Senior Occupational Therapist

DenialHost; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job description

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Senior Occupational Therapist to work as part of the Community Therapy Services, providing rehabilitation to the patients of Gateshead, which includes working in immediate care facilities and patient homes. The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support admission avoidance, hospital discharge and contribute to urgent community response (UCR) adopting home‑first principles. You will need to demonstrate effective communication, problem‑solving skills and be resilient in challenging situations. You will be supported within the clinical team, which is part of the wider Occupational Therapy structure, with clinical supervision, peer support and access to CPD opportunities. There will also be opportunity for service improvement and development in the role. You will be required to work a shift pattern across 7 days (including bank holidays and weekends). As a community‑based role, the post holder will need a full UK driving licence and access to a car for work purposes.

Main Duties

• Act as an experienced autonomous practitioner, providing specialised occupational therapy assessment and treatment plans for patients with complex acute and/or chronic medical conditions to prevent hospital admission or support discharge.
• Independently manage a caseload, using evidence‑based and holistic principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.
• Work as a key member of the MDT.
• Deliver care within a variety of clinical settings (virtual wards, wards, PIC) and within the patient’s own home (community settings).
• Support and supervise qualified and non‑qualified staff within the department.
• Contribute to service development and the learning culture within the department.

About Us

Based in the North East of England, we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead. Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients. We now employ around 4,800 staff and provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region. Our values are the ‘golden thread’ that runs through everything we do – they are the core of who we are. Our five values can be remembered by the acronym ICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement. We have a number of staff networks, including the BAME network, D‑Ability network, LGBTQ+ network and the Women’s Network, to challenge us and help us continually improve. The health and wellbeing of our staff is a top priority, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our Balance programme to cater for a diverse workforce, ensuring a happy and healthy working experience.

Details

Date posted: 09 February 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: 6

Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Reference number: 297-7619082-A

Job location: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Gateshead, NE9 6SX

Responsibilities

• Work within a variety of clinical settings (virtual wards, wards) and within the patient’s own home (community settings).
• Be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work, including the management of patients in your care.
• Report to a Band 7 Occupational Therapy Team Lead.
• Deliver a holistic patient‑centred approach to care as part of the multidisciplinary team, liaising with MDT members including those from health, social services and voluntary agencies to ensure an integrated and comprehensive service.
• Ensure that patients are identified for prompt discharge from the service and handover to community services as required.
• Provide leadership for more junior staff, as agreed with senior staff.
• Support the Band 7 Team Lead in planning, coordinating and delivering the service provided to patients and assist in the development, planning and progression of service provision.
• Deputise for the Band 7 Team Lead in their absence as required.
• Supervise other qualified and non‑qualified staff within the team.
• Supervise Occupational Therapy students on clinical placements.
• Participate in CPD and develop skills and knowledge through in‑service training.
• Maintain records as an autonomous practitioner.
• Be an active participant in the weekend working rota.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Hold a qualification enabling registration with the Health Professions Council (HCPC) as an Occupational Therapist.
• HCPC Registration.

Essential Knowledge/Skills

• Evidence of knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of patients with medical, social and psychosocial factors, utilising a holistic approach.
• Maintain and develop current evidence‑based practice in relation to patient groups.
• Interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to negotiate and persuade effectively.
• Standard IT skills.

Desirable

• Membership/involvement in relevant special interest group/network.
• Evidence of contributing to CPD activities.

Special Requirements

• Driving licence; car owner and available for use at work.
• Understanding of NHS organisation and national clinical priorities.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Gateshead, NE9 6SX

Website: https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk