Specialist Respiratory Occupational Therapist in Whitstable

Are you a Respiratory Specialist Occupational Therapist or an Occupational therapist with demonstratable experience and wanting to take the next step into a specialistrole? Supporting patients with a respiratory condition is more important than ever before as illustrated in the NHS 10-year plan and the move towards neighbourhood working. OTs with experience in symptom management, utilising a solution focused and behaviour change approach can make a positive difference to patients. The service has developed over recent years into a multi-disciplinary team, utilising both a proactive and reactive approach to keep more patients with respiratory disease at home and out of hospital. That's where you come in. This role is based in East Kent supporting patients living with respiratory disease, with an emphasis on self-management and support in the community as part of their care pathway. You'll support patients through group interventions and individual home visits. We aim to enhance the quality of life for people living with respiratory disease, whatever stage they are at.

• Undertake assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care required for patients with complex, long term, high risk respiratory conditions
• Provide necessary health education and advice resulting in fewer hospital admissions
• Identify vulnerable/complex service users and support the provision of effective programmes of support that protect and promote patients' health and wellbeing. Intervening when a person's safety or welfare is at risk
• Deliver symptom management programmes utilising a Cognitive Behaviour approach, both in a 1-1 and group setting focusing on fatigue, anxiety, breathlessness management and sleep hygiene
• Undertake both equipment and environment assessments as clinically indicated.
• Maintain your own specialist area of competence and ensure a supervision framework is in place for staff under your care and support in the development of competencies across staffing groups
• Act as a source of specialist knowledge on respiratory conditions to primary and secondary care
• Autonomously manage a caseload of respiratory patients requiring specialist services, We know life outside work matters. As a flexible working-friendly organisation, we welcome conversations about arrangements that help you thrive while supporting excellent care for our patients. As a community Trust, many of our roles require individuals to be able to drive to perform their duties. Where driving is a requirement of the role, you will be asked to confirm that you hold a full UK driving licence or a full driving licence issued by an EU country (not exchanged from a non-EU country) to proceed with your application. We are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities into employment. Whilst this is a full-time role, we would consider 0.8 WTE (30 hrs) or above. If you are able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to this role but do not fully meet desirable criteria, we would consider a one-year development pathway from Band 6 to Band 7.
• Has a Level 6 Degree or equivalent qualification in relevant health related subject i.e. Occupational Therapy.
• Has a Level 7 qualification in relevant area of practice or the willingness to undertake.
• Has a highly developed specialist knowledge across a range of issues in relation to respiratory practice, leadership, research and education.
• Has a basic qualification in CBT with experience of a CBT approach to self-management techniques for patients with complex respiratory conditions, Has sound communication skills in order to understand and communicate both verbally and in writing. Including providing and receiving complex and sensitive information, utilising motivational and reassurance skills and empathy.
• Able to work well under pressure and be able to organise your own work
• Has highly developed specialist knowledge across a range of issues in relation to respiratory practice, leadership, research and education.
• Has an awareness of developments within the NHS would be an advantage as well as an understanding of National Service Frameworks and NICE guidance.
• Has a full, valid UK driving licence or a full driving licence issued by an EU country (not exchanged from a non-EU country) and the ability to travel independently.

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust is due to integrate with Medway Community Healthcare on 1 October 2026. Following integration and to align our community services to the new Neighbourhood Model of care delivery, there will be a period of consultation which may result in changes affecting some services, teams or roles. Depending on the area you are applying to work in, this could include potential changes to your role, work base, reporting arrangements, or terms and conditions of employment. Any changes would be subject to consultation and managed sensitively and in line with relevant employment processes. Please do contact the recruiting manager if you have any concerns about this so they can answer any questions you might have.

Rated 'Outstanding' by CQC, we deliver high-quality care that improves the health of our communities. We are looking for people who share our values:Compassionate, Aspirational, Responsive and Excellent.