Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or Nurse Assessor

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

The closing date is 13 May 2025

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and skilled Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, or Nurse Assessor to join the Hospital Intervention Team (HIT) at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

This is a 12-month maternity cover post, with positions available at Eastbourne District General Hospital and Conquest Hospital. The post is open to both full-time and part-time applicants, and flexible working can be considered within the needs of the service. The service hours are Mon - Fri 8:00am - 8:00pm and Sat - Sun 8:00am - 6:00pm.

About the RoleThe HIT team is a well-established, dynamic, and forward-thinking multidisciplinary team, consisting of nurses, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. We work across Emergency Departments and key gateway wards of the hospital to support admission avoidance and to facilitate timely, safe discharges. Our work directly supports patient flow across the hospital and wider healthcare system.

You will be part of a team that operates at the front door of the hospital, identifying patients suitable for early supported discharge, virtual ward referral, or community input. The role also includes opportunities to visit patients in their own homes to support rapid discharge and ensure continuity of care where needed.

Main duties of the job

Main Responsibilities

  • Proactively identify and assess patients suitable for safe and timely discharge

  • Prevent unnecessary hospital admissions through early intervention and MDT collaboration

  • Support virtual ward referrals and contribute to care planning for patients being managed in the community

  • Liaise effectively with acute, community, and social care teams to coordinate person-centred care

  • Contribute to service development and the ongoing refinement of interdisciplinary ways of working

What We're Looking For We're seeking experienced and enthusiastic clinicians with:

  • A professional registration with either HCPC (OT/Physio) or NMC (Nurse Assessor)

  • Clinical experience across core areas relevant to acute or community settings

  • Excellent assessment, communication, and problem-solving skills

  • A proactive, team-oriented approach to supporting patient care and system flow

  • The ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment

You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the interdisciplinary assessment model and may be able to rotate into other clinical areas in the future.

Please Note:All applications will be assessed against the Person Specification. Please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the key criteria. Only applicants with current HCPC or NMC registration will be considered for shortlisting.

About us

We are proud to provide 'Outstanding' care and be a great place to work

We provide safe, compassionate and high quality care to half a million people living or visiting East Sussex. We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex, the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex. Our extensive services are provided by 7000 + members of staff working from acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites and in people's own homes.

In 2020 the Care Quality Commission rated us as 'Good' overall, and 'Outstanding' for being caring and effective. The Conquest Hospital and our Community Services are rated 'Outstanding'. Eastbourne DGH rated 'Good'.

In 2020, the Trust launched its ambitious 'Building for our Future' programme. This once in a lifetime programme aims to repair, redevelop and expand our hospitals, transforming the environment in which we provide care for generations to come.

Date posted

29 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Secondment

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

374-KN192

Job locations

Eastbourne District General Hospital and Conquest Hospital.

Eastbourne/ Hastings

BN21 2UD


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the job description attached.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the job description attached.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc Physiotherapy/ Occupational Therapy/ Nurse MSc in Rehabilitation or equivalent
  • Current HCPC/NMC registration
  • Evidence of continued professional development to diploma level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience

Desirable

  • ICES Trusted Assessor's certificate
  • Post graduate qualification in relevant area
  • IT certificate (e.g.ECDL)

Experience

Essential

  • At least 2 years as a band 5 Physiotherapist/Occupational Therapist/Nurse
  • Recent experience in a hospital or community setting
  • Experience working within Gateway wards, or in discharge/ admission avoidance teams

Desirable

  • Some experience of clinical supervision or action learning
  • Worked in multi professional teams

Knowledge/Skills

Essential

  • Knowledge of complex, multi pathologies and long term chronic conditions
  • Knowledge of Legislation, DH/ NICE guidelines and clinical governance relevant to area
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc Physiotherapy/ Occupational Therapy/ Nurse MSc in Rehabilitation or equivalent
  • Current HCPC/NMC registration
  • Evidence of continued professional development to diploma level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience

Desirable

  • ICES Trusted Assessor's certificate
  • Post graduate qualification in relevant area
  • IT certificate (e.g.ECDL)

Experience

Essential

  • At least 2 years as a band 5 Physiotherapist/Occupational Therapist/Nurse
  • Recent experience in a hospital or community setting
  • Experience working within Gateway wards, or in discharge/ admission avoidance teams

Desirable

  • Some experience of clinical supervision or action learning
  • Worked in multi professional teams

Knowledge/Skills

Essential

  • Knowledge of complex, multi pathologies and long term chronic conditions
  • Knowledge of Legislation, DH/ NICE guidelines and clinical governance relevant to area

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

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

Address

Eastbourne District General Hospital and Conquest Hospital.

Eastbourne/ Hastings

BN21 2UD


Employer's website

http://jobs.esht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

Address

Eastbourne District General Hospital and Conquest Hospital.

Eastbourne/ Hastings

BN21 2UD


Employer's website

http://jobs.esht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Service Manager

Claire Lockwood

claire.lockwood1@nhs.net

Date posted

29 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Secondment

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

374-KN192

Job locations

Eastbourne District General Hospital and Conquest Hospital.

Eastbourne/ Hastings

BN21 2UD


Privacy notice

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)