Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist – Hospital Discharge Team Job Purpose The Occupational Therapist (OT) will work within the Adult Social Care Hospital Discharge Team, delivering specialist occupational therapy assessments and interventions to support safe, timely, and effective hospital discharges under the principles of the Care Act 2014 and the Discharge to Assess (D2A) model. The post holder will assess residents' functional abilities, strengths, risks, equipment, adaptation and rehabilitation needs, ensuring individuals are discharged to the least restrictive environment and supported to maximise independence. The role will contribute to reducing hospital delays, preventing readmissions, supporting system flow and promoting positive outcomes for residents. The Occupational Therapist will provide hospital duty cover, respond to urgent referrals, support multidisciplinary working, and deliver training and professional guidance to social care and health colleagues regarding occupational therapy practice and strengths-based interventions. Key Responsibilities Care Act Assessments and Interventions Undertake occupational therapy assessments in accordance with the Care Act 2014. Complete strengths-based assessments focusing on independence, wellbeing and prevention. Identify appropriate equipment, assistive technology and adaptations to support safe discharge. Assess moving and handling needs and recommend suitable interventions. Support residents to regain and maximise independence following hospital admission. Develop outcome-focused support plans that minimise reliance on long-term care where appropriate.

Hospital Discharge and Discharge to Assess Facilitate safe and timely discharge from acute hospitals, community hospitals and intermediate care settings. Contribute to the effective delivery of the Discharge to Assess pathway. Work collaboratively with NHS colleagues, social workers, therapists, nursing staff and community providers. Provide occupational therapy input to daily discharge planning meetings and multidisciplinary discussions. Prioritise urgent referrals to prevent discharge delays and unnecessary hospital stays. Support seven-day discharge arrangements and hospital flow initiatives where required.

Hospital Duty Function Provide OT duty cover for urgent discharge referrals. Respond promptly to escalated cases affecting hospital flow. Undertake same-day assessments where discharge is dependent on occupational therapy intervention. Advise colleagues on complex functional assessments and risk management.