Advanced Occupational Therapist

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated Clinical Lead Hand Therapist to join our specialist Hand Therapy Team on a fixed-term contract until October 2027. Our established team comprises 1 WTE Band 7 Occupational Therapist, 3 WTE Band 6 Occupational Therapists, 1 WTE rotational Band 5 Physiotherapist, and 1 WTE Band 4 Therapy Assistant. We are looking for a skilled clinician who is passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centred care and contributing to the continued development of our specialist service. The JD & PS are currently under AfC review and re subject to change. Interviews will take place w/c 14th September, 2026 Main duties of the job In this role, you will provide expert assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and advice for patients with a wide range of upper limb conditions, including traumatic and soft tissue injuries, degenerative conditions, nerve injuries, and complex scar management. You will work closely with our Plastic Surgery team, supporting consultant-led clinics and providing specialist hand therapy across both inpatient and outpatient settings., A flexible approach is essential to meet the changing needs of the service. We value individuals who are committed to working collaboratively and who consistently strive to deliver an outstanding experience for patients and their families. This post offers an excellent opportunity to further develop your specialist expertise through protected Continuing Professional Development (CPD), supported by a comprehensive clinical supervision programme. We are committed to investing in our staff and fostering a culture of learning, development, and continuous improvement. Flexibility and adaptability are essential. The successful applicant may be required to work across different sites and, where necessary, support the delivery of community-based services. In return, we offer:

• A friendly, welcoming, and supportive team environment.
• A structured and comprehensive clinical supervision programme.
• Protected Continuing Professional Development (CPD) time.
• Flexible working opportunities and family-friendly policies.
• Opportunities to contribute to service development, quality improvement, and research.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including occupational health clearance and an enhanced DBS check (formerly CRB). Please note that, if appointed, you will be required to pay the cost of the enhanced DBS disclosure in line with the Trust's current policy. Job description, A flexible approach is essential to meet the changing needs of the service. We value individuals who are committed to working collaboratively and who consistently strive to deliver an outstanding experience for patients and their families. This post offers an excellent opportunity to further develop your specialist expertise through protected Continuing Professional Development (CPD), supported by a comprehensive clinical supervision programme. We are committed to investing in our staff and fostering a culture of learning, development, and continuous improvement. Flexibility and adaptability are essential. The successful applicant may be required to work across different sites and, where necessary, support the delivery of community-based services. In return, we offer:
• A friendly, welcoming, and supportive team environment.
• A structured and comprehensive clinical supervision programme.
• Protected Continuing Professional Development (CPD) time.
• Flexible working opportunities and family-friendly policies.
• Opportunities to contribute to service development, quality improvement, and research.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including occupational health clearance and an enhanced DBS check (formerly CRB). Please note that, if appointed, you will be required to pay the cost of the enhanced DBS disclosure in line with the Trust's current policy.

The successful applicant will have substantial experience in Hand Therapy and evidence of postgraduate training within this specialist field. You will demonstrate advanced clinical knowledge of hand and upper limb conditions, including advanced splinting techniques, and use evidence-based practice to deliver excellent patient outcomes. You will also play a key role in supporting the development of colleagues, contributing to service improvement, and promoting research and innovation within the team. We are seeking an enthusiastic, proactive, and compassionate therapist with excellent clinical reasoning, communication, organisational, and time management skills. You will adopt a holistic approach to patient care and be committed to delivering high standards of rehabilitation while keeping patients at the centre of everything you do.,
• Degree in Occupational Therapy
• HCPC registration
• Clinical Educators Certificate or equivalent/experience
Desirable
• MSc in relevant health studies or equivalent qualification/experience
Experience Essential
• Advanced clinical knowledge relevant to the care environment and evidence of evidence based practise in relevant health setting
• Awareness of own strengths and limitations
• Knowledge of relevant national policies and guidance and relevant assessment tools
• Experience of leadership of a team including change management
• Evidence of effective working within an MDT
• Experience of Service development
• Demonstrate experience of problem solving approaches
• Audit and research in a clinical area
• Demonstrates continuous Professional Development
Skills Essential
• Demonstrates ability to motivate team performance to achieve objectives
• Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of settings
• Accurate record keeping, report writing and IT skills including presentation skills
• Have a flexible approach to working with good time management
Other Essential
• Ability to travel various hospital locations by own car/ assisted driver
  
  Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 10,500 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites.
Our services: Acute Care Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites. Primary Care Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital. Community Services Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire. Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation. We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre. Specialist Regional Services We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales. Achievements:
• Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
• Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
• National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme.