About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and adaptable Occupational Therapist to join our Driver Assessment Team on a 12-month maternity cover contract commencing in August 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a highly specialist service supporting individuals with a wide range of physical, neurological and cognitive conditions. Full training will be provided.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will primarily be based in Sheffield, delivering driving assessments and supporting outreach clinics in Doncaster and surrounding areas. A vehicle will be provided for travel to outreach locations.
Working alongside an Approved Driving Instructor/Advisor (ADI), you will assess clients medical fitness to drive, including individuals wishing to continue driving, return to driving following illness or injury, or begin driving for the first time. The role offers the opportunity to further develop specialist clinical and assessment skills within a supportive multidisciplinary environment.
About us
The William Merritt Centre is a registered charity and social enterprise supporting people across Yorkshire through specialist assessments, advice and information relating to assistive technology, mobility, driving and independent living.
Job description Job responsibilities
Clinical Practice / Workload Management
To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work and maintain high standards of clinical care. To independently manage a caseload of driver, passenger and outdoor mobility assessments, often working autonomously. To undertake comprehensive assessments of clients with physical, cognitive, neurological and learning impairments, including those with complex or multiple conditions. To undertake assessments informed by evidence-based practice, specialist training and professional development. To identify physical, cognitive and psychosocial factors that may impact assessment outcomes and recommendations. To build effective working relationships with external agencies including NHS services, Adult Social Care, DVLA, Motability and equipment providers. To ensure clients feel informed, supported and at ease throughout the assessment process. To communicate sensitively and effectively with clients who may experience anxiety, distress or frustration. To support the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) during assessments by providing clinical insight into a clients needs and potential risks. To communicate assessment outcomes clearly and professionally, including situations where difficult or sensitive information must be shared. To ensure clients understand any recommendations made, including responsibilities relating to notifying the DVLA where appropriate. To undertake risk assessments in line with William Merritt Centre policies and procedures. To ensure the safe use of equipment including vehicles, vehicle adaptations, wheelchairs and moving and handling equipment. To coordinate equipment required for assessments and liaise with external agencies where necessary. To participate in referral discussions, screening and service planning. To provide information and advice regarding assistive technology, vehicle adaptations and mobility solutions. To contribute to the development of displays, resources and information materials within the Centre. To undertake outreach clinics in Doncaster and surrounding areas. A vehicle will be provided for outreach travel. To work in accordance with Health and Safety legislation and maintain the physical capability required to undertake assessments safely. To maintain HCPC registration and work within professional standards and codes of conduct. To contribute to flexible working practices to meet service and organisational needs, including occasional promotional or educational events.
Communication / Documentation / Information Resources
To maintain accurate, timely and comprehensive clinical records and assessment documentation. To provide accurate statistical information to support service monitoring and reporting requirements. To establish and maintain effective communication with colleagues, healthcare professionals and external agencies. To sensitively discuss assessment outcomes with clients, carers and family members where appropriate. To maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements at all times.
Education and Training
To demonstrate competent IT skills including the use of Outlook, Word, Excel and other Microsoft Office applications. To contribute to the training and development of staff within the Centre. To promote awareness of the William Merritt Centre through presentations, events and professional engagement activities.
Leadership / Supervision / Appraisal
To participate in professional and clinical supervision. To engage in peer support sessions and reflective practice. To support administrative staff and Approved Driving Instructors as required. To contribute to the allocation and coordination of support work within the team. To support student Occupational Therapists during placements where appropriate.
Resource Monitoring
To liaise with manufacturers and retailers regarding equipment loans and demonstrations. To contribute to maintaining equipment records and service histories.
Implementing Change / Service Development
To contribute to operational planning and service development initiatives. To support implementation of policy and procedural changes. To represent the William Merritt Centre professionally at meetings and external events where required. To participate in Driving Mobility meetings and professional networks to support national standards development.
Professional Development
To continually review and develop professional knowledge and practice through supervision and reflective learning. To maintain professional competence and fitness to practise. To identify and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities. To maintain a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio in line with HCPC standards. To attend mandatory training and required updates. To comply with organisational policies and statutory requirements including Health & Safety, Equality & Diversity and Confidentiality. To undertake any other duties appropriate to the level of the post as agreed with the line manager.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Working knowledge of a broad range of physical and cognitive conditions in adults and older people. Experience of carrying out Occupational Therapy assessments.
Desirable
1-3 years post-graduation work experience. Experience of carrying out cognitive standardised and non-standardised Occupational Therapy assessments. Contribution to education / CPD and training of colleagues
Personal attributes Essential
Ability to maintain judgment under pressure and deal with complex medical conditions Ability to solve problems and think flexibly to solve them Reliable and flexible in approach to complex situations and service developments Team worker being able to work with clinical and non-clinical support staff Knowledge of the work of The William Merritt Centre Ability to cope with organisational change Ability to develop rapport with clients quickly
Qualifications Essential
Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy HCPC Registration.
Desirable
Membership of professional body Evidence of CPD maintained in a professional portfolio. Awarded the Driving Assessment and Outdoor Mobility certificate.
Skills and abilities Essential
Ability to use clinical reasoning to inform practice and make sound decisions. Ability to communicate clearly and present information, written and orally in a clear and logical manner To contribute to service development To remain up to date with professional practice Ability to understand the legal implications of the profession Ability to cope with stressful situations To demonstrate competent IT skills and ability to learn.
Desirable
To demonstrate good presentation skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name William Merritt Disabled Living Centre
Address SOAR Works Enterprise Centre
14 Knutton Road, Parsons Cross
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S5 9NU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.wmdlc.org (Opens in a new tab)