Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Inpatient Occupational therapist

The closing date is 03 August 2025

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join our team on Rowan Ward, a 15-bedded acute mental health ward for working-age adults based in Yeovil. The ward has recently been refurbished to provide a modern and therapeutic environment, supporting high-quality, person-centred care. You will play a key role in delivering occupational therapy interventions that promote recovery, independence, and wellbeing, working closely with a multidisciplinary team in a supportive and dynamic setting.

This role is offered at Band 6, but we are also happy to consider applicants for a developmental Band 5-6 opportunity, with structured support and supervision to help you progress into a more senior position. Whether you're an experienced OT or newly qualified with a passion for mental health, this is a fantastic chance to contribute to service development, enhance your clinical skills, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our patients.

Main duties of the job

  • Deliver high-quality occupational therapy assessments and interventions for inpatients with complex physical and psychological needs.

  • Collaborate closely with the multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, person-centred care and effective discharge planning.

  • Provide supervision and support to junior staff including Band 5 OTs, Activity Organisers, apprentices, and students.

  • Participate in service development, clinical audit, and evidence-based practice initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.

  • Actively engage in risk assessment and management, including the delivery of therapeutic activities and discharge assessments in hospital and home environments.

  • Contribute to and attend multidisciplinary meetings, including ward rounds, case conferences and planning discussions.

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.

Details

Date posted

18 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-2711

Job locations

Rowan Ward

56 Preston Road

Yeovil

Somerset

BA20 2BX


Job description

Job responsibilities

As the Occupational Therapist on Rowan Ward, you will work autonomously and as part of the wider Occupational Therapy service. You will receive clinical supervision from a Band 7 Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist and be expected to manage your own caseload, delivering tailored interventions in line with patients' goals and therapeutic needs.

You will play a key role in the patient journey, from admission to discharge, ensuring that care is responsive, recovery-focused, and aligned with current evidence and best practice. You will also be responsible for advising on equipment needs, supporting relatives and carers, and facilitating functional recovery through individual and group interventions.

This is a fantastic opportunity to influence service delivery, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to continuous service improvement in a dynamic mental health setting. Regular supervision, CPD opportunities, and team development are actively encouraged and supported.

Job description

Job responsibilities

As the Occupational Therapist on Rowan Ward, you will work autonomously and as part of the wider Occupational Therapy service. You will receive clinical supervision from a Band 7 Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist and be expected to manage your own caseload, delivering tailored interventions in line with patients' goals and therapeutic needs.

You will play a key role in the patient journey, from admission to discharge, ensuring that care is responsive, recovery-focused, and aligned with current evidence and best practice. You will also be responsible for advising on equipment needs, supporting relatives and carers, and facilitating functional recovery through individual and group interventions.

This is a fantastic opportunity to influence service delivery, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to continuous service improvement in a dynamic mental health setting. Regular supervision, CPD opportunities, and team development are actively encouraged and supported.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Membership of the College of Occupational Therapists
  • Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy
  • HPC registration
  • CPD - evidence of ongoing, dynamic and position relevant continuing professional development

Experience

Essential

  • To have gained effective experience of rehabilitation from student placements or post-graduate experience

Desirable

  • Experience of lone working.
  • Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Experience of service development and review
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Membership of the College of Occupational Therapists
  • Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy
  • HPC registration
  • CPD - evidence of ongoing, dynamic and position relevant continuing professional development

Experience

Essential

  • To have gained effective experience of rehabilitation from student placements or post-graduate experience

Desirable

  • Experience of lone working.
  • Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Experience of service development and review

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).

Additional information

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

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Rowan Ward

56 Preston Road

Yeovil

Somerset

BA20 2BX


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Rowan Ward

56 Preston Road

Yeovil

Somerset

BA20 2BX


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Hiring Manager

Hazel Armstrong

hazel.armstrong@somersetft.nhs.uk

01935410784

Details

Date posted

18 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-2711

Job locations

Rowan Ward

56 Preston Road

Yeovil

Somerset

BA20 2BX


Supporting documents

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