Specialist Occupational Therapist

Job summary
The postholder will provide specialised occupational therapy assessment and treatment to adults with complex neurological conditions within inpatient, outpatient and specialist clinic settings at the Oxford Centre for Enablement. Working autonomously with support from senior occupational therapists, they will manage a complex caseload, develop and review individualised, evidence-based rehabilitation plans, assess functional abilities, cognition and home environments, and promote patients' independence, participation and quality of life.

The role involves working collaboratively within the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to establish rehabilitation goals, coordinate treatment, support discharge planning, conduct home visits and recommend appropriate equipment, care arrangements and onward referrals. The postholder will act as a keyworker for designated patients, chair goal-planning and discharge meetings when required, and ensure safe practice through appropriate risk assessment and manual handling.

Effective communication is essential when working with patients, families, carers, healthcare professionals and external agencies, particularly when managing complex physical, cognitive, emotional or communication needs. Responsibilities also include maintaining accurate clinical records, obtaining informed consent, assessing mental capacity and adhering to relevant legal, ethical and professional standards.

Main duties of the job

• Conduct comprehensive standardised and non-standardised assessments of patients' functional abilities, cognitive skills, home environments and psychological needs, seeking guidance from senior colleagues when managing highly complex cases.
• Effectively prioritise and manage an individual patient caseload, developing tailored occupational therapy interventions under the guidance and supervision of Highly Specialist Occupational Therapists.
• Undertake home visits to support safe discharge planning, working collaboratively with health and social care professionals to assess equipment and care requirements and facilitate appropriate referrals to onward services.

About us
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and most respected NHS teaching trusts, providing world-class healthcare across four hospitals: the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and Horton General Hospital and over one hundred satellite sites. Find out more information here OUH at a Glance 2026/27

You'll become part of an organisation at the forefront of patient care, research, education and innovation. You'll have access to excellent learning and development opportunities, work alongside highly skilled multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to services that make a real difference.

Our commitment to Delivering Compassionate Excellence is at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence, we strive to create an environment where staff feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel and the OneTeamOneOUH - LIVING OUR VALUES video.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and safe workplace for everyone. As signatories to the NHS Sexual Safety Charter, we have a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate behaviour and are dedicated to fostering a culture where all colleagues feel welcomed, respected and able to be themselves. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles.

Details
Date posted: 16 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 321-MRC-OCE-8279544-B6

Person Specification
Essential

• Degree/diploma in Occupational Therapy
• Post-qualifying experience within a neurological setting
• Experience of discharge planning and liaison with other health/social care professionals and outside agencies
• Good knowledge of neurological conditions/illnesses
• Knowledge of the skills required in the assessment and treatment of neurological patients
• Knowledge of the range of therapeutic approaches/interventions available to OTs working in neurology
• Knowledge of some of the evidence base for OT treatments used in neurology
• Experience of contributing to service developments/clinical audit
• Evidence of active engagement in post-registration professional development/courses

Desirable

• Evidence of attendance at formal neuro specific courses/professional development within neurology
• Experience of working in a neurological rehabilitation setting
• Experience as a practice educator to OT students
• Experience of contributing to internal training/teaching

Contact
Lead OT: Alison Bragg, View email address on meeveem.com, View phone number on meeveem.com

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. Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.