Occupational Therapist - Discharge to Assess


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£32,073 to £39,043 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Stafford, ST16 3SA
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	25 Sept 2026
Closing date:	23 Oct 2026

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Summary

The Band 5 Occupational Therapist will work as part of the Integrated Complex Assessment Team (ICAT), providing occupational therapy assessment and intervention to people placed within Discharge to Assess (D2A) commissioned community therapy beds across Staffordshire, Cannock and wider areas. The post holder will work autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team, undertaking holistic assessments of individuals functional, physical, cognitive, psychological, social and emotional needs. They will develop, implement and evaluate person-centred intervention and rehabilitation plans to maximise independence, promote wellbeing and support safe and timely discharge or transfer to the most appropriate setting. The role involves working closely with residents, families and carers, care home staff, therapists, nurses, social care colleagues, primary care and other statutory and third-sector organisations. The post holder will provide specialist occupational therapy advice and practical support in areas including functional ability, mobility, moving and handling, falls prevention, cognition, long-term conditions and risk management. The Occupational Therapist will use professional knowledge and clinical judgement to assess complex needs, identify and manage risks, and recommend appropriate care, treatment, rehabilitation or onward referral. The role requires the ability to work flexibly across a range of community settings, respond to changing priorities and contribute to preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and supporting effective patient flow through the D2A pathway. Main Duties and Responsibilities Undertake comprehensive occupational therapy assessments of residents within D2A beds, identifying their functional, physical, cognitive, psychological and social needs. Develop, implement and evaluate individualised intervention, rehabilitation and treatment plans to maximise independence and support positive outcomes. Assess and provide intervention relating to safety, moving and handling, falls prevention, functional ability, cognition, health and wellbeing, long-term conditions and other identified clinical needs. Work collaboratively with care home staff to formulate and review appropriate plans of care and provide advice, guidance and training where required. Use clinical reasoning and professional judgement to identify, assess, manage and escalate risks appropriately. Support safe discharge, transfer and onward referral, taking account of the individual's needs, circumstances, preferences and available care and support options. Work autonomously in a range of community and care home environments while contributing effectively as a member of the wider multidisciplinary team. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with service users, families, carers, care providers, social care, primary care and other partner organisations. Communicate complex, sensitive or emotive information with empathy, tact, diplomacy and professionalism. Provide verbal, written and electronic advice, education and training to service users, carers, families and professionals. Maintain accurate, contemporaneous clinical records and data on RiO, CDT and other relevant systems in accordance with Trust and professional standards. Manage and prioritise a defined caseload, responding flexibly to changing demands, urgent issues and unplanned activity. Deliver non-pharmacological occupational therapy interventions to identify unmet needs and maximise an individual's abilities and independence. Provide advice, guidance and support to less experienced colleagues and contribute to skill sharing within the team. Participate in supervision, peer support, continuing professional development and relevant mandatory and statutory training. Contribute to service development, quality improvement, policy development and the implementation of new ways of working. Participate in clinical audit and use learning to support the continuous improvement of the service. Promote equality, dignity, safeguarding, infection prevention and control, health and safety and the efficient use of resources. Travel across the geographical area covered by the service and work flexibly across different community and care settings.

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