Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist (Neurology) The closing date is 18 December 2025 An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic band 7 occupational therapist to join Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust for 1 year maternity leave cover. This post would be suited to an experienced occupational therapist with previous experience in stroke and neurology with strong leadership skills. Main duties of the job To be responsible for leading and managing the neurology outlier caseload and the Stroke team alongside Band 7 Occupational Therapist for the Stroke Unit. To be responsible for the day to day running of the stroke and neurology caseload alongside the Band 7 Physiotherapists in each team, ensuring that all patients are given an appropriate and effective therapy treatment across all wards. About us Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites – Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital – along with award-winning clinics across North West London. Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use. We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30 m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80 m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex. We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs. The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period. Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites. Job responsibilities The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please see attached document. Person Specification Education and Qualifications HCPC registered Occupational Therapist BSc or equivalent in Occupational Therapy Evidence of CPD and relevant post graduate courses and additional training experiences Membership of a specialist interest group relevant to clinical area Experience Significant post registration experience in relevant clinical area of Stroke / Neurology. Post registration experience in a range of areas within acute physical health setting Post graduate experience of team management in an NHS healthcare setting at band 6/7 level Evidence of managing junior staff; including appraisal, supervisions & on the job coaching Demonstrates evidence of ability to identify and implement service improvements. Leadership and participation of teaching/in-service programmes Experience of audit in evaluating and developing a service and / or involvement in Research Operational management skills Evidence of close working with all members of the multidisciplinary team Skills and knowledge Ability to work as an autonomous practitioner where no support or advice may be available. Proven clinical skills, ability to accurately assess patients, problem solve, plan their treatment and appropriately set goals and objectives Highly specialist neurological knowledge of conditions and treatments relevant to clinical areas and can impart knowledge to others formally and informally Understands the professional and legal responsibilities of clinical practice Advanced clinical reasoning skills and awareness of current developments in relevant clinical area of Stroke Evidence of verbal and written communication and presentation skills Demonstrates excellent analytical and organisational ability to be able to deal with a varied clinical and managerial workload Evidence of service development Good teaching, supervisory and appraisal skills High level problem solving Proven organisational skills including prioritisation and delegation Ability to work in stressful and unpredictable environments Advanced computer skills including use of Microsoft Access and Excel databases Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to cultural differences and beliefs Demonstrates the use of professional communication strategies with patients, carers and members of the MDT and the ability to modify them appropriately. Understanding of delivering joint assessment and treatment sessions with other therapists (same or different professions) To have had experience in leading clinical audit, research or policy/guideline development Ability to use reflective practice as a tool for growth and development Innovative in approach and outlook Ability to recognise own professional limits and seek advice from peers, external contacts or advanced members of the relevant clinical multidisciplinary team such as consultants as required To be able to motivate self and a team To work well within a team setting Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal Able to conduct professional affairs in a confident and assertive manner Committed to continual professional development of self and others Ability to build close working relationships with all members of the MDT Ability to work well in a challenging environment and under pressure within set time frames. Enthusiastic, innovative and personable 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. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust £56,276 to £63,176 a year per annum incl. HCAS #J-18808-Ljbffr