Specialist Occupational Therapist

Job summary

We have an exciting 25.75 hour per week opportunity for a Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist to join the Occupational Therapy team at The Brook, the Regional Learning Disability and Autism Unit in Dawlish. The Brook is a specialist inpatient service supporting adults with a learning disability and autistic adults who present with complex needs and distressed behaviour, within a modern, purpose-built therapeutic environment.

Occupational Therapy is central to the service model, with therapists taking a lead role within core multi-disciplinary teams and contributing specialist occupational perspectives to complex assessment, formulation and intervention planning. The role focuses on delivering evidence-based, neuro-affirming and trauma-informed Occupational Therapy interventions that promote engagement in meaningful occupation, wellbeing, autonomy and quality of life, while supporting the reduction of restrictive practices.

Band 6 Occupational Therapists also contribute to service development, including audit and quality improvement activity and the delivery of training to strengthen occupationally informed practice across the service.

Main duties of the job

As a Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist, you will work as a core member of the multi-disciplinary team, leading on complex occupational assessments and interventions for adults with a learning disability and autistic adults with high levels of need and distress.

You will contribute actively to formulation, care planning, Positive Behaviour Support and risk management, using occupational therapy models and frameworks to inform clinical decision-making. You will support the development of capable and therapeutic environments, meaningful routines and activity programmes that promote regulation, participation and inclusion.

The role includes providing clinical leadership and support to non-qualified staff, and contributing to the supervision and development of Occupational Therapy students and apprentices. Band 6 Occupational Therapists are expected to support audit, quality improvement and training delivery aligned with service and Trust priorities.

The post holder will participate in the internal rotation system, including shift and weekend working, with appropriate paid enhancements.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Substantial post qualification experience. Experience of working with people with communication difficulties. Experience in managing a diverse workload including those with distressed behaviour and severe and complex disabilities. Previous experience of working in a multi-disciplinary community team including those within the wider support network of service users. Student supervision.

Desirable

• Administration of standardised assessments.

Qualifications

Essential

• Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy. Valid professional HCPC registration. Evidence of on-going training and development in the theory and practice of Occupational Therapy.

Desirable

• Further postgraduate training; short specialist courses. AMPS post graduate qualification. Post graduate training in the theory and application of Sensory Integration. Clinical supervisors qualification for student placements.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Clear understanding of the role of the OT within a multidisciplinary inpatient team. Sound knowledge and application of OT theory specific to adults with learning disabilities and Autistic Adults, in particular those with complex distressed behaviour, profound physical disability and complex needs, dual diagnosis. Understanding of government law and policy with regard to services for people with learning disabilities and Autism including guidance regarding people with complex distressed behaviour (Mental Health Act; DOLS; Safeguarding etc.). Highly developed risk assessment knowledge / skills. Contribute to developing & delivering training for staff groups & carers in understanding complex distressed behaviour and mental health issues. Ability to work autonomously seeking guidance as necessary. Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance. Ability to build effective working relationships in stressful and demanding situations. Experience of working with people with communication difficulties and in the use of total Communication. Ability to educate and inform other professionals about the role of Occupational Therapy in Learning Disabilities and Autism. Ability to reflect and critically appraise own and others performance. Problem solving skills. Ability to understand causes of distressed behaviour and adapt responses appropriately. Workload management and ability to work autonomously and set own priorities.

Closing Date: 9 August 2026