Job Title:
Band 7 Occupational Therapist – Acute Medical / Front Door Services (Locum)
Location:
South East London (Acute Hospital Setting)
Pay Rate:
£30 – £34 per hour (DOE)
Contract Type:
Locum / Temporary – Start ASAP
Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Band 7 Occupational Therapist to join the Acute Medical and Front Door Services Team within a busy South East London hospital.
The post holder will work as a highly specialist clinician, providing expert assessment and intervention for patients presenting through the Emergency Department, Acute Medical Unit, and Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) pathways. You will play a key role in supporting safe and timely discharges, reducing hospital admissions, and promoting patient independence.
This is an immediate-start locum position offering flexibility and excellent experience within a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake specialist occupational therapy assessments for patients presenting with a range of acute medical and functional needs.
- Provide rapid interventions to support safe discharge planning, functional independence, and admission avoidance.
- Collaborate closely with physiotherapists, nurses, medical staff, and social services within the multidisciplinary team to deliver coordinated care.
- Apply advanced clinical reasoning to develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based treatment plans.
- Lead on complex discharge planning, providing specialist advice to ensure patient safety and continuity of care.
- Support and supervise junior OTs, assistants, and students as required.
- Contribute to service development, audit, and quality improvement initiatives within the acute therapy team.
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation in line with professional and organisational standards.
Service Overview
The Front Door Therapy Service works across the Emergency Department, Acute Medical Unit, and short-stay medical wards, providing rapid assessment and intervention to support early discharge and prevent hospital admissions.
The service aims to deliver person-centred, goal-focused care, enabling patients to return home safely and maintain independence. You’ll be part of a proactive, collaborative team that values innovation and professional development.
Essential Criteria
- HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist.
- Recognised Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
- Substantial postgraduate experience in acute hospital or medical settings.
- Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary “front door” environment.
- Strong clinical reasoning, discharge planning, and communication skills.
- Ability to work autonomously and make sound clinical decisions under pressure.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working in Emergency Departments, AMU, or SDEC.
- Experience supervising staff and leading on clinical initiatives.
- Evidence of service improvement, audit, or research activity.
Benefits
- Competitive pay rate: £30 – £34 per hour (DOE)
- Flexible working arrangements
- Supportive multidisciplinary environment
- Opportunity to make a real impact on patient flow and outcomes
