High Dependency Rehabilitation Unit Occupational Therapist: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

We are excited to recruit an enthusiastic Band 5 Occupational Therapist to join our 16-bed Higher Dependency Rehabilitation Unit (HDRU) in Doncaster, providing specialist mental health rehabilitation for adults from Rotherham, Doncaster and North Lincolnshire.

The HDRU supports adults with complex mental health needs who require intensive rehabilitation within a structured, therapeutic environment. Patients typically remain on the unit for up to 12 months, working with the multidisciplinary team to develop the skills and confidence needed to progress to less restrictive settings and successful community living.

Occupational Therapy plays a central role in the rehabilitation pathway, delivering recovery-focused, person-centred interventions through meaningful occupation. Group-based interventions are a key part of the role, and you will be expected to plan and deliver a varied programme of occupation-focused groups alongside individual interventions.

You will work within a supportive multidisciplinary team including Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry and AHP colleagues, embracing our “One Team” approach to delivering high-quality care.

This post offers excellent opportunities for supervision, professional development and service improvement within a supportive learning environment.

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact Light Chibuzor Caleb (Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist) or Kirsty Long (Ward Manager).

Main duties of the job

• Undertake comprehensive Occupational Therapy Assessments using the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and other evidence-based assessment tools.
• Develop, implement and evaluate person-centred intervention plans that promote recovery, independence and meaningful occupational engagement.
• Plan, deliver and evaluate a structured programme of occupation-based group interventions, using meaningful activities to promote recovery, skill development, social participation and independence.
• Support patients to establish healthy routines, develop life skills and build confidence in preparation for discharge to less restrictive environments.
• To assist in the supervision of support staff and students and contribute to the development of a range of inpatient based therapeutic activities in partnership with service users, carers and staff.
• To develop links with statutory and voluntary sector community resources and ensure that on-going occupational needs are addressed as part of a safe effective discharge and the occupational therapy pathway process.
• The service is new and will be in Doncaster, High Dependency Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit staff may also be required to work in a variety of other settings dependent on patient needs, e.g. patients’ own homes, community settings

Person Specification

Qualification

Essential

• Diploma / Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Practice Placement Educator Qualification within 12 months of appointment

Experience

Essential

• Pre-registration experience of working in mental health services (placements/ care roles/ voluntary).
• Documented evidence of continuing professional development
• Post registration experience of working as an OT in mental health services
• Experience of delivering individual and group-based interventions

Desirable

• Experience of research and audit.

Knowledge

Essential

• Broad knowledge of current best practice in OT and mental health.
• Application of OT process with designated client group.
• Knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and occupation-focused practice..
• Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and person-centred approaches.
• Relevant mental health legislation, NICE Guidance, and National (NHSE/I) Frameworks
• Knowledge of risk assessment and positive risk management
• Understanding of safeguarding, clinical governance and professional standards.

Skills

Essential

• Good communication skills – written & verbal.
• Information technology skills.
• Effective time and workload management
• Person centred approach to care.
• Multi-disciplinary/ multiagency working.
• Problem solving abilities.
• Group work skills.
• Planning and co-ordination of treatment packages.
• Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance

Desirable

• Presentation skills
• Training and facilitation skills.
• Supervisory skills.

Closing Date: 11 October 2026