Advanced Specialist Occupational Therapist

An opening has arisen for a permanent band 7 Specialist Occupational Therapist within our AMU/ED team at University Hospital Southampton (UHS). At UHS our vision is to achieve excellence in everything we do through putting patients first, working together and always improving. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR We are seeking to appoint an experienced and dynamic therapist to lead a new OT service within ED and support across the Acute Medical Assessment Unit alongside the other band 7 therapists. We offer the exciting opportunity to work within a dedicated and supportive MDT, striving to always improve patient experiences and develop new ways to provide world-class care. Your clinical caseload will include adults of all ages presenting with a variety of conditions and will involve rapid assessment, early discharge planning, and timely referrals to community services. It is a fast paced environment where effective communication, prioritisation, risk management, problem solving and inter-professional team working are essential. It is equally a very rewarding place to work, enabling patient's to return home safely and avoid a prolonged hospital stay. This post will also include the opportunity to lead service improvement projects, develop and support other staff, and take responsibility for managing the team at an operational level. You will also have the opportunity to work alongside the Divisional Therapy Manager in representing Therapies at wider steering groups. Your learning and development is important to us therefore you will be encouraged to take up a wide array of opportunities to advance your skills and consolidate leadership abilities. We offer regular opportunities for peer support across the wider therapy team and also offer a comprehensive teaching programme, with links to research and undergraduate education at the University of Southampton. We are a modern, flexible and progressive department, looking to appoint both full time and part time staff to join our teams. We would be interested in talking to prospective applicants who could commit to working a minimum of 3 days per week. We are keen to offer a range of working hours for the right candidate - that could be you! Our Live-Well and inspire programme offers opportunities, support and advice, including smoking cessation services, exercise and activity classes, and support for mental health. UHS employees are able to access a huge range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata) on appointment, can access on-site nursery facilities (subject to availability), and we offer a generous pension scheme. The post holder will be work as part of a seven day service covering some weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis with time back in lieu during the week. We would invite you to arrange an informal visit prior to interview or speak with one of the team. Please contact: Rachael Leyland 02381 206725 or 07585961889 or email Rachael.leyland@uhs.nhs.uk WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU As one of the largest acute teaching Trust's in England, we can offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. We believe you deserve the best possible surroundings in which to do your job and we want to support you in doing your job to the best of your ability. As a Trust, we support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. You'll have an opportunity to discuss this at interview. Our LiveWell and inspire programme offers opportunities, support and advice, including smoking cessation services, exercise and activity classes, and support for mental health. UHS employees are able to access a huge range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata) on appointment, can access on-site nursery facilities (subject to availability), and we offer a generous pension scheme. ABOUT OUR TRUST AND SOUTHAMPTON UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and only an hour on the train from central London. The New Forest National Park and the beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than those in London, 13 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted and 13 nearby green spaces to enjoy. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Interviews will be held on Monday, 13 July 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO APPLY If you're interested in applying for this role, we'd encourage you to get in touch using the contact information at the bottom of this ad