• Ability to manage own workload, determine priorities and make autonomous decisions
• Experience post registration in Community/ Acute /Stroke/ Rehabilitation / Frailty settings
  
  

Key Skills/Abilities

Essential criteria

• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Planning and coordination of treatment packages
• Ability to hold and manage delicate conversations