B6 Occupational Therapist – ESD: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Occupational Therapist to join our Suffolk Integrated Stroke Service, delivering six-month post-stroke reviews and specialist rehabilitation as part of the Stroke Early Supported Discharge (ESD) Team. Working across patients’ homes and community settings, you will support stroke survivors to achieve maximum independence and rehabilitation potential through comprehensive assessment, treatment and evaluation of evidence-based interventions. You will work collaboratively across the Suffolk Stroke Pathway to ensure seamless transitions from acute hospital care into community services, manage patients with complex needs, provide supervision and support to junior staff and students, and contribute to service development, quality improvement and data collection across the service.

Main duties of the job

To provide a specialist occupational therapy service within the interdisciplinary Stroke Early Supported Discharge (ESD) Team, delivering liaison, assessment and rehabilitation for patients following stroke. Manage a significant caseload autonomously, contributing to multidisciplinary rehabilitation goals and delivering evidence-based assessment and treatment within defined interdisciplinary care plans. Work in accordance with specialist, departmental and national stroke guidelines, including NICE guidance and the National Stroke Strategy, maintaining professional and legal accountability for all aspects of practice.

Adapt interventions to meet the complex communication, cognitive, emotional and physical needs of stroke survivors and ensure patients, families and carers are actively involved in rehabilitation planning and prioritisation. Conduct multidisciplinary initial contact assessments, act as nominated case manager throughout ESD involvement, and provide emotional support to patients and families, drawing on specialist support when required.

Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues and external agencies, including social services and voluntary sector organisations, attending and contributing to MDT meetings and reviews.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Post – graduate experience working within neurology/stroke care.
• Previous experience of working in and with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience in the supervision of rehab assistants (or equivalent).

Desirable

• Previous post graduate clinical experience in stroke care in a community setting.
• Member of specialist interest group.
• Experience of participating in research and audit projects.
• On call or weekend experience

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc /Diploma in Occupational Therapy (3yr) or MSc Occupational Therapy (2Yr)
• HPC Registration.

Desirable

• Evidence of post registration education.
• Clinical fieldwork Educator’s Course.
• Evidence of attendance at specialist stroke courses

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge and application of national guidelines for stoke and relevant standards and outcome measures.
• Competency in physical skills of assessment and treatment of patients with stroke.
• Competency in assessment of patient’s impairments physical and cognitive and formulating treatment plans and appropriate goals
• Good communication, organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience of staff supervision and appraisal of qualifies and unqualified staff.

Communication

Essential

• Good communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Able to empathise with patients who may have life changing, progressive and/or terminal medical conditions.
• To be able to communicate complex and or sensitive information requiring empathy and reassurance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to deal with distressing and emotionally difficult situations

Personal and People Development

Essential

• Able to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Committed to team and personal development.
• Relevant and appropriate continuing professional development portfolio
• Evidence of developed competencies through reflective practices, clinical supervision and performance reviews.
• Experience of supervising rehabilitation assistants.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Able to identify with the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Flexible and adaptable – approach and good problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Willing to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

Other

Essential

• oAble to make own travelling arrangements to meet the demands of the service.

Closing Date: 4 October 2026