Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Job Title:  Specialist Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist – Neurosciences
Contract Type: Fixed Term (secondment)
Fixed Term Contract End Date: November 2027
Purpose for Fixed Term: 12-month secondment

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications

We are seeking an experienced B6 Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist in a 12-month fixed-term secondment opportunity. This post is a full-time (1 WTE) opportunity working in neurosciences.
The post holder will be part of the wider neurosciences service, with close links to all the neurosciences and relevant therapy teams. You need to have flexibility in hours, supporting the team to deliver patient care across a 7-day service, including weekends and bank holidays and on-calls.

We are looking for a skilled and dynamic Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to provide senior clinical and operational leadership, alongside the current senior therapists within the UHS neurosciences team and assist with the strategic development of the therapy service within neurosciences. You will have robust experience in acute care and in proven leadership across the MDT.

You will work as part of a combined therapy services team delivering patient care across a 7-day service, including weekends and bank holidays, on a roster basis. 

This post is part of the wider Therapy Services department. You will have many opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge through our in-service training. You will be part of a large department of over 300 Therapy staff, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Therapy support staff.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. 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. 

 We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

 Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

 We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic and experienced Specialist Occupational Therapist, or Physiotherapist, who wishes to develop new leadership skills, whilst specialising in neurosciences, for a 12-month fixed term.

You will be completing specialised neuro-specific assessments, goal-directed treatments & multi-therapy discharge planning. You will be required to liaise closely with local community services, specialist regional units & local DGHs.

We are looking for someone who is/has:

-    Proven clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of neuro patients within acute care
-    Enhanced leadership skills to work alongside the multi-professional team
-    Solid foundation in audit, research, personal and service development
-    Confident educator of staff and peer professionals

There is regular clinical supervision as well as peer support. There are also opportunities for involvement in audit, research & service development is always encouraged as we strive for new & innovative ways of working.

Attached you will find the person specification document, which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role; however, you also need to demonstrate the following specific skills and knowledge:

Essential:

•    Postgraduate experience of working in the acute hospital setting, including working with neurological patients and undertaking neurological assessments
•    Proven senior experience in acute early rehabilitation of patients with complex needs
•    Clear expressed desire and reasons for working in acute neurological rehabilitation, and within UHS, on your application form.
•    Evidence of personal development within acute neurosciences, to support enhanced skills and decision-making
•    Robust knowledge and understanding of NHS systems
•     Postgraduate experience in supervising other staff and students
•    OT specific: Experience of assessing complex functional abilities and assessing and ordering complex equipment for discharge
•    Physio Specific: Postgraduate experience managing inpatient respiratory patients and
participating in acute respiratory on-call services

Desirable:

•    Evidence of providing teaching to therapy staff and students
•    Demonstrable leadership skills

Please note:
•    Before applying, please ensure you will be able to attend an interview in person. 
•    If you invited to interview, please dress in smart, comfortable clothing.
•    The interviews will take place in person on the 9th of October. 
•    No virtual interviews will be offered, please do not apply if you will be unable to attend in person.
•    This post is for a qualified OT or Physiotherapist with postgraduate experience and not a new graduate position. Please enquire about our newly qualified B5 posts separately.
•    If you are an internal UHS candidate, please discuss your application with your current manager before applying as this is a fixed term opportunity only.
•    We do not accept CV applications.
•    As part of these interviews, we may put names in reserve for similar B6 OT or Physiotherapy fixed term opportunities 
•    Please be aware me may close the advert early if we get too many applications.
•    You will only be contacted if you are successfully shortlisted.
•    We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

For other therapy opportunities please email: Annette.Purkis@uhs.nhs.uk

We look forward to hearing from you.