Jobs in NHS

Hi I am an Occupational Therapist looking for a job in England-most likely through NHS.  I don't have access to newspapers in England since I'm still in the states but does anyone know of another way to search for jobs besides their website.  I would be open to private sector jobs but don't know where to look.

Thanks for the help.

Kathe

Hi Kathe~

I am in the healthcare sector as well and may end up working for the NHS if an opening does not materialize with my company when it's time to move.

What I did was locate the national UK professional organization specific to my line of work (I am a cytotechnologist), and posted a "help me" message on their forum.  I was lucky enough to have a fellow tech in the UK give me lots of helpful info as well as where to start looking for jobs. I visited in April on a visitors visa and several labs were kind enough to let me have a look around and answered a LOT of my questions.

I am not sure if you are aware of the HPC (Health Professions Council), but they are the body in the UK that licenses certain health professions and OT's are included. Info here:
http://www.hpc-uk.org/aboutregistration/professions/occupationaltherapists/index.asp

I just recently sent my application in to the HPC and I do recommend starting ASAP because you will have to gather quite a bit of info for them. It's also £200 to apply. I can't start job hunting yet as I am getting ready to sell my house here in the states and don't have a specific move date, but at least I have a better idea of what to expect when the time comes. In my case, the majority of the jobs are with the NHS.

Hope this helps and good luck with your search!

Here are a couple of websites I used when jobhunting. The first one is better for finding information like that Courtney just gave, ie HPC registration, what training you may need, different careers within the NHS and so forth. The second link is great for plain 'ol job hunting.  Try a variety of different words associated with your job sector to make a wide sweep of all available positions.

Good luck!

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/

http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/

Hello, I would recommend that you search for recruitment companies and some may help with getting certified in the UK and with moving expenses.  I am a social worker and was recruited by TTM and I beleive that they also recruit occupational therapists.  I would try that.  Good Luck.  We are moving the UK in Jan 06.

SMC

Oh and I almost forgot! If you do decide to enter on a visitors visa to visit potential employers, remember that it is illegal to APPLY for a job as a visitor. You are allowed to apply from the states though. You don't want to get into trouble, so keep it casual.

Hi Kathe -

I am in Michigan and I have been working with a recruiter named Sheila Murray who runs a company called Health Connections International.  I'm and audiologist and I've been working with her since February when I saw an ad she had placed for audiologists in the UK on an audiology website.  She places health professionals with the NHS, including OTs, throughout the UK and has been doing so for 10 years.  I've recently been hired to work at a pediatric hospital in Glasgow, Scotland and my husband and I are moving there in August. 

I cannot say enough good things about Sheila.  She has been professional and organized.  She has handled paperwork that would probably confuse me to no end, and has talked me through other paperwork.  She is extremely knowledgeable and, I think, really enjoys her job!  Here's her contact info:

888-247-1927
www.HealthConnectionsint.com

If you call her, I'd be interested to hear how it works out!  Good luck!

Lynette Blaney