Specialist Occupational Therapist

Posting date:	09 January 2026
Salary:	£38,682.00 to £46,580.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£38682.00 - £46580.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	23 January 2026
Location:	St Helens, WA9 2JR
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	C9835-HA25-139

Summary

To work in conjunction with all DANW staff to provide high quality assessments and advice drivers and passengers. To give specialist and independent advice both as part of the assessment process and also in response to telephone, electronic and written enquires To work in partnership with other team members, using clinical skills to contribute to the assessment process which will include giving feedback and preparing written reports The post is currently based at Haydock, but this is subject to change and the post will also involve working at satellite services which may be approximately one hours drive away from the main base and will require a flexible working approach Duties and Responsibilities: Clinical To deliver driving, access, equipment loading and postural assessments, to clients in conjunction with colleagues and carers To deliver car seat, harness, access, equipment loading and postural assessments, to clients in conjunction with colleagues and carers To use OT skills to undertake the clinical assessment of driving ability with clients who will have diverse medical conditions and may present with complex physical and cognitive needs. To understand and apply the legal standards for driving as set by DVLA and to be able to advise on and work within these standards Using specialist knowledge and clinical reasoning skills to assess driving ability in light of a medical diagnosis and to advise on the need for specialist equipment and vehicle choice To be able to communicate effectively with clients and carers, complex and sensitive information. This will include giving unwelcome news or difficult to accept information to a client group with impaired insight into their abilities. To take responsibility for a caseload and to organise workload to meet client priorities, service level agreements and service need To contribute to the assessment report, working with other team members to do so. To participate in the training of other service staff, students, health professionals, client and carer groups To carry out routine screening of referral received by the service to ensure clients suitability for undertaking assessment To liaise with colleagues to provide a flexible service during times of pressure due to staffing difficulties and increased referral numbers To work with stakeholders eg DVLA, Motability, adaptation specialists, health professionals and the wider body of Driving Mobility To undertake routine administration and specific tasks as delegated by the DANW Team leader and to actively participate in ongoing service improvement To communicate with people whose first language may not be English and to refer to interpreter service as per assessment of needs. To develop effective communication with clients who are confused or have impaired understanding. To successfully complete, within 3 years of appointment, the Driving Mobility education programme currently delivered by Oxford Brookes Course at Level 4. To assess risk to ensure safety of clients/carer/self and colleagues and report back to senior member of team where applicable. To have up-to-date specialist knowledge of driving and vehicle access and wheelchair loading adaptations and current practice in the field of driver assessment, and to use this knowledge to inform assessment practice and clinical judgement. To communicate effectively using a range of verbal and non-verbal communications with clients, carers, other health professionals and stakeholders. This will include clients who may have difficulties in understanding or communicating e.g. clients with visual/hearing impairment, mental health problems, learning difficulties etc. To assess clients understanding of the assessment process, gain valid informed consent for this intervention and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with clients who lack the capacity to consent Exhibit good listening skills and a patience to understand especially when clients have learning difficulties/speech problems. To manage own time and arrange appointments in conjunction with scheduled clinics. To be accountable for own professional actions and work without constant, direct supervision. To participate in service development and influence changes in local policies/clinical practise. Participate in audit/research and development work as applicable to DANW. To maintain accurate and up-to-date client records in line with Driving Mobility and Trust Policy and COT standards of practise with regard to both user interventions and statistical records. To submit specialist reports as required in a timely manner. To complete and submit timely and accurate statistical returns. To identify own training needs, organise and attend relevant courses/workshops and undertake all Trust Mandatory training. To maintain professional standards at all times in accordance with Occupational Therapist/Driving Mobility code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. To be responsible for working within nationally agreed protocols and guidelines as set by Driving Mobility. To ensure annual retention on Health Professions Council Register to maintain state registration, taking responsibility for own continued professional development and document this evidence in a professional portfolio, showing proof of competence to practise within the NHS. To promote the DANW to the wider community delivering awareness training/presentations to NHS or other stakeholders, as directed. Any other duties incidental to the post. Carry out assessments which may involve assisting clients to stand and walk and the use of equipment which facilitates the loading of mobility equipment into vehicles To comply with the Trust Manual Handling and Health and Safety Policies at all times and within guidelines and therapeutic handling. The post involves exposure to verbal and occasionally physical aggression. To communicate sensitive information effectively where there may be difficulties or barriers to understanding