Job summary
We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Band 7 Occupational Therapist to join our specialist multi-disciplinary CAMHS Therapeutic Education Team. You will work with children, young people, and their families/carers within our Somerset education centres and community settings, providing tailored therapeutic assessment, intervention, and support.
This is a unique opportunity to work within a truly therapeutic environment, collaborating closely with education staff and our integrated therapies team to help young people reach their full potential. The role includes clinical leadership, supervision, and the development of the Occupational Therapy service.
Main duties of the job
Provide specialist Occupational Therapy assessment, formulation, and intervention for young people with complex presentations, including developmental trauma, mental health difficulties, and developmental disorders.
Plan and implement packages of care that promote independence, life skills, and readiness for further education or independent living.
Work collaboratively with parents, carers, and key professionals to support positive outcomes.
Offer clinical leadership, supervision, and training to colleagues.
Advise and consult with other professionals regarding risk assessment and management for young people in crisis.
Contribute to service development, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.
Maintain accurate clinical records in line with Trust standards and professional guidelines.
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 a Band 7 Occupational Therapist in our Therapeutic Education service, you will:
- Clinical Work - Hold a clinical caseload, providing high-quality assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for young people with complex needs. Use advanced clinical reasoning to develop personalised, evidence-based treatment plans, liaising with other services and referring on where appropriate.
- Leadership & Supervision - Provide professional leadership to the team, offering clinical supervision, line management (as delegated), and guidance on best practice. Lead training and development sessions for colleagues and contribute to a supportive learning culture.
- Multi-Disciplinary & Multi-Agency Working - Work closely with internal teams (CAMHS, education, social care) and external agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to care. Attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary and multi-agency meetings.
- Service Development & Governance - Participate in service evaluation, clinical audit, and research projects. Promote evidence-based practice, contribute to policy development, and support the implementation of quality improvement initiatives.
- Risk Management & Safeguarding - Undertake risk assessments, develop safety plans, and work in line with safeguarding procedures to ensure the welfare of young people.
- Professional Standards - Maintain registration and continuing professional development in line with HCPC and Royal College of Occupational Therapists requirements. Follow Trust policies, uphold confidentiality, and promote equality and diversity.
This role involves working across multiple sites and in the community, requiring flexibility, resilience, and a commitment to outstanding care for some of Somerset's most vulnerable young people.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Band 7 Occupational Therapist in our Therapeutic Education service, you will:
- Clinical Work - Hold a clinical caseload, providing high-quality assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for young people with complex needs. Use advanced clinical reasoning to develop personalised, evidence-based treatment plans, liaising with other services and referring on where appropriate.
- Leadership & Supervision - Provide professional leadership to the team, offering clinical supervision, line management (as delegated), and guidance on best practice. Lead training and development sessions for colleagues and contribute to a supportive learning culture.
- Multi-Disciplinary & Multi-Agency Working - Work closely with internal teams (CAMHS, education, social care) and external agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to care. Attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary and multi-agency meetings.
- Service Development & Governance - Participate in service evaluation, clinical audit, and research projects. Promote evidence-based practice, contribute to policy development, and support the implementation of quality improvement initiatives.
- Risk Management & Safeguarding - Undertake risk assessments, develop safety plans, and work in line with safeguarding procedures to ensure the welfare of young people.
- Professional Standards - Maintain registration and continuing professional development in line with HCPC and Royal College of Occupational Therapists requirements. Follow Trust policies, uphold confidentiality, and promote equality and diversity.
This role involves working across multiple sites and in the community, requiring flexibility, resilience, and a commitment to outstanding care for some of Somerset's most vulnerable young people.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Qualification in Occupational TherapyHCPC registered as an Occupational TherapistEvidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Registration with the Royal College of Occupational TherapistsSupervision training and experience
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with complex presentationsExperience of working effectively within multi-disciplinary teams
Desirable
- Experience of leadership, supervision and service development
- Experience of working with young people who are 'looked after' or in specialist educational settings
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Evidence of excellent literacy / English language skillsEvidence of excellent written communicationAble to provide advice which at times can be complex and sensitive with regard to service delivery, development and quality improvementExcellent interpersonal skills - influencing, negotiating and communication (written and verbal) skills, across all levels both inside and outside the organisation to assess and interpret complex situations
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised Qualification in Occupational TherapyHCPC registered as an Occupational TherapistEvidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Registration with the Royal College of Occupational TherapistsSupervision training and experience
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with complex presentationsExperience of working effectively within multi-disciplinary teams
Desirable
- Experience of leadership, supervision and service development
- Experience of working with young people who are 'looked after' or in specialist educational settings
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Evidence of excellent literacy / English language skillsEvidence of excellent written communicationAble to provide advice which at times can be complex and sensitive with regard to service delivery, development and quality improvementExcellent interpersonal skills - influencing, negotiating and communication (written and verbal) skills, across all levels both inside and outside the organisation to assess and interpret complex situations
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).
