University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Occupational Therapy Advanced Technical Instructor

The closing date is 15 October 2025

Job summary

To perform specific therapeutic (clinical and non-clinical) assessment, treatment and discharge of an identified caseload of patients within the Acute Healthcare of the Elderly Wards as part of the wider Occupational Therapy Team. The clinical caseload will be allocated and indirectly supervised by the relevant qualified and Health and Care Professions Council registered Occupational Therapists within each area.

To undertake all aspects of clinical duties within an agreed protocol within the individuals scope of practice. To ensure competence is gained and retained in all areas in which you practice.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

To work without direct supervision but under the direction of an HCPC registered OT to perform specific tasks for an individual or group of patients, as part of their treatment & rehabilitation programmes. To work within protocols & competencies specific to this post.

Patient management includes: assessment & information gathering to identify patient needs; development of treatment plans & review of progress at regular intervals; & delivery of care & rehabilitation.

Plan & prioritise own assessments & case monitoring, within competencies, following guidelines, protocols & care pathways.

Treatment activities might include an initial discussion with the patient and information gathering via liaising with the patient/carers/family and use of IT systems. Functional assessments; basic cognitive assessments; mobility and stair assessments as appropriate.

Intervention/Treatment activities might include equipment provision/training, educating & advising patients & their families about their situation & options for the future. There will be liaison with family, carers & external agencies to ensure safe & effective discharge of patients from the Acute Trust &/or appropriate transfer of care to other services.

Take ownership of own caseload on theHCE Wards, assessing & managing risks within scope of competencies.

Screening of patients within all areas of the HCE Wards to ascertain those that are suitable to be assessed further by the OT.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Date posted

02 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-PL-C7492983

Job locations

UHP NHS Trust

Derriford road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical

1 To be accountable for own clinical practice and caseload management. To work independently under the supervision of qualified staff, implementing OT specific treatments and rehabilitation programmes and progress patients as appropriate.

2. Plan and manage own patient caseload within the Acute setting.

3. Where appropriate be the first point of therapy contact and gain social history from patients, families, carers or other health care providers.

4. To understand, provide, receive and exchange complex condition related information with patients and relatives, who may have communication difficulties. Patients may have complex acute or long term communication problems: e.g. aphasia, patients with dementia.

5. To be aware at all times of the needs of patients during illness or disability and to promote and encourage independence and restoration of function.

6. To communicate effectively with patients and carers. Communication skills of persuasion, motivation and explanation will be needed. Barriers to communication may include loss of hearing, altered cognition & perception, pain and dementia.

7. To be actively involved in the communication of information regarding patients conditions and any other useful information to the occupational therapists and other members of the multidisciplinary team.

8. To attend MDT meetings and be involved with patient discharge planning processes.

9. To complete functional assessments on and off the wards and in patients home environment as appropriate e.g. PADL assessments and kitchen safety.

10. To work independently, but under the supervision of an HCPC registered occupational therapist to perform procedures and treatment plans for an individual or group of patients, as part of their treatment and rehabilitation programmes.

11. To write treatment notes in a concise, accurate and timely manner in line with departmental standards. These notes do not require qualified staff countersignature.

12. To be involved in the induction, training, development and supervision of students, therapy support staff and occupational therapists.

13. To undertake any non-clinical / clerical duties as necessary. This may include maintaining stock levels, ordering equipment, and filing, dealing with telephone calls, and cleaning.

14. To be involved in the ordering and delivery of therapy equipment required for discharge.

15. To complete environmental visits to patients homes to assess suitability for larger equipment e.g. hoists, wheelchairs.

16. To assess and review patients in their home environment to identify equipment needs and on-going support / care needs with guidance from an Occupational Therapist.

17. To assist with the fabrication of thermoplastic splints as requested by the occupational therapists, if required.

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE

1. To actively participate in the Trusts Personal Development Programme (PDP) and have a positive approach to continual professional development.

2. The post holder will demonstrate skills and knowledge regarding urgent/acute care, trauma and illness, and extended knowledge and intervention skills beyond that of a therapy technician. These skills and knowledge will be gained through specific advanced training, experience or formal qualifications to NQV 3 / equivalent or higher levels.

3. The post holder will demonstrate specialist knowledge of discharge support services for Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall.

4. The post holder will demonstrate skills and knowledge regarding trauma, illness and conditions presenting on the medical/ surgical wards and the contraindications / precautions for functional assessment and intervention.

SEE JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DETAILS