Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Occupational Therapist - ESD/Stroke

The closing date is 13 January 2026

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work in EPUT's Stroke Early Supported Discharge Team within South East Essex.

If you have an interest in Stroke and would like to support and enable stroke survivors to reach their full potential, in their own homes and other community settings then this is the job for you. We are looking for a dynamic, keen and resourceful Occupational Therapist to join our well established Early Supported Discharge Team.

This job will allow you to broaden your knowledge base as we use an interdisciplinary approach and you will work closely alongside other professionals. On a day to day basis you will hold your own caseload and work closely alongside, Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Clinical Psychologists, Nurses and rehabilitation assistants to deliver high quality stroke rehabilitation in patient's own homes. There may also be the opportunity to work across the community stroke pathway with providing in-reach therapy into the Stroke rehabilitation unit (CICC).

We offer a highly motivated and supportive team, regular supervision, excellent training and development opportunities and flexible working arrangements.

Please note due to nature of post applicants must have a valid UK driving licence and vehicle.

Full or part time hours would be considered.

For further information or an informal discussion contact Ailsa Miller, Team Leader for ESD on 07908 177962

Main duties of the job

  • To be responsible for the planning and delivery of high quality stroke specific occupational therapy within the Early supported discharge team and other community stroke services as required
  • To manage a caseload of clients being discharged home from hospital early, coordinating the discharge and providing high quality stroke specific assessment and implementation of treatment plans.
  • To work effectively and flexibly within an interdisciplinary framework to provide integrated stroke rehabilitation care programmes for patients on the community stroke pathway within ESD (and CICC as required) for rehabilitation assistants to carry out.
  • To provide input in to planning, development and evaluation of clinical services within the ESD Team and community stroke services, holding responsibility for defined projects as required.

About us

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

  • Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
  • Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
  • If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
  • We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.

Benefits

  • 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
  • Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
  • Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
  • £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
  • Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

  • Work bank: You can use the opportunity to supplement your income and develop your skills by working bank shifts.
  • Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
  • Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Details

Date posted

30 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

Depending on experience per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

364-A-9661

Job locations

Community Stroke Team, Rochford Hospital

Union Lane

Rochford

SS4 1RB


Job description

Job responsibilities

  1. Clinical
  • To be responsible for the planning and delivery of stroke specialist occupational therapy within a defined area of our ESD team, prioritising clinical needs to provide an effective service.
  • To work with a caseload of patients with a stroke diagnosis varying in complexity with regards to their rehabilitation, health and social needs.
  • To independently carry out stroke specific rehabilitation programmes aimed at improving or maintaining independence during the defined time therapy frame.
  • To monitor, evaluate and modify stroke specific interventions in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness.
  • To assess and order equipment as identified by patient need.
  • To ensure all equipment provision is fit for purpose and patient/team members are aware of the instructions for safe use.
  • To apply a high level of understanding of the effect of disability from stroke and provide advice to users/carers as appropriate.
  • To arrange/attend case conferences as appropriate to patient need.
  • To respond effectively to changing needs of the patient caseload, managing the sometimes conflicting prioritises of prevention and discharge.
  • To respond to enquiries from clients, professionals and other relevant organisations including the justification of operational decisions.
  • To make appropriate onward referrals to ensure identified patient needs continue to be met after discharge from ESD/defined area of stroke pathway.
  • To liaise with Line Manager/stroke coordinator regularly.
  • To ensure effective organisation of the therapy on a day-to-day basis.
  • To allocate work to rehabilitation assistants as appropriate.
  • To attend weekly multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure effective team communication and treatment of patients.
  • To provide occupational therapy reports relevant to the practice setting.
  • To ensure that all documentation relating to the service is accurate and up to date, including files, records and statistics.
  • To effectively use IM&T support systems.

  1. Managerial
  • To assist in the prioritisation and acceptance of referrals to the team in a timely way during stroke coordinators absence.
  • Ensure all junior staff are managed in accordance with good personnel practice with particular attention to:
    • Induction
    • Appraisal
    • supervision
    • Management of performance
    • Management of attendance
    • Health & Safety
  • Advice, guide and support staff on clinical rehabilitation issues.
  • Ensures the economic and efficient use of all resources.
  • To be responsible for all matters regarding junior therapy staff in your area, liaising with your line manager as appropriate.
  • To provide professional support and leadership for therapy staff in your designated area and the wider intermediate care services as required.
  • Demonstrate ability to review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal in line with local guidelines.
  • To demonstrate and pass on specialist skills to other team members appropriate to their grade.
  • To assist in the implementation and evaluation of evidence based protocols, policies and integrated care pathways, facilitating change in practice, which improve clinical outcomes and meet the needs of patients and carers.
  • To assist in the regular review of patient information in conjunction with other team members, using a variety of mediums that take into account cultural diversity and communication difficulties.
  • To ensure therapy staff maintain up to date written and electronic records and activity data, in accordance with Professional and Organisational Standards.

  1. Professional Leadership / Advice
  • To apply specialist skills and knowledge in order to establish professional competence and fitness to practice as a Band 6 Occupational therapist
  • Provide advice and support staff on clinical rehabilitation issues.
  • To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, recording learning outcomes in a portfolio.
  • Advice, guide and support staff on clinical rehabilitation issues.
  • To adhere to the COT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
  • To facilitate compliance of other therapy staff with local and national Standards of Practice.
  • To exercise good practice with time management, punctuality and reliable attendance.
  • Demonstrate ability to review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal in line with local guidelines.
  • To be involved in the supervision framework for therapy assistant staff and contribute to the organisation of the appraisal process.
  • To demonstrate and pass on specialist skills to other team members appropriate to their grade.
  • To identify training needs of junior staff and participate in the development and delivery of the Directorate training plans.
  • To contribute to the induction and training of students and other staff.
  • To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, recording learning outcomes in a portfolio.
  • To contribute to the development of clinical governance and quality agenda for the service, and lead on implementation as appropriate.
  • To apply and advise when appropriate on guidelines/legislation relating to occupational therapy provision within Intermediate Care.
  • To be responsible for standards of service delivery using the organisations standards and guidelines.
  • To support research activity within the team as required.
  • To engage actively in practice development, audit and research activities relevant to occupational therapy and/or the service area, to promote evidence based practice.

Job description

Job responsibilities

  1. Clinical
  • To be responsible for the planning and delivery of stroke specialist occupational therapy within a defined area of our ESD team, prioritising clinical needs to provide an effective service.
  • To work with a caseload of patients with a stroke diagnosis varying in complexity with regards to their rehabilitation, health and social needs.
  • To independently carry out stroke specific rehabilitation programmes aimed at improving or maintaining independence during the defined time therapy frame.
  • To monitor, evaluate and modify stroke specific interventions in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness.
  • To assess and order equipment as identified by patient need.
  • To ensure all equipment provision is fit for purpose and patient/team members are aware of the instructions for safe use.
  • To apply a high level of understanding of the effect of disability from stroke and provide advice to users/carers as appropriate.
  • To arrange/attend case conferences as appropriate to patient need.
  • To respond effectively to changing needs of the patient caseload, managing the sometimes conflicting prioritises of prevention and discharge.
  • To respond to enquiries from clients, professionals and other relevant organisations including the justification of operational decisions.
  • To make appropriate onward referrals to ensure identified patient needs continue to be met after discharge from ESD/defined area of stroke pathway.
  • To liaise with Line Manager/stroke coordinator regularly.
  • To ensure effective organisation of the therapy on a day-to-day basis.
  • To allocate work to rehabilitation assistants as appropriate.
  • To attend weekly multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure effective team communication and treatment of patients.
  • To provide occupational therapy reports relevant to the practice setting.
  • To ensure that all documentation relating to the service is accurate and up to date, including files, records and statistics.
  • To effectively use IM&T support systems.

  1. Managerial
  • To assist in the prioritisation and acceptance of referrals to the team in a timely way during stroke coordinators absence.
  • Ensure all junior staff are managed in accordance with good personnel practice with particular attention to:
    • Induction
    • Appraisal
    • supervision
    • Management of performance
    • Management of attendance
    • Health & Safety
  • Advice, guide and support staff on clinical rehabilitation issues.
  • Ensures the economic and efficient use of all resources.
  • To be responsible for all matters regarding junior therapy staff in your area, liaising with your line manager as appropriate.
  • To provide professional support and leadership for therapy staff in your designated area and the wider intermediate care services as required.
  • Demonstrate ability to review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal in line with local guidelines.
  • To demonstrate and pass on specialist skills to other team members appropriate to their grade.
  • To assist in the implementation and evaluation of evidence based protocols, policies and integrated care pathways, facilitating change in practice, which improve clinical outcomes and meet the needs of patients and carers.
  • To assist in the regular review of patient information in conjunction with other team members, using a variety of mediums that take into account cultural diversity and communication difficulties.
  • To ensure therapy staff maintain up to date written and electronic records and activity data, in accordance with Professional and Organisational Standards.

  1. Professional Leadership / Advice
  • To apply specialist skills and knowledge in order to establish professional competence and fitness to practice as a Band 6 Occupational therapist
  • Provide advice and support staff on clinical rehabilitation issues.
  • To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, recording learning outcomes in a portfolio.
  • Advice, guide and support staff on clinical rehabilitation issues.
  • To adhere to the COT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
  • To facilitate compliance of other therapy staff with local and national Standards of Practice.
  • To exercise good practice with time management, punctuality and reliable attendance.
  • Demonstrate ability to review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal in line with local guidelines.
  • To be involved in the supervision framework for therapy assistant staff and contribute to the organisation of the appraisal process.
  • To demonstrate and pass on specialist skills to other team members appropriate to their grade.
  • To identify training needs of junior staff and participate in the development and delivery of the Directorate training plans.
  • To contribute to the induction and training of students and other staff.
  • To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, recording learning outcomes in a portfolio.
  • To contribute to the development of clinical governance and quality agenda for the service, and lead on implementation as appropriate.
  • To apply and advise when appropriate on guidelines/legislation relating to occupational therapy provision within Intermediate Care.
  • To be responsible for standards of service delivery using the organisations standards and guidelines.
  • To support research activity within the team as required.
  • To engage actively in practice development, audit and research activities relevant to occupational therapy and/or the service area, to promote evidence based practice.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Current HCPC registration
  • Recognised qualification in Occupational Therapy - Degree or equivalent

Desirable

  • Student educators course
  • Member of specialist section interest group

Skills /experience

Essential

  • Varied NHS experience as qualified OT
  • Experience working with stroke survivors or neurological patients
  • Ability to demonstrate efficient and effective time management, organisation, planning and problem solving skills
  • Excellent verbal, written communication skills and interpersonal skills

Desirable

  • Experience working in a community setting
  • Experience of supervising staff or students
  • Good understanding of IT systems and electronic records e.g. Systm 1
  • Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team

Other

Essential

  • Holds valid UK driving licence
  • Access to car for work purposes
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Current HCPC registration
  • Recognised qualification in Occupational Therapy - Degree or equivalent

Desirable

  • Student educators course
  • Member of specialist section interest group

Skills /experience

Essential

  • Varied NHS experience as qualified OT
  • Experience working with stroke survivors or neurological patients
  • Ability to demonstrate efficient and effective time management, organisation, planning and problem solving skills
  • Excellent verbal, written communication skills and interpersonal skills

Desirable

  • Experience working in a community setting
  • Experience of supervising staff or students
  • Good understanding of IT systems and electronic records e.g. Systm 1
  • Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team

Other

Essential

  • Holds valid UK driving licence
  • Access to car for work purposes

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Community Stroke Team, Rochford Hospital

Union Lane

Rochford

SS4 1RB


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Community Stroke Team, Rochford Hospital

Union Lane

Rochford

SS4 1RB


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Team Leader for Community Stroke and ESD

Ailsa Miller

ailsa.miller@nhs.net

07908177962

Details

Date posted

30 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

Depending on experience per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

364-A-9661

Job locations

Community Stroke Team, Rochford Hospital

Union Lane

Rochford

SS4 1RB


Supporting documents

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