Special Neurological Occupational Therapist in Sheffield

We believe recovery is a truly collaborative journey, involving not only each individual but also their families and friends, who support their efforts every step of the way. We engage everyone as much as they wish in this process. By harnessing each person's unique drive and determination, alongside our clinical expertise, unwavering care, and a blend of cutting-edge technologies, traditional therapies, and comprehensive residential rehabilitation, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes. We provide the tools and support individuals need to challenge themselves and push their recovery to its fullest potential, empowering them not only to recover but to thrive.

The purpose of this role is to:

• Provide specialist occupational therapy assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation for people with neurological conditions, including acquired brain injury, stroke, and other complex neurological disorders.
• Deliver evidence-based interventions to maximise independence, participation, safety, and quality of life, while working collaboratively within an inter-disciplinary team.
• Promote STEPS values whilst contributing to the vision and mission of the service.

Our mission at STEPS Rehabilitation is to enable individuals to reach their fullest potential following catastrophic injury or illness, through expert, compassionate, and cutting-edge rehabilitation. We deliver bespoke, evidence-based therapies, led by an exceptional interdisciplinary team, to achieve the highest standards of recovery and life quality. We build strong partnerships with clients, their families, and external professionals from the outset ensuring rehabilitation programmes, discharge planning, communication, and support are seamless from day one.

As a nationally recognised, multi-award-winning residential centre for neurological and complex trauma rehabilitation, we welcome individuals aged 16 and over from across the UK and beyond. Our work sets benchmarks in clinical excellence, innovation, and research in neurorehabilitation. As an OT at STEPS, you are enabling clients to regain independence, confidence, and quality of life. Being part of the STEPS team means working collaboratively, supporting colleagues across disciplines, sharing knowledge, and always keeping the client at the centre of what we do. Success in this role is measured not just by clinical outcomes, but by the compassion, professionalism, and teamwork undertaken each day.

We know that exceptional care begins with exceptional people. That's why we've built a specialist interdisciplinary team, who bring not only skill and experience, but real compassion to every interaction. We employ 180+ team members in both clinical positions and in business support roles and we are proud of the culture we have established where all team members share our philosophy, values, and dedication to delivering excellent client care. Our team is united by a common purpose, dedicated to continually learning from one another, and committed to giving their utmost for those we support. We invest and nurture the development of our team, and through training, shared learning, and research, we give them the tools to grow, stay inspired, and remain at the forefront of their area of work.

This job description is an outline which reflects the present requirements of the post and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties the post holder will be expected to fulfil.

• To assess and provide OT assessment and intervention, addressing occupational performance in the areas of self-care, leisure, and productivity.
• To deliver specialist OT assessment and intervention to clients with cognitive, sensory, perceptual, motor, behavioural, emotional, and psychological needs.
• To provide specialist neurological rehabilitation support, advice, and education to the wider interdisciplinary team.
• To undertake the client key worker role within STEPS Rehabilitation.
• To involve clients and carers in the development and delivery of goals within the rehabilitation plan.
• To assess, implement, and monitor individual client rehabilitation plans.
• Carry out community visits and home assessments where appropriate to support a client's community integration and transition from STEPS.
• Support with discharge planning alongside the interdisciplinary team.
• Identify a range of specialist equipment to optimise functional independence, quality of life, and manage risk.
• To facilitate and lead group-based rehabilitation programmes.
• To support and contribute towards best interest decision making in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act.
• To complete required documentation including clinical notes and comprehensive reports within a timely manner.
• To ensure accurate recording and monitoring of relevant outcome measures.
• To apply manual handling principles as outlined by legislation and department procedures.
• To adhere to and carry out individual client risk assessments.
• In conjunction with the wider interdisciplinary team, to ensure personal care and nutritional needs of clients are met.
• To be flexible and able to offer support to other clinical areas as required.
• Provide supervision and support to junior OTs, assistants, and students.
• To have an awareness of current evidence-based OT practice and research relevant to the client group.
• To initiate and lead on service development projects in conjunction with the wider interdisciplinary team e.g. education, training, audits with support from Lead OT/Head of Therapies.
• To identify service equipment needs and resources to the Lead OT/Head of Therapy.
• To be compliant with the clinical governance requirements operating within STEPS procedures.
• To act upon and escalate issues as required following STEPS guidance and operating procedures.
• To adhere to the Royal College of OT code of ethics and professional conduct.

Qualifications:

• Registered with HCPC.
• Degree level qualification in Occupational Therapy.
• Evidence of continuing professional development including postgraduate courses/qualifications.
• Qualification/short courses in staff management/supervision.
• Membership of Royal College of Occupational Therapists and a relevant specialist section group.
• Key trainer/train the trainer qualification.
• Leadership, mentorship, or supervisory course.
• Clinical Educators Course.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years clinical experience working in Neurological rehabilitation including Brain Injury and/or Stroke.
• Specialist Neurological rehabilitation experience.
• Knowledge in wheelchairs, seating, and postural management.
• Experience in delivering cognitive rehabilitation.
• Managing own workload.
• Experience of supervising, supporting, and delegating to OTs, assistants, or students.
• Experience in assessing for equipment and discharge planning.
• Setting and reviewing client-centred goals.
• Documented evidence of continuing professional development.
• IT experience including Microsoft Office packages.
• Experience of working within governance frameworks e.g. clinical systems, data management, complaints, reporting incidents.
• Creative, innovative, inclusive, and engaging approach to patient care.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Able to deal with difficult situations appropriately.
• Excellent communicator both written and verbal.
• Able to demonstrate excellent listening skills.
• Able to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Adaptable and flexible.
• Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to drive as part of role.
• Ability to demonstrate an awareness of equality and diversity obligations when delivering care and also towards colleagues.
• Experience in Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness.
• Experience in spinal injuries.
• Experience in traumatic amputee rehab.
• Experience in Neurological handling skills.
• Casting and Splinting experience.
• Evidence of Post Grad level in specialism/Masters level study.
• Experience of working in a private medical setting.
• Experience of writing medico-legal reports.
• Experience of audit functions.

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.

Depending on experience, a generous benefits package and enhanced rates for unsociable hours are available.