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The Hospice of St Francis

Occupational Therapist

The closing date is 19 October 2025

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Job summary

The post holder is a key member of the Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Team and will work to lead and deliver a high-quality Occupational Therapy service within the Hospice. This includes being responsible for the assessment, clinical reasoning and treatment of a mixed caseload of patients on the Inpatient Unit (IPU) as well as holding your own small 1:1 caseload and overseeing groups in the Spring Centre. The post holder will take a holistic approach to practice and support patients in managing their symptoms, empowering them to use self-management techniques and goal setting. They will represent the organisation, uphold the organisations reputation and values, and support income generation activity.

Main duties of the job

To provide Occupational Therapy services for service-users with a life-limiting condition/s within a Hospice setting. To provide Occupational Therapy services on the Inpatient unit, Spring Centre and Community as required. To provide an outpatient service through a 1:1 clinic model as well as group workshops and programmes. To lead on the delivery of programmes of work and manage volunteers that support this. To provide Occupational Therapy advice and treatment which especially focuses on wellbeing, promoting self-management, independence and empowerment for those diagnosed with a potentially life limiting illness. To provide professional leadership and contribute to the multi-disciplinary team across the inpatient unit and out-patient services To attend and contribute to relevant meetings both internally and externally. To have a sound understanding of the patient pathway, referring to other professionals and signposting to other agencies as appropriate. To contribute to the evaluation of the benefits of the Occupational Therapy service users, including the use of outcome measures To build and maintain productive relationships internally and externally to enhance service development and increase accessibility to the service.

About us

This is the perfect opportunity for someone who has an interest in and are looking to further develop their skills and experience in supporting those who are living with a life-limiting illness. You will empower patients to live well by overcoming barriers whilst remaining sensitive to the difficulties they face, supporting people physically and emotionally.

You are passionate about working with curative and palliative patients, taking a holistic approach to care. You will use your fantastic skills and expertise and continue to shape and improve your practice, because you understand the direct impact that it has on peoples lives.

If you are looking for your next challenge that will be truly rewarding and flexible around your other work, we want to hear from you.

The successful candidate will work closely and provide leadership within a talented, multi-disciplinary team and other care providers at The Hospice of St Francis. Clinically you will be responsible for the assessment, clinical reasoning and treatment of a mixed caseload of patients on the Inpatient Unit (IPU) as well as holding your own small 1:1 caseload and overseeing groups in the Spring Centre.

Details

Date posted

03 October 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£33 to £36 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

B0249-25-0008

Job locations

The Hospice Of St. Francis

Spring Garden Lane

Berkhamsted

Hertfordshire

HP4 3GW


Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Accountabilities, Responsibilities & Tasks

Role Specifics

Pro-active approach to work and problem solving, and the ability to spot and deal with issues as they occur

Excellent organisation, prioritisation, project co-ordination skills.

Proven listening skills, with the ability and skill to lead and influence others

Advanced understanding of confidentiality, consent, capacity, data protection and the general data protection regulations

Able to deliver on deadlines and sudden pressures whilst maintaining accuracy and attention to detail

Numerate and literate, able to draft documents and compile reports and use Microsoft office (or equivalents) and electronic patient information systems

Able to work under own initiative, under pressure within structured timescales.

To work within the regulatory body frameworks and Hospice values at all times,

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, working with integrity at all times

Ability to work within objectives and evaluate service accordingly providing a sustainable service

Excellent understanding of unconscious bias in your own practice with a solution focused approach to identifying and resolving the blocks, access and engagement

Qualifications, Skills, Experience, Knowledge & Approach

Essential:

BSc in Occupational Therapy

Registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Experience, or willingness to facilitate and deliver self-management groups and workshops

Must have knowledge of adaptations and equipment

Must have a person-centred approach to practice

Must demonstrate awareness of current legislation relevant to post, for example, MCA and Safeguarding

Some understanding of Palliative Care and Hospice philosophy

A good understanding of social issues pertaining to disability

Flexible attitude and empathetic manner

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Excellent IT skills

Ability to deal with complex and emotional situations

Articulate and able to clearly record professional activity

Ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines

Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team

To work as an effective and supportive member of a multi-professional team

  • Maintain continuing professional support and self-development to develop own skills and knowledge through additional education and training

Desirable:

Minimum of 3 years practice experience since qualification.

Membership with the Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT)

Experience or understanding of working in diverse communities, understanding and overcoming the impact of discrimination

Understanding of working therapeutically with patients living with a life-limiting illness.

Experience or relevant knowledge of working in a palliative care setting

Experience in supervising a team of skilled volunteers

Experience working with patients with complex psychological and physical symptoms

Understanding of CBT approaches and techniques

Experience of using IT system System1

Communication

Excellent communication skills with mental agility to think on feet and deliver safe practical solutions

Resilience when dealing with challenging and complex situations

Self-motivated and able to work on your own initiative within a team environment

See the potential in others and understand the impact of their actions on colleagues

To have a visible and approachable presence

Can communicate in more than one language relevant to the population served (desirable)

Internal & External Contacts

Members of the public as patients, carers and family members.

Colleagues and managers in your immediate team/organisation and across specialties and organisations

Actively participate in local, national and international networking to maintain and develop expert level of knowledge and to act as a resource for education and clinical expertise

Decision Making

Able to consolidate learning with speed and efficiency, working with pace and accuracy

Able to synthesise data, reach objective conclusions and evidence recommendations

The post holder is expected to take significant responsibility and autonomy for their area of work and work with a range of people at all levels internally and externally

Excellent understanding of unconscious bias in your own practice with a solution focused approach to identifying and resolving the blocks to access and engagement

Understand and assess reputational risk, compliance and safeguarding risk and seek appropriate advice

Freedom to act within delegated responsibility and organisational policy and procedure

Act in accordance with professional body requirements and always be accountable for own actions

Mental and Physical Consideration. Working Conditions & Environment

The ability to build rapport quickly and effectively and sustain productive working relationships with a wide range of people in different circumstances, situations and roles

The post holder will be required to work in a high volume, fast-paced environment.

Ability to adapt to differing learning situations and adjust teaching and mentoring styles accordingly

Frequent interruptions should be expected. Competing priorities are commonplace.

The post holder will encounter emotional and distressing circumstances.

Frequent change from one activity to another, this includes long periods working at a computer

Health & Safety

See the potential in others and understand the impact of their actions on colleagues

Equally able to work on own, initiate and deliver and work in collaborative teams

Understand and comply with all Infection Prevention and Control Health and Safety, Fire regulations

Ensure own safety and that of others in the course of work

Report any accidents or incidents

Safeguarding

Act in a manner at all times to safeguard the interests of individual patients/clients and their families and justify public trust and confidence in the Hospice of St Francis

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Accountabilities, Responsibilities & Tasks

Role Specifics

Pro-active approach to work and problem solving, and the ability to spot and deal with issues as they occur

Excellent organisation, prioritisation, project co-ordination skills.

Proven listening skills, with the ability and skill to lead and influence others

Advanced understanding of confidentiality, consent, capacity, data protection and the general data protection regulations

Able to deliver on deadlines and sudden pressures whilst maintaining accuracy and attention to detail

Numerate and literate, able to draft documents and compile reports and use Microsoft office (or equivalents) and electronic patient information systems

Able to work under own initiative, under pressure within structured timescales.

To work within the regulatory body frameworks and Hospice values at all times,

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, working with integrity at all times

Ability to work within objectives and evaluate service accordingly providing a sustainable service

Excellent understanding of unconscious bias in your own practice with a solution focused approach to identifying and resolving the blocks, access and engagement

Qualifications, Skills, Experience, Knowledge & Approach

Essential:

BSc in Occupational Therapy

Registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Experience, or willingness to facilitate and deliver self-management groups and workshops

Must have knowledge of adaptations and equipment

Must have a person-centred approach to practice

Must demonstrate awareness of current legislation relevant to post, for example, MCA and Safeguarding

Some understanding of Palliative Care and Hospice philosophy

A good understanding of social issues pertaining to disability

Flexible attitude and empathetic manner

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Excellent IT skills

Ability to deal with complex and emotional situations

Articulate and able to clearly record professional activity

Ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines

Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team

To work as an effective and supportive member of a multi-professional team

  • Maintain continuing professional support and self-development to develop own skills and knowledge through additional education and training

Desirable:

Minimum of 3 years practice experience since qualification.

Membership with the Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT)

Experience or understanding of working in diverse communities, understanding and overcoming the impact of discrimination

Understanding of working therapeutically with patients living with a life-limiting illness.

Experience or relevant knowledge of working in a palliative care setting

Experience in supervising a team of skilled volunteers

Experience working with patients with complex psychological and physical symptoms

Understanding of CBT approaches and techniques

Experience of using IT system System1

Communication

Excellent communication skills with mental agility to think on feet and deliver safe practical solutions

Resilience when dealing with challenging and complex situations

Self-motivated and able to work on your own initiative within a team environment

See the potential in others and understand the impact of their actions on colleagues

To have a visible and approachable presence

Can communicate in more than one language relevant to the population served (desirable)

Internal & External Contacts

Members of the public as patients, carers and family members.

Colleagues and managers in your immediate team/organisation and across specialties and organisations

Actively participate in local, national and international networking to maintain and develop expert level of knowledge and to act as a resource for education and clinical expertise

Decision Making

Able to consolidate learning with speed and efficiency, working with pace and accuracy

Able to synthesise data, reach objective conclusions and evidence recommendations

The post holder is expected to take significant responsibility and autonomy for their area of work and work with a range of people at all levels internally and externally

Excellent understanding of unconscious bias in your own practice with a solution focused approach to identifying and resolving the blocks to access and engagement

Understand and assess reputational risk, compliance and safeguarding risk and seek appropriate advice

Freedom to act within delegated responsibility and organisational policy and procedure

Act in accordance with professional body requirements and always be accountable for own actions

Mental and Physical Consideration. Working Conditions & Environment

The ability to build rapport quickly and effectively and sustain productive working relationships with a wide range of people in different circumstances, situations and roles

The post holder will be required to work in a high volume, fast-paced environment.

Ability to adapt to differing learning situations and adjust teaching and mentoring styles accordingly

Frequent interruptions should be expected. Competing priorities are commonplace.

The post holder will encounter emotional and distressing circumstances.

Frequent change from one activity to another, this includes long periods working at a computer

Health & Safety

See the potential in others and understand the impact of their actions on colleagues

Equally able to work on own, initiate and deliver and work in collaborative teams

Understand and comply with all Infection Prevention and Control Health and Safety, Fire regulations

Ensure own safety and that of others in the course of work

Report any accidents or incidents

Safeguarding

Act in a manner at all times to safeguard the interests of individual patients/clients and their families and justify public trust and confidence in the Hospice of St Francis

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • To provide Occupational Therapy services for service-users with a life-limiting condition/s within a Hospice setting.
  • To provide Occupational Therapy services on the Inpatient unit, Spring Centre and Community as required.
  • To provide an outpatient service through a 1:1 clinic model as well as group workshops and programmes.
  • To lead on the delivery of programmes of work and manage volunteers that support this.
  • To provide Occupational Therapy advice and treatment which especially focuses on wellbeing, promoting self-management, independence and empowerment for those diagnosed with a potentially life limiting illness.
  • To provide professional leadership and contribute to the multi-disciplinary team across the inpatient unit and out-patient services
  • To attend and contribute to relevant meetings both internally and externally.
  • To have a sound understanding of the patient pathway, referring to other professionals and signposting to other agencies as appropriate.
  • To contribute to the evaluation of the benefits of the Occupational Therapy service users, including the use of outcome measures
  • To build and maintain productive relationships internally and externally to enhance service development and increase accessibility to the service.
  • To ensure quality and standards are always maintained and are within those set by both The Hospice of St Francis and Codes of Practice as set by the relevant governing bodies.
  • To have a comprehensive understanding of the patient pathway, referring to other professionals and signposting to other agencies as appropriate.
  • To have experience in the use of Microsoft, Excel and to be able to use electronic patient records.
  • Maintain and demonstrate current knowledge of the safeguarding policy and legislation concerning adults and children, ensuring these perspectives contribute to the work of the Hospice in delivering care and support.
  • Deliver and maintain professional relationships with individuals, local organisations and charities. whether direct, or indirect interface with the Hospice.
  • To demonstrate professional expertise and ensure all tasks are completed in line with best practice and Hospice policy.
  • To be able to work flexibly to match service needs
  • Prepare accurate records in line with the Data Protection Act and Hospice policies.
  • To update service guidelines, policies, booklets and leaflets as required.
  • Participate fully, and play an active role in supervision, team meetings and annual appraisal.
  • Complete assessment, risk paperwork and subsequent administrative follow-up as appropriate.
  • When handling personally identifiable and sensitive information ensure your conduct is consistent with the requirements of the legislative, and regulatory frameworks for information and information governance, whether that be in hard or soft copy or digital formats
  • Keep up to date of key changes in policy, legislation and governance requirements relevant to the role and the Charity
  • Act as a role model promoting the values of the Charity in accordance with the post holders professional Code of Practice.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Essential:
  • BSc in Occupational Therapy
  • Registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • Experience, or willingness to facilitate and deliver self-management groups and workshops
  • Must have knowledge of adaptations and equipment
  • Must have a person-centred approach to practice
  • Must demonstrate awareness of current legislation relevant to post, for example, MCA and Safeguarding
  • Some understanding of Palliative Care and Hospice philosophy
  • A good understanding of social issues pertaining to disability
  • Flexible attitude and empathetic manner
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent IT skills
  • Ability to deal with complex and emotional situations
  • Articulate and able to clearly record professional activity
  • Ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines
  • Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
  • To work as an effective and supportive member of a multi-professional team
  • Maintain continuing professional support and self-development to develop own skills and knowledge through additional education and training

Desirable

  • Desirable:
  • Minimum of 3 years practice experience since qualification.
  • Membership with the Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT)
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • To provide Occupational Therapy services for service-users with a life-limiting condition/s within a Hospice setting.
  • To provide Occupational Therapy services on the Inpatient unit, Spring Centre and Community as required.
  • To provide an outpatient service through a 1:1 clinic model as well as group workshops and programmes.
  • To lead on the delivery of programmes of work and manage volunteers that support this.
  • To provide Occupational Therapy advice and treatment which especially focuses on wellbeing, promoting self-management, independence and empowerment for those diagnosed with a potentially life limiting illness.
  • To provide professional leadership and contribute to the multi-disciplinary team across the inpatient unit and out-patient services
  • To attend and contribute to relevant meetings both internally and externally.
  • To have a sound understanding of the patient pathway, referring to other professionals and signposting to other agencies as appropriate.
  • To contribute to the evaluation of the benefits of the Occupational Therapy service users, including the use of outcome measures
  • To build and maintain productive relationships internally and externally to enhance service development and increase accessibility to the service.
  • To ensure quality and standards are always maintained and are within those set by both The Hospice of St Francis and Codes of Practice as set by the relevant governing bodies.
  • To have a comprehensive understanding of the patient pathway, referring to other professionals and signposting to other agencies as appropriate.
  • To have experience in the use of Microsoft, Excel and to be able to use electronic patient records.
  • Maintain and demonstrate current knowledge of the safeguarding policy and legislation concerning adults and children, ensuring these perspectives contribute to the work of the Hospice in delivering care and support.
  • Deliver and maintain professional relationships with individuals, local organisations and charities. whether direct, or indirect interface with the Hospice.
  • To demonstrate professional expertise and ensure all tasks are completed in line with best practice and Hospice policy.
  • To be able to work flexibly to match service needs
  • Prepare accurate records in line with the Data Protection Act and Hospice policies.
  • To update service guidelines, policies, booklets and leaflets as required.
  • Participate fully, and play an active role in supervision, team meetings and annual appraisal.
  • Complete assessment, risk paperwork and subsequent administrative follow-up as appropriate.
  • When handling personally identifiable and sensitive information ensure your conduct is consistent with the requirements of the legislative, and regulatory frameworks for information and information governance, whether that be in hard or soft copy or digital formats
  • Keep up to date of key changes in policy, legislation and governance requirements relevant to the role and the Charity
  • Act as a role model promoting the values of the Charity in accordance with the post holders professional Code of Practice.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Essential:
  • BSc in Occupational Therapy
  • Registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • Experience, or willingness to facilitate and deliver self-management groups and workshops
  • Must have knowledge of adaptations and equipment
  • Must have a person-centred approach to practice
  • Must demonstrate awareness of current legislation relevant to post, for example, MCA and Safeguarding
  • Some understanding of Palliative Care and Hospice philosophy
  • A good understanding of social issues pertaining to disability
  • Flexible attitude and empathetic manner
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent IT skills
  • Ability to deal with complex and emotional situations
  • Articulate and able to clearly record professional activity
  • Ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines
  • Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
  • To work as an effective and supportive member of a multi-professional team
  • Maintain continuing professional support and self-development to develop own skills and knowledge through additional education and training

Desirable

  • Desirable:
  • Minimum of 3 years practice experience since qualification.
  • Membership with the Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT)

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.

Employer details

Employer name

The Hospice of St Francis

Address

The Hospice Of St. Francis

Spring Garden Lane

Berkhamsted

Hertfordshire

HP4 3GW


Employer's website

https://www.stfrancis.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

The Hospice of St Francis

Address

The Hospice Of St. Francis

Spring Garden Lane

Berkhamsted

Hertfordshire

HP4 3GW


Employer's website

https://www.stfrancis.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head of HR

Tracy Petzing

recruitment@stfrancis.org.uk

01442869550

Details

Date posted

03 October 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£33 to £36 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

B0249-25-0008

Job locations

The Hospice Of St. Francis

Spring Garden Lane

Berkhamsted

Hertfordshire

HP4 3GW


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