Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist Elderly Care

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Specialist Occupational Therapist at West Hertfordshire Hospital NHS Trust to join the Occupational Therapy Elderly Care Department at Watford General Hospital. You will be responsible for providing specialised assessment and treatment for patients with complex needs, offering expert advice, guidance, and information to health and social care professionals, carers, relatives, and other non-professionals. You will manage your own caseload, performing advanced occupational therapy assessments for patients with diverse and complex physical and psychological conditions, and develop and deliver individualised treatment programmes that contribute to safe discharges and prevention of hospital admissions. You will also be responsible for a defined area of the service or a particular patient type, working independently while accessing supervision, training, peer review, and reflective practice as required.

Main duties of the job

As a Specialist Occupational Therapist, you will be responsible for undertaking all aspects of clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner. You will be managing the supervision, education, and assessment of junior occupational therapists and support staff, as well as supervising and assessing occupational therapy students to a graduate standard in collaboration with universities. You will support evidence-based audit and research projects to develop and enhance personal and team clinical practice, contribute to the preparation of service protocols, and assist in implementing changes to practice as suggested by the team lead, clinical lead, or head of service. You will also be responsible for actively participating in a seven-day roster.

About us

Here at NHS Professionals, we run England''s largest NHS staff bank and are experts at putting people in places to care. Every year we help thousands of dedicated and highly skilled NHS workers enjoy better career opportunities, more flexible shifts, and a healthier work-life balance across our partnered Trusts.

Career Progression access to Learning & Development opportunities, so that you can take on new roles and challenges

Work-life Balance flexible shifts, committed shifts, wellbeing resources and build paid annual leave

Opportunity & Access over 50 partner NHS Trusts to give you the flexibility of choice to work how and where you want

Job Roles & Responsibilities

• To be professionally and legally accountable for ensuring all work meets Trust, legal, and professional standards, including compliance with policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• To communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and carers, addressing barriers such as cognitive, sensory, cultural, or language challenges, to support understanding and self-management of health conditions.
• To lead the professional development of junior staff, students, and support staff by planning and delivering induction programmes, teaching core clinical skills, and contributing to performance appraisals.
• To undertake evidence-based service evaluation and quality improvement initiatives, including contributing to audits, research, and outcome measurement projects to enhance team practice and patient experience.
• To maintain and develop personal professional knowledge through ongoing CPD, participation in training, tutorials, journal clubs, clinical networks, and special interest groups, ensuring current best practice is applied.
• To manage resources and equipment effectively, including stock, departmental supplies, and clinical equipment, ensuring safe use, training of others, and compliance with health and safety regulations.

Person Specifications & Qualifications

• HCPC registered Occupational Therapist.
• Occupational Therapy degree or equivalent qualification with evidence of CPD and reflective practice.
• Experience in NHS acute hospital settings, including elderly care/medical wards.
• Competent in discharge planning, caseload management, and use of equipment.
• Proven ability to work independently with complex medical patients.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

NHS Professionals Limited

Location

Watford General Hospital,
60 Vicarage Road, Watford, WD18 0HB

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