Visa Note
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. However, applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. The certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval, and all associated costs and requirements must be confirmed with Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Job Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and skilled Occupational Therapist to join our Falls and Syncope Service (FASS) at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust. This Clinical Specialist role provides an excellent opportunity to work within a well-established and supportive multidisciplinary team while enjoying excellent support from our Occupational Therapy department.
About the Role
The post holder will work in collaboration with the Occupational Therapy Service Lead and FASS MDT colleagues to deliver and shape services. There will be opportunities to develop a wide range of clinical, teaching and supervision skills. This is a unique opportunity to advance your career in a supportive environment that encourages continuing professional development.
Key Requirements
A UK Driving License and access to a vehicle for work purposes is required for this post. The post holder will be required to work across sites within Gateshead NHS Trust to meet various service demands. This role requires extensive post registration experience in the relevant field to the advertised specialism.
Job Details
Company: Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Gateshead NHS Trust
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Band: 7
Reference Number: 297-7524054-A
Closing Date: 05 January 2026
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must hold an Occupational Therapy Degree and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Additionally, a Masters Level study or equivalent qualification is required. These qualifications are essential for meeting the professional standards expected in this specialized role.
Essential Experience
Candidates must demonstrate extensive post registration experience in the relevant field to the advertised specialism. Expert knowledge in assessment, treatment and management of complex patients is required, along with strong clinical reasoning skills. Advanced manual handling and risk assessment skills are also essential.
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, NHS experience linked to the area of expertise would be advantageous. This experience would help candidates better understand the specific challenges and opportunities within the NHS environment and the Falls and Syncope Service specifically.
Main Duties of the Job
The post holder will take the lead role in the clinical delivery and leadership of the aligned Occupational Therapy service. This includes managing a clinical caseload undertaking advanced assessment and appropriate treatment, dealing with clinically complex cases. The role requires working as a key member of the multidisciplinary team in accordance with best practice standards.
Clinical Responsibilities
The successful candidate will take a lead in service development based on data and evolving national and local guidance. They will also lead in supervision, support, teaching and appraisal of Occupational Therapy staff and students within the specialty. This is an excellent opportunity for professional development and career advancement.
About Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Based in the North East of England, we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead. Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country.
Our Values
Our values are the ‘golden thread’ that runs through everything we do. They can be remembered by the simple acronym ICORE: Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement. These values guide our approach to patient care and our workplace culture, ensuring we deliver the highest standards of service.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We have several staff networks including the Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women’s Network. Our Armed Forces network is one of our emerging initiatives.
Staff Wellbeing
The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities. We offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our ‘Balance’ programme to cater for our diverse workforce, ensuring that individual needs are supported to create a happy and healthy working experience.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. This is a standard requirement for all healthcare positions.
Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information, please see the NHS Careers website for overseas health professionals. This registration is essential for practicing as an Occupational Therapist in the UK.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website. International applicants should verify their visa eligibility with the employer before applying. Ensure you have all required documentation including professional registration, qualifications, and evidence of English language proficiency if applicable.
Application Checklist
For international applicants:
1. Verify visa eligibility with Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
2. Prepare evidence of professional qualifications and registration
3. Obtain criminal record certificates from countries where you’ve lived for 12+ months
4. Prepare evidence of English language proficiency if required
5. Contact Claire McAuley for any visa-related questions before applying
Contact Information
For questions about the job, please contact:
Name: Claire McAuley (Occupational Therapy Service Lead)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01914453125
Website: https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk
Further Information
We welcome enquiries if you would like to know more about this post. Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their background. Our focus is on creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.
Equal Opportunities
All applicants will be considered based on their merits and abilities for the job. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, age or any other irrelevant factor.
Privacy Notice
Please review Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust’s privacy notice for information on how your data will be used during the recruitment process. This document outlines our commitment to data protection and how we handle your personal information throughout the application and employment process.
