Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Occupational Therapist Advanced (XR07)

The closing date is 13 January 2026

Job summary

Expected Shortlisting Date

13/01/2026

Planned Interview Date

26/01/2026

Highly Specialised Occupational Therapist - Hands & Plastic Therapy Team

B7 - 0.5 WTE Fixed Term Contract until 27/11/26

We have an exciting opportunity to recruit a dedicated and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to work in our Hands & Plastics Therapy Team at LGI. Clinically you will be working closely with the MDT during daily trauma clinics and will also support a range of more specialised Regional Clinics such as Childrens upper limb, Major Nerve injuries, Spasticity and Hand Transplant. The caseload of the Leeds Hands and Plastics service covers both Adults and Children. The team also in-reach onto the Plastics and Major Trauma wards to support in-patient staff in the management of complex patients in their care.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate significant post graduate experience and clinical knowledge of the assessment and management of hand, wrist and upper limb injuries including splinting. They will be required to demonstrate an ability to work both as an autonomous practitioner, and also as part of the multidisciplinary team. Evidence of management of complex patients with Occupation at the heart of your treatment and management strategies is essential.

Main duties of the job

This post is based within a joint Hand Therapy Team and is made up of a Clinical Specialist, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Senior Support Worker Staff. We have strong links across the Hand Unit and work closely with all the multi-professional team. We are also looking for a candidate who can demonstrate strong leadership skills, working with empathy and understanding of the complexities and challenges of the NHS and the ability to lead outside of your professional group.

Working alongside our Senior Therapy Team, you will be involved in operational management, leadership and continued development of the whole therapy team offering regular supervision, and teaching to staff. You will also carry a varied clinical caseload and play an essential role in the day to day support of the staff you will be leading.

For enquiries and more information please contact Kelly Harrison, kelly.harrison2@nhs.net/ 0113 3922720 or Joanna Burdon, joanna.burdon@nhs.net.

Interviews: week commencing 26/01/26

About us

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Details

Date posted

23 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

11 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

C9298-ATH-458

Job locations

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS13EX


Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

This post holder will be a lead clinician for the hands and plastics outpatient team. You will be outpatient based and have significant expertise in the field of orthopaedics with a specific interest in the assessment and treatment of patients attending the Hand Unit.

This post will share operational leadership responsibility along with other senior therapy staff,for the team in which they are working. The post holder will work closely with other senior staff to lead their team on a day to day basis, liaising effectively with the Therapy Clinical Service -

Manager.

3. JOB PURPOSE

3.1 To provide the advanced therapeutic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients within this specialist field who may have complex physical and psychological conditions and/or chronic presentation. He/She will play a key role in the development, implementation and evaluation of specialist therapy rehabilitation programmes and packages of care.

3.2 As an experienced therapist the jobholder will assist in co-ordinating the activities of the team ensuring efficient and effective service provision. He/she will be required to ensure effective communication is maintained at all times, whilst providing training, supervision and clinical expertise to qualified and unqualified staff and students.

3.3 As a lead clinician in this speciality, the jobholder will act as a role model to the therapy team, promoting quality evidence based practice, developing the -therapy team and contributing to the effective management of the team in the absence of the Therapy Clinical Service - Manager

4. JOB DIMENSIONS.

4.1 The post holder will be responsible for managing their own individual caseload which will be varied and on occasions require prioritisation to best meet the service demands.

4.2 To undertake all aspects of work as an autonomous practitioner within this specialist field.

4.3 He/She will be required to support the Therapy Clinical -Service Manager in the day to day management of this team of physiotherapists, support staff and students.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

6.1 Qualifications

6.1.1 Degree or equivalent

6.1.2 Attendance on relevant post graduate courses

6 .2 Experience

6.2.1 Diverse experience across a number of specialities within this specific clinical field including a significant period working as a senior clinician

6.2.2 Clinical audit and standard setting

6.2.3 Working with a wide range of professionals including medical, nursing, therapy and management colleagues

6.3 Skills

6.3.1 Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing within a uni and multi professional team

6.3.2 Ability to prioritise, organise and allocate workload.

6.3.3 Ability to teach, supervise and assess qualified, unqualified staff and students

6.3.4 Time management skills

6.3.5 Clinical leadership

6.4 Knowledge

6.4.1 Sound knowledge of clinical speciality acquired through in depth experience and/or academic study to post graduate level or equivalent.

6.4.2 Working knowledge of current professional issues and those influencing the NHS.

6.4.3 Standards of professional practice.

6.5 Personal Attributes

6.5.1 Professional and patient focused

6.5.2 Flexible, adaptable, capable of lateral thinking

6.5.3 Excellent interpersonal skills

6.5.4 Ability to work independently or as part of a team

8. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

The behaviours and skills that are required to perform effectively in the particular role. The Trust has a set of expected behaviours for all employees and additional behaviours and skills that are expected of managers and supervisors.

CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

An understanding of the organisational structure and working practices of this organisation with regard to the provision of high quality occupational therapy/physiotherapy services to this specialist area.

To have a working knowledge of and be guided by broad professional / clinical policies and standards e.g. those set by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Occupational Therapy, the Health Professions Council and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.

9. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Clinical

9.1.1 To be professional and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work relating to the assessment and treatment of patients in your care undertaking clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner.

9.1.2 To undertake the comprehensive assessment and treatment of patients including those with diverse/complex /multi pathological presentation. This will necessitate the use of advanced investigative and analytical skills to formulate an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan from a range of options.

9.1.3 Using advanced investigative and analytical skills to formulate individualised management and treatment plans including the development of complex discharge plans.

9.1.4 To accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients within this specialist field and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and use of time.

9.1.5 To demonstrate dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory skills in the assessment and manual treatment of patients.

9.1.6 To develop and deliver the therapy element of the rehabilitation programme, and on occasion to deliver some elements normally undertaken by nursing colleagues.

9.1.7 To be an active member of the out of hours service.(Applicable to

Physiotherapy only)

9.1.8 The working pattern will require flexibility including seven day working to ensure safe and effective service provision.

9.1.9 Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients to progress treatment and rehabilitation programmes. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding, communicating or have challenging behaviour.

9.1.10 Ability to work in a stressful environment imparting complex information regarding poor rehabilitation prognosis on a daily basis.

9.1.11 Ability to deal effectively with emotional and/or aggressive patients and/or carers on a daily basis. This will necessitate the use of developed communication skills e.g. the ability to negotiate, motivate and reassure.

9.1.12 Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and have the knowledge to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

9.1.13 To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients under your management and support more junior staff to do likewise.

9.1.14 Formulate and deliver specialised therapy treatment programmes based on a sound knowledge of evidence based practice and treatment options using clinical assessment, reasoning skills and knowledge of treatment options.

9.1.15 To represent the therapy service and /or individual patients at multi-disciplinary team meetings, to ensure the delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service and integration of physiotherapy treatment. This will include discussion of patient care, patient progress and involvement in discharge planning.

9.1.16 In the absence of the Therapy Clinical Service Manager to represent the trust externally (locally, regionally and nationally) regarding therapy services provided to this group of patients.

9.1.17 To initiate, lead and participate in specialist research.

9.2 Education and Training

9.2.1 To provide spontaneous and planned specialist advice, teaching and instruction to relatives, carers and other professionals, to promote understanding of the aims of physiotherapy, and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care.

9.2.2 To effectively communicate complex clinical information with patients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential and to ensure understanding of their condition.

9.2.3 To be an active member of the in-service training programme. You will be responsible for the provision of specialist teaching to peers and juniors on a range of subjects through the delivery of in-service training sessions, tutorials, individual training sessions, external courses and peer review.

9.2.4 To co-ordinate and deliver core training within the speciality to qualified and unqualified occupational therapy/ physiotherapy staff and students.

9.2.5 To train, supervise and performance manage more junior staff, technical instructors, assistants and students on a daily basis. This will include the use of formal appraisal documentation.

9.2.6 To provide daily support, guidance and training to more junior staff, support workers and students, assessing, evaluating and ensuring competence.

9.2.7 To provide highly specialist advice, teaching and training to Occupational Therapy/physiotherapy colleagues and other members of the MDT regarding the medical and -therapy management of this group of patients.

9.3 Professional and Managerial

9.3.1 Maintain and develop current knowledge of evidence based practice in this specialist clinical field.

9.3.2 As a senior member of the clinical team you will be required to ensure that you implement policy and service development changes and ensure that others do likewise.

9.3.3 To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through Continued Professional Development activities and maintain a portfolio which reflects your own personal development.

9.3.4 To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with medical, nursing and therapy colleagues to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service. This will include case conferences, ward rounds and discharge planning as appropriate.

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

This post holder will be a lead clinician for the hands and plastics outpatient team. You will be outpatient based and have significant expertise in the field of orthopaedics with a specific interest in the assessment and treatment of patients attending the Hand Unit.

This post will share operational leadership responsibility along with other senior therapy staff,for the team in which they are working. The post holder will work closely with other senior staff to lead their team on a day to day basis, liaising effectively with the Therapy Clinical Service -

Manager.

3. JOB PURPOSE

3.1 To provide the advanced therapeutic assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients within this specialist field who may have complex physical and psychological conditions and/or chronic presentation. He/She will play a key role in the development, implementation and evaluation of specialist therapy rehabilitation programmes and packages of care.

3.2 As an experienced therapist the jobholder will assist in co-ordinating the activities of the team ensuring efficient and effective service provision. He/she will be required to ensure effective communication is maintained at all times, whilst providing training, supervision and clinical expertise to qualified and unqualified staff and students.

3.3 As a lead clinician in this speciality, the jobholder will act as a role model to the therapy team, promoting quality evidence based practice, developing the -therapy team and contributing to the effective management of the team in the absence of the Therapy Clinical Service - Manager

4. JOB DIMENSIONS.

4.1 The post holder will be responsible for managing their own individual caseload which will be varied and on occasions require prioritisation to best meet the service demands.

4.2 To undertake all aspects of work as an autonomous practitioner within this specialist field.

4.3 He/She will be required to support the Therapy Clinical -Service Manager in the day to day management of this team of physiotherapists, support staff and students.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

6.1 Qualifications

6.1.1 Degree or equivalent

6.1.2 Attendance on relevant post graduate courses

6 .2 Experience

6.2.1 Diverse experience across a number of specialities within this specific clinical field including a significant period working as a senior clinician

6.2.2 Clinical audit and standard setting

6.2.3 Working with a wide range of professionals including medical, nursing, therapy and management colleagues

6.3 Skills

6.3.1 Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing within a uni and multi professional team

6.3.2 Ability to prioritise, organise and allocate workload.

6.3.3 Ability to teach, supervise and assess qualified, unqualified staff and students

6.3.4 Time management skills

6.3.5 Clinical leadership

6.4 Knowledge

6.4.1 Sound knowledge of clinical speciality acquired through in depth experience and/or academic study to post graduate level or equivalent.

6.4.2 Working knowledge of current professional issues and those influencing the NHS.

6.4.3 Standards of professional practice.

6.5 Personal Attributes

6.5.1 Professional and patient focused

6.5.2 Flexible, adaptable, capable of lateral thinking

6.5.3 Excellent interpersonal skills

6.5.4 Ability to work independently or as part of a team

8. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

The behaviours and skills that are required to perform effectively in the particular role. The Trust has a set of expected behaviours for all employees and additional behaviours and skills that are expected of managers and supervisors.

CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

An understanding of the organisational structure and working practices of this organisation with regard to the provision of high quality occupational therapy/physiotherapy services to this specialist area.

To have a working knowledge of and be guided by broad professional / clinical policies and standards e.g. those set by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Occupational Therapy, the Health Professions Council and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.

9. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Clinical

9.1.1 To be professional and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of your own work relating to the assessment and treatment of patients in your care undertaking clinical duties as an autonomous practitioner.

9.1.2 To undertake the comprehensive assessment and treatment of patients including those with diverse/complex /multi pathological presentation. This will necessitate the use of advanced investigative and analytical skills to formulate an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan from a range of options.

9.1.3 Using advanced investigative and analytical skills to formulate individualised management and treatment plans including the development of complex discharge plans.

9.1.4 To accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients within this specialist field and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regard to clinical priorities and use of time.

9.1.5 To demonstrate dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory skills in the assessment and manual treatment of patients.

9.1.6 To develop and deliver the therapy element of the rehabilitation programme, and on occasion to deliver some elements normally undertaken by nursing colleagues.

9.1.7 To be an active member of the out of hours service.(Applicable to

Physiotherapy only)

9.1.8 The working pattern will require flexibility including seven day working to ensure safe and effective service provision.

9.1.9 Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients to progress treatment and rehabilitation programmes. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding, communicating or have challenging behaviour.

9.1.10 Ability to work in a stressful environment imparting complex information regarding poor rehabilitation prognosis on a daily basis.

9.1.11 Ability to deal effectively with emotional and/or aggressive patients and/or carers on a daily basis. This will necessitate the use of developed communication skills e.g. the ability to negotiate, motivate and reassure.

9.1.12 Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and have the knowledge to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

9.1.13 To ensure a high standard of clinical care for the patients under your management and support more junior staff to do likewise.

9.1.14 Formulate and deliver specialised therapy treatment programmes based on a sound knowledge of evidence based practice and treatment options using clinical assessment, reasoning skills and knowledge of treatment options.

9.1.15 To represent the therapy service and /or individual patients at multi-disciplinary team meetings, to ensure the delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service and integration of physiotherapy treatment. This will include discussion of patient care, patient progress and involvement in discharge planning.

9.1.16 In the absence of the Therapy Clinical Service Manager to represent the trust externally (locally, regionally and nationally) regarding therapy services provided to this group of patients.

9.1.17 To initiate, lead and participate in specialist research.

9.2 Education and Training

9.2.1 To provide spontaneous and planned specialist advice, teaching and instruction to relatives, carers and other professionals, to promote understanding of the aims of physiotherapy, and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care.

9.2.2 To effectively communicate complex clinical information with patients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential and to ensure understanding of their condition.

9.2.3 To be an active member of the in-service training programme. You will be responsible for the provision of specialist teaching to peers and juniors on a range of subjects through the delivery of in-service training sessions, tutorials, individual training sessions, external courses and peer review.

9.2.4 To co-ordinate and deliver core training within the speciality to qualified and unqualified occupational therapy/ physiotherapy staff and students.

9.2.5 To train, supervise and performance manage more junior staff, technical instructors, assistants and students on a daily basis. This will include the use of formal appraisal documentation.

9.2.6 To provide daily support, guidance and training to more junior staff, support workers and students, assessing, evaluating and ensuring competence.

9.2.7 To provide highly specialist advice, teaching and training to Occupational Therapy/physiotherapy colleagues and other members of the MDT regarding the medical and -therapy management of this group of patients.

9.3 Professional and Managerial

9.3.1 Maintain and develop current knowledge of evidence based practice in this specialist clinical field.

9.3.2 As a senior member of the clinical team you will be required to ensure that you implement policy and service development changes and ensure that others do likewise.

9.3.3 To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through Continued Professional Development activities and maintain a portfolio which reflects your own personal development.

9.3.4 To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with medical, nursing and therapy colleagues to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service. This will include case conferences, ward rounds and discharge planning as appropriate.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Post graduate clinical experience having worked at a senior level across a number of MSK clinical specialties.

Skills & behaviours

Essential

  • Confident and able to take responsibility
  • Able to maintain judgement under pressure.
  • Able to work effectively in a stressful environment
  • Supervision skills

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in occupational therapy
  • HCPC registration
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Post graduate clinical experience having worked at a senior level across a number of MSK clinical specialties.

Skills & behaviours

Essential

  • Confident and able to take responsibility
  • Able to maintain judgement under pressure.
  • Able to work effectively in a stressful environment
  • Supervision skills

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in occupational therapy
  • HCPC registration

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).

Additional information

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS13EX


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS13EX


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Clinical Service Manager

Kelly Harrison,

kelly.harrison2@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

23 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

11 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

C9298-ATH-458

Job locations

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS13EX


Supporting documents

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