Rotational Occupational Therapist

Overview

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Rotational Occupational Therapist

The closing date is 04 February 2026

We are pleased to be able to recruit to County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trusts establised Occupational Therapy rotation. Permanent and fixed term opportunities available.

We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic and caring individuals to join our team.

The post is ideally suited to new graduates or existing band5\’s wishing to broaden their experience by joining the rotation.

We have rotations at all of the trusts main sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital (acute), University Hospital North Durham (acute) and Bishop Auckland hospital (sub-acute). Areas of specialism include, stroke rehabilitation, acute stroke, front of house frailty, complex frailty unit, acute medical, surgery and orthopaedics, elective orthopaedics, general rehabilitation and wheelchairs and specialist seating.

We operate a 7 day service and all rotational staff are required to participate in weekend working.

All individuals would be fully inducted, be enrolled on the trusts preceptorship programme and receive additional departmental training.

We welcome any queries regarding this opportunity – please contact Team Lead – Jeanette Mason 07985286478 Or Team Lead – Ruth Campbell 01325743589

Main duties of the job

To plan and implement patient centered individual and/or group intervention appropriate to patient needs and conditions.

To assess the home environment of patients, provide equipment and advice/information as required to facilitate safe and appropriate hospital discharges where patient is as independent as possible.

To maintain up to date and accurate clinical records in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and standards.

To be an active member of the multi-disciplinary team.

To complete and deliver in-service training with or for colleagues and the wider staff groups in regard to patient care.

To undertake audit projects at a local level and disseminate findings at a local level.

To contribute to clinically effective care through evidence based and patient-centered practice.

To demonstrate increasingly complex skills and knowledge, in order to establish professional competence and demonstrate fitness to practice as an Occupational Therapist.

To provide guidance, supervision and appraisal for support staff and participate in the appraisal process.

To directly supervise students on practice placement or alongside the practice placement educator.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients\’ homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant\’s chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

From April 9th 2025 – Healthcare assistants – You must have been employed for a minimum of two years as a HCA within the NHS for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).

Job responsibilities

The post-holder will manage a caseload of adult patients with varied physical disabilities across multiple sites as required. Rotations will be across acute, rehabilitation and community sites with opportunities to work in Surgery, Medicine, Respiratory, Orthopaedics, Care of the Elderly, Acute Frailty Team, Stroke and Adult & Children Wheelchair services.

The post-holder will work as part of the multi-disciplinary team and engage in regular supervisions, annual appraisals and complete their Preceptorship Programme alongside the specialist Occupational Therapists onsite.

As part of the Band 5 role, the post-holder will be required to;

Complete various assessments of patients functional and cognitive abilities.

Develop and evaluate appropriate treatment programmes based on their assessment.

Plan and implement patient centred individual and/or group interventions appropriate to patient needs and conditions.

Monitor, evaluate and modify interventions as required, using outcome measures to assess the effectiveness of interventions and treatments.

Regularly supervise Occupational Therapy students on practice placements and Occupational Therapy Assistants if required.

Complete all relevant documentation to Trust standards and expectations.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree/diploma in Occupational Therapy.
• Prepared to undertake practice placement qualification and support in the education of students.

Statutory Registration

• HCPC registration.
• Membership of the British Association of Occupational Therapists.

Experience

• Comprehensive experience at undergraduate level of the core competencies within occupational therapy.
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Prior experience of working in a variety of health care settings.
• Previous experience working as a qualified Occupational Therapist in a physical setting.
• Participation in research and audit activities.

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Broad knowledge of current practice in occupational therapy and health.
• Application of the occupational therapy process with the designated patient group.
• Planning and co-ordination of occupational therapy intervention.
• Ability to manage own workload, determine priorities, delegation and work under pressure.
• Understanding of professional conduct and confidentiality.
• Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
• Application of Health, Safety and Risk management policies.
• Applied knowledge of current legislation.
• Written and oral communication skills in English sufficient to communicate effectively with patients, to gain consent and explain treatment interventions.
• Well-developed interpersonal communication skills with the ability and self-awareness to modify style to suit situation.
• Computer literacy with ability to effectively use computer software to support Occupational Therapy interventions.
• Basic knowledge of the principles of clinical governance.
• Evidence of participation in continuing professional development.
• Courses completed relevant to post.
• Knowledge of the discharge planning process.

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 CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

£31,049 to £37,796 a year AFC Band 5 per annum pro rata