Occupational Therapist

Job summary

Are you an Occupational Therapist looking for a rewarding opportunity within our Older Persons Community Mental Health Team and Dementia Assessment Service?

Our friendly and dynamic Older Persons Mental Health Service in Taunton and West Somerset is seeking skilled and compassionate Occupational Therapist for a 12 secondment. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality, person-centred care in the community.

You'll work across both the Older Persons Community Mental Health Team and Dementia Assessment Service, to deliver a high quality, comprehensive mental health service for older adults with severe and enduring mental health difficulties in: Older Person's Mental Health Specialist Care Settings, the Community, for those under the Dementia Assessment Service and the Therapeutic Group setting.

We recognise that staff well being is essential in delivering compassionate care. You'll be supported by a close-knit and understanding team that values collaboration, respect and professional growth.

We aim to support flexible working requests and whilst this post involves working in the community there are also opportunities to work remotely.

You will need a valid driving licence and access to a car on a daily basis.

Main duties of the job

The role involves managing a defined caseload with a focus on working with individuals and their significant others who experience a complex range of needs and difficulties. Acting as a key member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team, the post holder will provide assessment and psychosocial, evidence-based interventions using a collaborative approach and will be skilled at positive risk management. Liaison with a wide range of agencies is central to the role.The post holder will be based in the Older Person's Community Mental Health team bases in Taunton and Minehead, Somerset.

They will have a caseload of Older People experiencing Mental Health difficulties.

They will take on the role of key worker for clients.

They may complete Dementia Assessments.

They will complete OT assessments for clients within the Dementia Assessment service and the CMHT.

They will run, participate, and support with developing groups for the Therapeutic Groups, which currently include Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and the Living Well with Dementia programme.

The post holder will have access to regular clinical supervision from a band 6 OT, regular attendance at an OT best practice group as well as ongoing training and supervision around the Allen's Cognitive Disabilities Model and related assessments.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.