Band 6 - Occupational Therapist - Sussex in Haywards Heath

Band 6 Occupational Therapist – Acute / Inpatient / Surgical

Job Description

We are currently recruiting for an experienced and motivated Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join an acute hospital team, supporting patients across inpatient wards and surgical pathways.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Occupational Therapist with strong clinical reasoning, assessment and discharge-planning skills to contribute to high-quality, patient-centred care.

The successful candidate will manage a varied and complex caseload, working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to promote independence, facilitate timely discharge and optimise functional outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have previous acute hospital experience and be confident managing clinical risk, prioritising competing demands and supporting junior colleagues where required.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive occupational therapy assessments for patients across acute medical, inpatient and surgical wards.
• Assess patients’ functional abilities, including activities of daily living (ADLs), transfers, mobility and personal care.
• Develop and implement individualised treatment plans to maximise independence, safety and participation in meaningful activities.
• Support patients following surgery, including orthopaedic and other surgical procedures, in line with clinical competencies and local protocols.
• Identify and address barriers to discharge, working closely with patients, families, carers and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Recommend appropriate equipment, adaptations, rehabilitation interventions and onward referrals to facilitate safe discharge.
• Complete timely and accurate clinical documentation, assessments and discharge recommendations.
• Manage a complex caseload, prioritising patients according to clinical need, risk and service requirements.
• Liaise with community services, social care, rehabilitation teams and external agencies to coordinate ongoing care.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, board rounds, ward rounds and discharge-planning discussions.
• Provide clinical support, supervision and guidance to junior Occupational Therapists, assistants and students, where appropriate.
• Maintain professional standards, adhere to local policies and procedures, and participate in service development and quality improvement initiatives.

Essential Requirements

• Degree or recognised qualification in Occupational Therapy.
• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Significant post-registration experience in an acute hospital or inpatient setting.
• Experience assessing and treating patients with complex clinical and functional needs.
• Demonstrable experience of discharge planning and multidisciplinary working.
• Strong clinical reasoning, risk assessment and prioritisation skills.
• Excellent communication, organisation and clinical documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to delivering safe, evidence-based and patient-centred care.

Desirable Requirements

• Previous Band 6 or equivalent senior Occupational Therapy experience.
• Experience working within surgical, orthopaedic, trauma or other acute inpatient pathways.
• Experience supporting complex discharge planning and liaising with community services.
• Experience providing supervision, mentoring or clinical education to junior staff and students.
• Knowledge of relevant clinical guidelines, safeguarding procedures and hospital discharge pathways.

What We Offer

• Competitive rates of pay.
• Flexible working opportunities, depending on the assignment.
• Dedicated recruitment support throughout the application and placement process.
• Access to a range of suitable Occupational Therapy opportunities.
• The opportunity to develop your clinical experience across acute and surgical inpatient settings.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Occupational Therapist with a passion for acute care, surgical rehabilitation and effective discharge planning, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV outlining your relevant clinical experience, qualifications and HCPC registration.

Apply today to discuss this opportunity with our recruitment team.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, verification of professional registration and any additional requirements relevant to the placement.