Specialist Occupational Therapist

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our Memory Protection Service based at Monkwearmouth Hospital in Sunderland on a fixed term basis to cover maternity leave.

The Memory Protection Service is a dementia service for those in South of Tyne and Wear referred for memory assessment. The Service covers 3 localities; Sunderland, South Tyneside and Gateshead and offers comprehensive assessment and diagnosis.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be working into the homes of older adults to provide a comprehensive assessment to aid diagnosis and manage risk.

The successful therapist will be required to work as an autonomous practitioner although you will closely work with members of the Occupational Therapy team and multi-disciplinary colleagues. We require a highly motivated Occupational Therapist with the ability to work independently and with a commitment to their own personal and professional development. Regular supervision and support will be provided.

The post holder will be expected to demonstrate a good working knowledge of theories, models and approaches relevant to this clinical setting, as well as a good understanding of a range of clinical conditions related to Older People's mental health, cognitive impairment and dementia.

About us

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

Job responsibilities

You will be responsible for the assessment and management of a caseload of service users who present with a variety of complex Occupational Therapy needs. This will involve working closely with the multidisciplinary team and other agencies as well as providing advice support and education for service users, carers and families. You will contribute to service development and in service training.

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 25th September 2026

Closing date : 9th October 2026

We welcome your application.

Person specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

• Recognised Occupational therapy degree/ qualification
• HCPC registration
• Evidence of post-registration training in OT interventions relevant to the post.

Desirable

• Member of Royal College of Occupational Therapy

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Proven track record of post registration experience relevant to the post
• Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, HCPC and RCOT standards and other local and national initiatives
• Experience of working within in a multi disciplinary team
• Experience of providing occupational therapy services
• Experience of collaborative working across agencies and professional disciplines.
• Proven ability to manage a clinical caseload in a flexible manner as required.

Desirable

• Experience working in a community setting
• Service User and Carer Involvement
• Experience using the Model of Human occupation
• Experience supervising students / non registered staff

Additional requirements

Essential

• Ability to meet the mobility and geographical requirements of the post

Skills and Competencies

Essential

• Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive assessments of individuals with complex needs
• Risk assessment and risk management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with other professionals using a multi-agency approach.
• Ability to work autonomously and within a team.

Desirable

• Delegation skills.
• Teaching/Presentation skills.