Visa Information
Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust welcomes applications from international candidates requiring sponsorship to work in the UK. This position comes with a certificate of sponsorship, which is essential for skilled worker visa applications. However, all applicants must verify their eligibility with the employer directly, as sponsorship availability may depend on specific role requirements and immigration criteria at the time of application.
Job Overview
Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Senior Occupational Therapist to join our rotational team. This permanent, full-time position offers exciting opportunities to develop skills across a range of clinical settings through our structured 6-month rotation program. The role is based at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral and operates under flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
About the Organisation
Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest and busiest acute Trusts in the North West of England, providing high-quality acute care services to a population of approximately 400,000 people. We are proud to be the Wirral’s only Emergency Department provider, with approximately 855 beds and a financial turnover exceeding £337m. Our dedicated team of over 6,000 staff delivers exceptional healthcare services across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, North Wales, and the wider North West region.
Location and Benefits
The Wirral peninsula offers stunning coastline and beautiful countryside surroundings, with excellent transport links including motorway, train, bus, and ferry services. Major cities like Liverpool, Chester, and Manchester, as well as neighboring North Wales, are easily accessible from our location. New colleagues can expect a warm and friendly Wirral welcome, with the area described as having “competent and caring staff” by our patients.
Rotational Opportunities
Our Senior Occupational Therapy Rotations provide diverse experience across multiple specialties including paediatrics, A&E, frailty at the front door, acute assessment areas, medical inpatient wards, elective and emergency surgical inpatient wards, orthopaedics (both trauma and elective), neurology (acute, specialist rehab, and early supported discharge), elderly medicine, and general rehabilitation. These rotations occur every six months, allowing you to develop comprehensive skills across various clinical settings.
Professional Development
We are committed to the continuous professional development of our staff. You will have access to professional support for your CPD from the Therapy Team and Clinical Leaders, as well as support from Senior Occupational Therapists across different specialties. Our organisation encourages engagement in training, innovative practice, and service development opportunities, including potential collaborations with partnership organisations for community setting experiences.
Key Responsibilities
As a Senior Rotational Occupational Therapist, you will be responsible for assessing and treating your own caseload of patients across various specialties while maintaining associated records. You will play a crucial role in the training and development of occupational therapy staff, students, apprentices, and other staff groups. This includes supervising less experienced occupational therapists, apprentices, assistants, and students.
Clinical Duties
You will participate as an active member of the therapy team and multidisciplinary team within specified clinical areas. The role requires involvement in identifying and carrying out departmental audit, research, or service development activities. You will also participate in providing 7-day services and extended working days as required by the service, with some rotations working between 08:00 and 18:30.
Leadership Responsibilities
In addition to clinical duties, you will have responsibility for your own CPD and other developmental activities. This role offers opportunities to extend your skills in clinical specialties while developing leadership capabilities. You will be expected to demonstrate high levels of clinical reasoning with excellent theoretical knowledge underpinning your practice.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must hold a Graduate Diploma or BSc in Occupational Therapy or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). HCPC registration is essential, along with active collection of relevant CPD in your portfolio. You should have appropriate experience as a qualified Occupational Therapist and previous care experience.
Required Clinical Experience
Candidates must have completed core rotations as an Occupational Therapist in a range of essential areas including Orthopaedics, Medical or Frailty Inpatients, and Neurological Rehabilitation. Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team is also essential. You should demonstrate good written and oral communication skills and basic computer skills, including experience using electronic patient record systems.
Desirable Qualifications
Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists or similar professional body is desirable. Additional desirable attributes include a high level of clinical reasoning, excellent theoretical knowledge underpinning practice, and a good awareness of patient needs with appropriate action plans. Experience supervising junior staff, students, apprentices, or non-registered staff, as well as completion of a Student Educator Course, are also considered advantageous.
Employment Details
This is a permanent, full-time position with flexible working arrangements available. The salary ranges from £38,682 to £46,580 per annum under the Agenda for Change pay scheme. The role is based at Arrowe Park Hospital, Arrowe Park Road, Wirral, CH49 5PE. The reference number for this position is 408-25-877-A, and the closing date for applications is 30 December 2025.
Disclosure and Barring Service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. All candidates must be prepared to undergo this mandatory check as part of the pre-employment process.
International Applicant Requirements
Applications from job seekers requiring 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 applying for entry clearance into the UK must present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). For further information regarding professional registration requirements, please refer to the NHS Careers website for overseas health professionals. Our organisation supports international candidates through the registration process where possible.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website using the reference number 408-25-877-A. International applicants should follow these steps:
- Verify your eligibility for UK professional registration with the HCPC
- Gather required documents including qualifications, proof of registration, and criminal record certificates
- Contact Liz Waters (Therapy Manager) at [email protected] or 01516785111 with any questions about the sponsorship process
- Submit your application through the NHS Jobs portal by 30 December 2025
- Be prepared to attend an interview, potentially via video conference for international candidates
Contact Information
For questions about the job or application process, please contact Liz Waters, Therapy Manager, at [email protected] or by phone at 01516785111. All inquiries regarding sponsorship eligibility should be directed to this contact. Additional information about our organisation is available on our website at https://www.wuth.nhs.uk.
Additional Information
Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is an equal opportunities employer and values diversity in our workforce. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their background. Our organisation holds several accreditations including Age Positive, Apprenticeships, Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze, Disability Confident Employer, and Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
Supporting Documents
Additional documents related to this role, including the full job description and risk assessment documents, are available for download on the NHS Jobs website. These documents provide more detailed information about the role requirements, working environment, and specific responsibilities within each rotation.
Privacy Notice
All applicants should be aware of our privacy notice for applicants, which outlines how we process your personal data during the recruitment process. This information is available on our website at https://www.wuth.nhs.uk/media/16293/wuth_gdpr_privacy_notice_for_applicants_dbs_-_november_2019-4.pdf. Your information will be handled in accordance with data protection legislation.
Conclusion
This Senior Rotational Occupational Therapist position offers an excellent opportunity for international healthcare professionals to develop their career within the NHS while experiencing the diverse clinical environments of Wirral University Teaching Hospitals. With our commitment to professional development, supportive work environment, and willingness to provide sponsorship, we welcome applications from qualified occupational therapists looking to relocate to the UK.
