South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Occupational Therapist

The closing date is 24 July 2025

Job summary

Hello, my name is Judith Megson, I am the team manager for the older adult community mental health team (CMHT) in Kirklees.

We are seeking to recruit an Occupational Therapist to cover maternity leave (until mid-February 2026). We are looking for someone who matches our values and who can support us to continue to provide high standards of assessment, treatment and care to our service users, to enable them to live well in their community.

This is an exciting opportunity for an Occupational Therapist who can work in a flexible, innovative and creative way. The role is based in Huddersfield working Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The team has 2 geographical bases, and you are required to deliver a mental health/OT service Kirklees wide. A car driver is therefore essential.

You would require a broad range of experience and ability to joint work as part of a multidisciplinary team, manage a varied caseload predominately OT focused, carry out initial assessments, undertake duty worker role, demonstrate clinical decision-making skills and to think creatively on your feet as both a generic practitioner and an OT.

A robust induction plan, training opportunities and regular supervision will be provided to promote career progression and personal well-being.

Informal enquiries/arrange a visit contact Judith Megson, Team Manager 01924 316865.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect patients.

Main duties of the job

As part of a multi-disciplinary team undertake a duty worker role and be responsible for triaging referrals, completing evidence-based assessments and deliver high quality therapeutic interventions to address the needs of the service user.

Give support to the service user/family/carer and interpret the assessment results to plan and implement a client centred treatment programme to achieve therapeutic goals.

The post will involve patient-facing visits in the community and responsibility of your own Occupational therapy caseload. Where clinical demand arises Care coordinator role maybe required.

You will ensure therapeutic interventions are of a high professional standard, informed by evidence-based practice and involves the service user/carer in all aspects of the care programme.

You will be able to respond flexibly and creatively to challenges and participate in appropriate clinical team meetings, referral meetings, case conferences, care programme approach meetings and any other as required by clinical demand and as directed.

Maintain professional registration/demonstrate commitment to statutory codes of practice and continued professional development requirements.

At the time of advertising, this role does not meet the minimum requirements (salary threshold or occupational requirements) set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. For this reason, unfortunately we are unable to sponsor anyone on a visa for this role at this moment in time.

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Details

Date posted

10 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year Pro Rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-CK2264

Job locations

Folly Hall Mills, 4th Floor Large Mill

St Thomas Road

Huddersfield

HD1 3LT


Job description

Job responsibilities

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

The post holder will be required to work as an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team, providing specialist occupational therapy assessment and treatment for service users in receipt of care from community services. Enabling service users to engage in a range of individual and group community based treatment activities. You will be actively involved in the promotion of occupational therapy within the service area. The post holder will be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and the client group.

To undertake specific standardised and non-standardised assessments to formulate effective treatment plans in conjunction with the service user, family and carer.

To interpret the assessment results in order to plan and implement a client centred occupational therapy treatment programme on an individual and/or group basis using graded activity to achieve therapeutic goals.

To ensure therapeutic interventions are of a high professional standard, informed by evidence based practice and involves the service user and carer in all aspects of the care programme.

To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the effect of disability providing training and advice on lifestyle changes/adaptations to the clients social and physical environments.

To act as the care programme co-ordinator as required and to offer carers an assessment and care plan where appropriate.

To contribute to a co-ordinated team approach throughout the assessment and in meeting the service users needs including developing and maintaining close working relationships with all relevant services, and agencies within the voluntary sector.

To regularly evaluate the effectiveness of group and individual occupational therapy interventions by undertaking specific audits and using outcome measures such as standardised / other relevant assessments and service user satisfaction questionnaires.

To continue treatment interventions where necessary to assist in the transition of skills from an inpatient setting to living independently within the community.

To work effectively within the multi-agency team ensuring that both written and verbal communication is clearly maintained to ensure a seamless service.

To be responsible for the maintenance of appropriate clinical records concerned with service user treatment, in accordance with risk management documentation guidelines.

To arrange/attend appropriate clinical team meetings, referral meetings, case conferences, care programme approach meetings and any other as required by clinical need and as direct by the Line/Service Manager.

To provide accurate and timely reports, statistical data through the electronic recording system and other information as required.

To participate in monthly clinical and managerial supervision and to provide clinical supervision to other occupational therapy staff/ support staff.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms.Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

1.14 To work as an autonomous practitioner.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

The post holder will be required to work as an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team, providing specialist occupational therapy assessment and treatment for service users in receipt of care from community services. Enabling service users to engage in a range of individual and group community based treatment activities. You will be actively involved in the promotion of occupational therapy within the service area. The post holder will be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and the client group.

To undertake specific standardised and non-standardised assessments to formulate effective treatment plans in conjunction with the service user, family and carer.

To interpret the assessment results in order to plan and implement a client centred occupational therapy treatment programme on an individual and/or group basis using graded activity to achieve therapeutic goals.

To ensure therapeutic interventions are of a high professional standard, informed by evidence based practice and involves the service user and carer in all aspects of the care programme.

To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the effect of disability providing training and advice on lifestyle changes/adaptations to the clients social and physical environments.

To act as the care programme co-ordinator as required and to offer carers an assessment and care plan where appropriate.

To contribute to a co-ordinated team approach throughout the assessment and in meeting the service users needs including developing and maintaining close working relationships with all relevant services, and agencies within the voluntary sector.

To regularly evaluate the effectiveness of group and individual occupational therapy interventions by undertaking specific audits and using outcome measures such as standardised / other relevant assessments and service user satisfaction questionnaires.

To continue treatment interventions where necessary to assist in the transition of skills from an inpatient setting to living independently within the community.

To work effectively within the multi-agency team ensuring that both written and verbal communication is clearly maintained to ensure a seamless service.

To be responsible for the maintenance of appropriate clinical records concerned with service user treatment, in accordance with risk management documentation guidelines.

To arrange/attend appropriate clinical team meetings, referral meetings, case conferences, care programme approach meetings and any other as required by clinical need and as direct by the Line/Service Manager.

To provide accurate and timely reports, statistical data through the electronic recording system and other information as required.

To participate in monthly clinical and managerial supervision and to provide clinical supervision to other occupational therapy staff/ support staff.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms.Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

1.14 To work as an autonomous practitioner.

Person Specification

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Values contribution of others.
  • Ability to motivate self and others.
  • Organisational skills.
  • Effective communication skills, verbal and written.
  • Willingness to work flexibly.
  • A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability).

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Specialist knowledge and application of Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions relevant to mental health.
  • Extensive clinical practice skills including individual and group work.
  • Understanding of occupational therapy outcome measures.
  • Ability to work autonomously and set own priorities.
  • Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
  • Supervisory / appraisal skills.
  • Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
  • Ability to organise and respond efficiently to complex information.
  • Computer literacy.
  • Ability to build effective working relationships.
  • Detailed knowledge of mental health/learning disabilities legislation and current practice including policy drivers.
  • Detailed knowledge of clinical governance and its application.

Training

Essential

  • Practice Education/Practice Assessor Preparation Certificate (or to achieve within 12 months).
  • To be willing to undertake post graduate training to further skills, knowledge and expertise.

Desirable

  • Post graduate training relevant to mental health such as, psychosocial interventions, cognitive behavioural / counselling skills / standardised assessment.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy.
  • Health Care Professions Council registration.

Desirable

  • Leadership / first line management certificate.

Experience

Essential

  • Post registration experience in mental health/learning disabilities setting.
  • Documented evidence of continuing professional development.
  • Supervision of staff and / or students.

Desirable

  • Leadership / first line management experience.
  • Experience of a range of mental health/learning disabilities settings.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post. A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).
Person Specification

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Values contribution of others.
  • Ability to motivate self and others.
  • Organisational skills.
  • Effective communication skills, verbal and written.
  • Willingness to work flexibly.
  • A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability).

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Specialist knowledge and application of Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions relevant to mental health.
  • Extensive clinical practice skills including individual and group work.
  • Understanding of occupational therapy outcome measures.
  • Ability to work autonomously and set own priorities.
  • Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
  • Supervisory / appraisal skills.
  • Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
  • Ability to organise and respond efficiently to complex information.
  • Computer literacy.
  • Ability to build effective working relationships.
  • Detailed knowledge of mental health/learning disabilities legislation and current practice including policy drivers.
  • Detailed knowledge of clinical governance and its application.

Training

Essential

  • Practice Education/Practice Assessor Preparation Certificate (or to achieve within 12 months).
  • To be willing to undertake post graduate training to further skills, knowledge and expertise.

Desirable

  • Post graduate training relevant to mental health such as, psychosocial interventions, cognitive behavioural / counselling skills / standardised assessment.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy.
  • Health Care Professions Council registration.

Desirable

  • Leadership / first line management certificate.

Experience

Essential

  • Post registration experience in mental health/learning disabilities setting.
  • Documented evidence of continuing professional development.
  • Supervision of staff and / or students.

Desirable

  • Leadership / first line management experience.
  • Experience of a range of mental health/learning disabilities settings.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post. A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

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

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Folly Hall Mills, 4th Floor Large Mill

St Thomas Road

Huddersfield

HD1 3LT


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Folly Hall Mills, 4th Floor Large Mill

St Thomas Road

Huddersfield

HD1 3LT


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Bev Atkinson

bev.atkinson@swyt.nhs.uk

07768257323

Details

Date posted

10 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year Pro Rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-CK2264

Job locations

Folly Hall Mills, 4th Floor Large Mill

St Thomas Road

Huddersfield

HD1 3LT


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)