Job summary
Willow Ward, based at Broadway Health Park in Bridgwater, Somerset, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our dynamic team. As part of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, you will play a key role in delivering an outstanding rehabilitation service within the county.
Willow Ward is an 11-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit offering a countywide service for working-age adults of all genders. Patients present with complex and enduring mental health conditions, often compounded by substance or alcohol dependency. Many have experienced extended inpatient care and require specialist input to regain skills for independent living. The ethos of the service is rooted in relational recovery, promoting social inclusion and meaningful engagement with patients, families, and carers.
Main duties of the job
Deliver comprehensive Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions to support recovery and independence.
Work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT), acting as a senior clinical voice within ward discussions, planning and review.
Develop and deliver individualised care and therapeutic group programmes that support functional and social recovery.
Liaise effectively with the Open Mental Health Rehabilitation Team, ensuring continuity of care along the rehabilitation pathway.
Participate in discharge planning and carry out home assessments as required.
Supervise and support the development of OT support staff, students, and colleagues.
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As the Occupational Therapist for Willow Ward, you will:
Take clinical responsibility for a defined caseload, applying evidence-based practice and OT models (e.g. MOHO).
Use clinical reasoning to develop tailored interventions that address occupational needs and promote recovery-focused goals.
Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives, including AIMS Rehab accreditation processes.
Work in partnership with patients, carers, and external agencies to support community reintegration and independence.
Maintain accurate records using RiO and produce high-quality reports for care reviews, CPA meetings, and partner agencies.
Participate in and contribute to staff supervision, student training, and continuing professional development.
Promote the role and value of occupational therapy within the MDT and wider service network.
Engage in ongoing learning and reflect Trust values through your professional behaviour and patient care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As the Occupational Therapist for Willow Ward, you will:
Take clinical responsibility for a defined caseload, applying evidence-based practice and OT models (e.g. MOHO).
Use clinical reasoning to develop tailored interventions that address occupational needs and promote recovery-focused goals.
Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives, including AIMS Rehab accreditation processes.
Work in partnership with patients, carers, and external agencies to support community reintegration and independence.
Maintain accurate records using RiO and produce high-quality reports for care reviews, CPA meetings, and partner agencies.
Participate in and contribute to staff supervision, student training, and continuing professional development.
Promote the role and value of occupational therapy within the MDT and wider service network.
Engage in ongoing learning and reflect Trust values through your professional behaviour and patient care.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in Occupational TherapyRegistered to Practice by the HCPCCommitment to lifelong learning
Desirable
- Membership with the RCOTMembership with a specialist groupPost graduate training in area relevant to post
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in the mental health fieldAwareness of the mental health needs of adults on an in-patient wardExperience of running therapeutic activities and group processExperience in specific assessment procedures e.g., AMPS, MOHO
Desirable
- Experience of delivering psycho-social interventionsExperience of allocating and supervising the work of colleaguesExperience of supporting people with mental health difficulties
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Proven application of the OT processA basic knowledge of mental health legislation and current practice, risk assessment and managementKnowledge of current best practice in OT relevant to mental health, including MOHO based assessmentsAbility to work independently with individuals and groups in a recovery focussed wayWill have knowledge of national guidance for mental health rehab servicesEvidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skillsFull driving licence and willingness to drive the unit vehicles
Desirable
- Willingness to consider working occasional evenings and weekends depending on the occupational needs of patients (e.g. a short term recreational evening course, or a one off weekend day event)
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in Occupational TherapyRegistered to Practice by the HCPCCommitment to lifelong learning
Desirable
- Membership with the RCOTMembership with a specialist groupPost graduate training in area relevant to post
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in the mental health fieldAwareness of the mental health needs of adults on an in-patient wardExperience of running therapeutic activities and group processExperience in specific assessment procedures e.g., AMPS, MOHO
Desirable
- Experience of delivering psycho-social interventionsExperience of allocating and supervising the work of colleaguesExperience of supporting people with mental health difficulties
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Proven application of the OT processA basic knowledge of mental health legislation and current practice, risk assessment and managementKnowledge of current best practice in OT relevant to mental health, including MOHO based assessmentsAbility to work independently with individuals and groups in a recovery focussed wayWill have knowledge of national guidance for mental health rehab servicesEvidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skillsFull driving licence and willingness to drive the unit vehicles
Desirable
- Willingness to consider working occasional evenings and weekends depending on the occupational needs of patients (e.g. a short term recreational evening course, or a one off weekend day event)
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).
