Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner in Emergency Care: Sponsorship Available

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Job Summary

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust are delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us in the Emergency Care Therapy Team (ECTT).

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the specialist Emergency Care OT Team at Derriford Hospital. ECTT are keen to recruit a passionate and motivated Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner.

The post will involve (clinical and non-clinical) assessment, treatment and discharge of an identified caseload of patients within the Emergency Department, Acute Medical Units and Frailty Same Day Emergency Careas part of the wider ECTT. The postholder will conduct Outreach visits with patients within their own home, conducting functional assessments, assessing for and installing equipment and providing guidance around other adaptations. All clinical duties will be undertaken within agreed protocol and the individual’s scope of practice.

The clinical caseload will be allocated and indirectly supervised by the relevant, qualified, HCPC registered Occupational Therapists within each area.

The applicant must be able to take an active part on the 7-day working rota and late shift working pattern.

Main duties of the job

Work under the direction of an HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist, performing specific tasks for individuals as part of treatment programs. Follow protocols and competencies for this role and act as the first contact in specific situations.

  • Manage patients by assessing needs, developing treatment plans, and reviewing progress.
  • Plan and prioritize therapy assessments and case monitoring within competencies, following guidelines.
  • Conduct initial discussions, gather information from patients, carers, and IT systems; perform functional, cognitive, mobility, and stair assessments.
  • Plan outreach visits, assess patients at home, and provide guidance on equipment, adaptations, and support services while ensuring personal safety.
  • Provide equipment, training, and education to patients and families, liaising with carers and agencies for safe discharge or transfer of care.
  • Manage own caseload assessing and mitigating risks within competencies.
  • Screen Emergency Care patients to identify those suitable for further assessment by ECTT.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Broad range of demonstrable acute hospital / healthcare setting experience.
  • Previous employment / demonstrable experience working within an OT service in a similar role.
  • Completed Band 3 Therapy competencies with reflective practice and a portfolio to support this

Desirable

  • Proven knowledge and demonstrable experience of OT treatment / rehabilitation for patients with trauma or acute illness.
  • Proven knowledge and demonstrable experience of working with physiotherapists with proven evidence to support this.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Foundation Degree or equivalent in relevant subject, Or
  • Minimum NVQ / diploma in healthcare or equivalent level 3.

Desirable

  • Attendance of professional courses applicable to the emergency care setting.

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

  • Effective Interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Professional and patient focussed approach acting as a role model to colleagues and junior staff members.
  • Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage own time, prioritise and plan timed activities.

Desirable

  • Proven evidence of personal leadership.
  • Healthcare values based education and training.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Closing Date: 25 August 2025

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.