Jason Newman, Care/Occupational Therapist

Professional Experience

I am an experienced Occupational Therapist working in vocational rehabilitation, with prior roles across major trauma, stroke, orthopaedics, medicine of the elderly, cardiology, surgery, and A&E. I have held senior positions in acute, sub-acute, and outpatient settings, developing strong clinical reasoning skills in evaluating performance and care needs relative to physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional function within home and workplace contexts.

My main expertise is vocational evaluation. I use Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) to objectively assess postural tolerances, lifting capacity, and work-related fitness, helping all parties understand the tasks an individual can perform safely and sustainably. Evaluations may include job demands analysis and comparison with functional abilities to inform opinions on reasonable adjustments and job match or mismatch. Assessment of work aptitudes and interests can be integrated with the FCE to support career exploration and job matching.

I use a wide range of standardised assessments to evaluate cognitive, physical, and psychological function. I am certified to administer the EPIC Lift Capacity Test, a tool widely recognised in legal and research settings for its standardised methodology and robust normative data.

In trauma settings, I have supported patients recovering from complex injuries through objective measurement of function and disability, and by delivering functional, cognitive, and upper-limb rehabilitation aligned with individual recovery goals. I have also provided OT input across medical, surgical, and emergency departments, completing detailed assessments to guide rehabilitation planning and discharge. I am confident managing complex cases and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to support safe, timely transitions of care.

Professional Development

I continue to invest in my professional growth, having completed training in FCE, CDMP, executive function, upper limb rehab, and behavioural activation. I regularly take part in CPD to maintain my professional development and HCPC standards, focusing on neurorehabilitation, pain management, and cognitive therapy.