Job summary
Band 6 Occupational Therapist -- Holford Ward (PICU)
We are looking for a dynamic and inspiring Occupational Therapist to join Holford Ward, our 10-bedded mixedgender Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit.
On Holford Ward, you will be part of a team that delivers expert, supportive, and highly individualised care rooted in relational security and recovery principles. You will help promote personal safety, social inclusion, and strong collaboration with service users, their families, and carers.
In this role, you will lead the Occupational Therapy provision on the ward and receive clinical supervision from a Band 7 Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist. You will play a key part in the inpatient multidisciplinary team, contributing to a genuinely recoveryfocused service. You will carry out assessments and deliver evidencebased interventions within the ward, and where appropriate, in community or home environments.
You will assess, plan, and implement Occupational Therapy interventions tailored to each individual's needs. You will encourage service users to take an active role in shaping their own care, helping them build independence and confidence. You will also facilitate a wide range of therapeutic groups alongside ward staff and visiting professionals, supporting meaningful engagement and recovery-focused activity.
Main duties of the job
- Deliver high-quality Occupational Therapy to individuals on Holford Ward, contributing to a safe, therapeutic, and recovery focused environment.
- Actively contribute to the ongoing development of the PICU, attending management meetings, sharing professional insight, and offering consultation and mentorship to junior colleagues across the service.
- Work with a high level of autonomy, supported by regular managerial and professional supervision, structured training, clinical reasoning sessions, and peer review. Senior therapists and wider colleagues remain available for guidance whenever needed.
- Provide supervision, support, and training to Occupational Therapists, Activity Organisers, apprentices, students, and MDT members, helping to foster a skilled and cohesive team.
- Complete comprehensive assessments for individuals with diverse and often complex physical, psychological, and social presentations, using clinical reasoning to inform accurate diagnosis and effective intervention planning.
- Develop and implement personalised treatment programmes, ensuring each service user receives meaningful, evidence based interventions that promote independence and recovery.
- Manage an independent caseload, prioritising effectively and maintaining high standards of person-centred care.
- Carry out all clinical responsibilities as an autonomous practitioner, contributing professional expertise to the wider multidisciplinary team.
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
- Carrying out specialist OT assessments for patients with complex physical, sensory and psychological conditions, often presenting with high levels of distress or challenging behaviour.
- Using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice to design and deliver individualised treatment programmes aligned with recovery principles.
- Evaluating patient progress and adapting interventions as needed.
- Managing your own caseload efficiently, prioritising clinical need and service demands.
- Representing the OT role within MDT meetings and case conferences, providing expert opinion and clinical recommendations.
- Undertaking therapeutic manual handling and use of specialist equipment where required.
Communication & Key Working Relationships
You will communicate sensitively and effectively with:
- Patients who may experience psychosis, cognitive impairment, anxiety, aggression or reduced capacity.
- Families and carers, supporting understanding of treatment and recovery pathways.
- MDT colleagues including nursing, psychiatry, social care, and community services.
- External health professionals, statutory bodies and social services.
Planning & Organisation
- Undertake comprehensive assessment and discharge planning in collaboration with other professionals.
- Carry out clinical risk assessments and implement risk managed intervention plans.
- Participate in home assessments to provide environmental recommendations and guidance to carers.
- Maintain your CPD and meet all HCPC registration requirements.
- Support team organisation by planning and prioritising workload for yourself and the staff you supervise.
Analytics & Documentation
- Produce clear, concise and accurate clinical reports for MDT use and external agencies.
- Maintain professional, contemporaneous treatment records in line with Trust policy and RCOT practice standards.
- Contribute to audits, outcome measurement and service review.
Policy, Service & Development Responsibilities
- Adhere to all Trust policies including Manual Handling, Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, and Infection Control.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based practice and apply clinical guidelines appropriately.
- Participate in service development projects and support compliance with NAPICU, CQC and Royal College of Psychiatrists standards.
- Complete mandatory training and contribute to the induction of new staff.
Leadership, Supervision & Management
- Provide supervision, guidance and performance monitoring for Activity Organisers and junior OT staff.
- Lead therapeutic activities and contribute to staff training in mobility, positioning and mental health interventions.
- Support appraisal processes and promote reflective practice among the team.
Finance & Equipment Responsibilities
- Ensure safe, competent use of OT equipment and assist with assessment and prescription of community equipment.
- Contribute to managing the cost of therapeutic activities and resources.
Additional Role Requirements
- Provide flexible clinical cover during staff shortages, including occasionally working in other locations.
- Participate in physical interventions (PMVA), restrictive practice procedures and proactive care as required in a PICU setting.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
- Carrying out specialist OT assessments for patients with complex physical, sensory and psychological conditions, often presenting with high levels of distress or challenging behaviour.
- Using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice to design and deliver individualised treatment programmes aligned with recovery principles.
- Evaluating patient progress and adapting interventions as needed.
- Managing your own caseload efficiently, prioritising clinical need and service demands.
- Representing the OT role within MDT meetings and case conferences, providing expert opinion and clinical recommendations.
- Undertaking therapeutic manual handling and use of specialist equipment where required.
Communication & Key Working Relationships
You will communicate sensitively and effectively with:
- Patients who may experience psychosis, cognitive impairment, anxiety, aggression or reduced capacity.
- Families and carers, supporting understanding of treatment and recovery pathways.
- MDT colleagues including nursing, psychiatry, social care, and community services.
- External health professionals, statutory bodies and social services.
Planning & Organisation
- Undertake comprehensive assessment and discharge planning in collaboration with other professionals.
- Carry out clinical risk assessments and implement risk managed intervention plans.
- Participate in home assessments to provide environmental recommendations and guidance to carers.
- Maintain your CPD and meet all HCPC registration requirements.
- Support team organisation by planning and prioritising workload for yourself and the staff you supervise.
Analytics & Documentation
- Produce clear, concise and accurate clinical reports for MDT use and external agencies.
- Maintain professional, contemporaneous treatment records in line with Trust policy and RCOT practice standards.
- Contribute to audits, outcome measurement and service review.
Policy, Service & Development Responsibilities
- Adhere to all Trust policies including Manual Handling, Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, and Infection Control.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based practice and apply clinical guidelines appropriately.
- Participate in service development projects and support compliance with NAPICU, CQC and Royal College of Psychiatrists standards.
- Complete mandatory training and contribute to the induction of new staff.
Leadership, Supervision & Management
- Provide supervision, guidance and performance monitoring for Activity Organisers and junior OT staff.
- Lead therapeutic activities and contribute to staff training in mobility, positioning and mental health interventions.
- Support appraisal processes and promote reflective practice among the team.
Finance & Equipment Responsibilities
- Ensure safe, competent use of OT equipment and assist with assessment and prescription of community equipment.
- Contribute to managing the cost of therapeutic activities and resources.
Additional Role Requirements
- Provide flexible clinical cover during staff shortages, including occasionally working in other locations.
- Participate in physical interventions (PMVA), restrictive practice procedures and proactive care as required in a PICU setting.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy.HCPC registrationCPD - evidence of ongoing, dynamic and position relevant continuing professional development
Desirable
- Post graduate training in area relevant to post.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in an acute Mental Health wardExperience of running therapeutic activities and groups
Desirable
- Experience of lone working.Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.Experience of service development and review
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Proven application of the OT processA knowledge of the Mental health Legislation and current practice
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy.HCPC registrationCPD - evidence of ongoing, dynamic and position relevant continuing professional development
Desirable
- Post graduate training in area relevant to post.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in an acute Mental Health wardExperience of running therapeutic activities and groups
Desirable
- Experience of lone working.Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.Experience of service development and review
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Proven application of the OT processA knowledge of the Mental health Legislation and current practice
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
