Job summary
Are you a compassionate and motivated Occupational Therapist looking to make a meaningful impact in mental health care? Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 5 Occupational Therapist to join our newly refurbished Rowan Ward -- a 15-bed acute mental health unit for working-age adults.
You'll be responsible for delivering high-quality occupational therapy services to inpatients, working closely with a Band 6 OT for supervision and support. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your clinical skills in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment while contributing to service development and patient recovery.
Main duties of the job
- Deliver comprehensive OT assessments and individualised treatment plans for patients with complex mental health needs.
- Work autonomously within a supportive team, receiving regular supervision and training.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to plan and implement effective discharge strategies.
- Supervise and support Activity Organisers and OT students.
- Participate in home visits and community-based assessments where appropriate.
- Maintain accurate clinical records and contribute to audits and service evaluations.
- Uphold professional standards and comply with Trust policies and procedures.
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
Clinical Responsibilities:
- Provide evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to support patient recovery and independence.
- Conduct risk assessments and manage challenging behaviours sensitively and professionally.
- Use clinical reasoning to diagnose and treat diverse presentations, including physical and psychological conditions.
- Support patients in developing skills for daily living and community reintegration.
Communication & Collaboration:
- Liaise effectively with ward managers, nursing staff, social workers, and external agencies.
- Represent the OT service in case conferences, ward rounds, and professional meetings.
- Communicate clearly with patients and carers, adapting approaches to overcome barriers such as cognitive or perceptual difficulties.
Leadership & Supervision:
- Supervise Activity Organisers and contribute to their training and development.
- Assist in the induction and education of students and junior staff.
- Participate in staff appraisals and personal development planning.
Service Development & Governance:
- Engage in clinical governance activities, audits, and evidence-based practice projects.
- Contribute to the development of the adult acute inpatient OT service.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, confidentiality, and infection control policies.
Physical & Emotional Demands:
- Perform manual handling and therapeutic interventions in confined spaces.
- Respond to emotionally challenging situations, including serious incidents and aggressive behaviours.
- Drive unit vehicles for external activities and home visits.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities:
- Provide evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to support patient recovery and independence.
- Conduct risk assessments and manage challenging behaviours sensitively and professionally.
- Use clinical reasoning to diagnose and treat diverse presentations, including physical and psychological conditions.
- Support patients in developing skills for daily living and community reintegration.
Communication & Collaboration:
- Liaise effectively with ward managers, nursing staff, social workers, and external agencies.
- Represent the OT service in case conferences, ward rounds, and professional meetings.
- Communicate clearly with patients and carers, adapting approaches to overcome barriers such as cognitive or perceptual difficulties.
Leadership & Supervision:
- Supervise Activity Organisers and contribute to their training and development.
- Assist in the induction and education of students and junior staff.
- Participate in staff appraisals and personal development planning.
Service Development & Governance:
- Engage in clinical governance activities, audits, and evidence-based practice projects.
- Contribute to the development of the adult acute inpatient OT service.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, confidentiality, and infection control policies.
Physical & Emotional Demands:
- Perform manual handling and therapeutic interventions in confined spaces.
- Respond to emotionally challenging situations, including serious incidents and aggressive behaviours.
- Drive unit vehicles for external activities and home visits.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy.HPC registrationCPD - evidence of ongoing, dynamic and position relevant continuing professional developmentMembership of the College of Occupational Therapists
Experience
Desirable
- Experience of lone working.Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.Experience of service development and review
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Able to demonstrate a good standard of English language
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy.HPC registrationCPD - evidence of ongoing, dynamic and position relevant continuing professional developmentMembership of the College of Occupational Therapists
Experience
Desirable
- Experience of lone working.Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.Experience of service development and review
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Able to demonstrate a good standard of English language
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).
