At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead neurorehabilitation therapy, helping individuals regain independence and confidence.
- Company: Join Brainkind, the UK's leading brain injury charity with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, ongoing training, and a meaningful career.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth and support for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through expert rehabilitation.
- Qualifications: Must have a degree in Occupational Therapy and experience in neurological conditions.
The predicted salary is between 49387 - 56515 £ per year.
Location: West Heath House, Birmingham
Hours: 35 hours per week
Lead specialist neurorehabilitation occupational therapy in a life-changing service. Brainkind is seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our expert neurorehabilitation team at West Heath House in Birmingham. This is an exciting opportunity for an Occupational Therapist with experience in acquired brain injury and neurological rehabilitation to take a leading role in Occupational Therapy provision within a specialist rehabilitation service, supporting individuals to regain independence, rebuild confidence and achieve meaningful life goals following brain injury.
As part of the UK's leading brain injury charity, you'll join a highly skilled interdisciplinary team delivering evidence-based rehabilitation that genuinely changes lives. At Brainkind, we help people rebuild their lives after brain injury. Through our specialist assessment centres, rehabilitation units and hospitals, we support individuals living with complex cognitive, physical, emotional and behavioural challenges following injury, illness, substance misuse and other neurological conditions. Our teams are united by a shared purpose, strong clinical standards and a commitment to delivering exceptional rehabilitation outcomes.
Benefits of joining us include:
- A collaborative and supportive team culture
- Clinical autonomy and professional trust
- Ongoing training and development
- Meaningful work that transforms lives
About West Heath House
West Heath House provides specialist neurorehabilitation for adults living with the effects of severe acquired brain injury. Working within Brainkind's established neurobehavioural model, the service supports individuals experiencing:
- Physical impairments
- Emotional and behavioural challenges
- Reduced independence following brain injury
The focus is on helping people maximise independence, participate in meaningful activities and return to valued life roles wherever possible, whilst promoting dignity, privacy and respect throughout their rehabilitation journey.
The opportunity
This is a senior clinical role offering significant responsibility, autonomy and leadership within Occupational Therapy. You will lead Occupational Therapy provision across the service, working as a key member of the multidisciplinary team while supporting service users with highly complex rehabilitation needs. You will work closely with:
- Service users and families
- Occupational Therapy colleagues
- Rehabilitation Support Workers
- Therapy Assistants
- Clinical and medical professionals
- External agencies and community services
This role is ideal for an experienced Occupational Therapist looking to further develop specialist expertise within neurological rehabilitation while influencing service delivery and clinical outcomes.
Key responsibilities
- Specialist clinical practice
- Work as an autonomous Occupational Therapy practitioner within a specialist neurological rehabilitation setting
- Provide expert Occupational Therapy assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation
- Manage and prioritise a complex caseload of service users with neurological conditions, acquired brain injury and challenging presentations
- Apply evidence-based practice, advanced clinical reasoning and person-centred approaches to rehabilitation
- Support service users in developing independence across self-care, daily living activities, productivity, vocational goals, education, learning, leisure and community participation
Rehabilitation planning and delivery
- Design, implement and evaluate individualised rehabilitation programmes
- Develop clear treatment plans aligned to Brainkind's neurobehavioural model
- Ensure effective handover of rehabilitation programmes to support staff and therapy assistants
- Monitor progress through data collection and outcome measurement
- Adapt interventions in response to changing needs and rehabilitation goals
Leadership and collaboration
- Lead Occupational Therapy provision within the service
- Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Liaise with families, carers and external agencies to ensure coordinated rehabilitation pathways
- Provide specialist Occupational Therapy expertise for complex cases
- Maintain the highest standards of professional communication and clinical practice
Service user and family support
- Work sensitively and flexibly with service users and families
- Adapt assessments and interventions to individual circumstances, cultural considerations and changing needs
- Promote choice, dignity, independence and person-centred care throughout the rehabilitation journey
About you
We're looking for an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about neurological rehabilitation and committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for people with acquired brain injury.
Essential qualifications and registration
- Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy
- Current HCPC registration
- Minimum of 4 years post-registration experience
- At least 2 years' experience working with neurological conditions, including experience gained within mixed caseloads or training placements
- Experience working with individuals with acquired brain injury or neurological deficits
- Specialist knowledge of Occupational Therapy interventions in acquired brain injury, including cognitive rehabilitation and upper limb rehabilitation
- Experience managing complex neurological presentations
Additional requirements
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness to drive service users using unit vehicles
Personal attributes
- Strong clinical reasoning skills
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
- Compassionate, resilient and adaptable
- Ability to manage complex and challenging clinical presentations
- Passion for interdisciplinary working and rehabilitation outcomes
Rewards and benefits
In return, you'll receive an excellent package including:
- Competitive salary of £49,387 - £56,515 per annum (DOE)
- 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
- Buy and sell up to 5 additional days annual leave
- Simply Health Plan to support routine healthcare costs
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Excellent training and clinical support
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities
- Potential support for further professional development
- Group life assurance
- Company pension
- Free on-site parking
- Long service and staff awards
All clinical roles have CPD opportunities and we may support further professional development. International applicants welcome, we will consider applications from candidates who require sponsorship.
Brainkind is a Disability Confident Employer and guarantees an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace where every colleague is valued, respected and empowered to thrive.
Senior Occupational Therapist in Birmingham employer: Brainkind
At Brainkind, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive team culture that empowers our staff to make a real difference in the lives of individuals recovering from brain injuries. Located at West Heath House in Birmingham, our dedicated team enjoys clinical autonomy, ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that transforms lives. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a focus on delivering outstanding rehabilitation outcomes, Brainkind is the ideal place for passionate Occupational Therapists looking to advance their careers in a rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Occupational Therapist in Birmingham
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Brainkind. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Brainkind.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Occupational Therapist in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Brainkind:Take some time to research Brainkind and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brainkind
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Brainkind's values and approach.
