Specialist Occupational Therapist

Job summary

Are you a highly motivated mental health Occupational Therapist looking for a new opportunity within acute care? We have two full time opportunities for Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapists at Bowmere Hospital as part of the Specialist Mental Health care group.

The postholders will provide senior clinical leadership within the acute care inpatient multidisciplinary team, supporting service users with specialist assessment and intervention, and support safe discharge.

Main duties of the job

The postholders will be expected to coordinate the OT service on their designated ward, and carry a clinical caseload. They will be responsible for supervising Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Technical instructors, and work alongside the Lead Occupational Therapist and other Specialist OTs in delivering service developments.

These are ideal posts for adaptable, creative practitioners who are looking for opportunitiesto develop clinical leadership skills and further their specialism within mental health.

The postholders will be skilled and experienced mental health practitioners who can take on complex cases, and can show evidence of understanding an acute care service. This is a busy team environment where no two days are the same requiring a high level of problem solving and organisation. The postholder will be able to supervise others in applying the 6Cs within acute care, understand governance issues and have knowledge of current evidence based practice.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Diploma, BSc or MSc in Occupational Therapy
• Registration with Health Professions Council
• Experience as Practice Placement Educator

Desirable

• Postgraduate clinical training relevant to the post
• Leadership or management training

Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• Specialist clinical skills relevant to the role
• Current disability equipment training or be willing to gain as appropriate for the post
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good knowledge and awareness of current legislation and guidance pertaining to Mental Health services and implications for Occupational Therapy
• Ability to work under pressure and set priorities
• Good knowledge of effective care co-ordination and planning of treatment packages
• Ability to manage own caseload and work as part of a team
• Group leadership skills
• Excellent negotiation and organisational skills, with individuals and groups
• Working knowledge of clinical governance principles
• Computer literacy
• Skills in moving and handling
• Appreciation of the 6Cs and person-centred care.

Desirable

• Training, presentation and facilitation skills
• Ability to resolve complex professional and ethical issues
• Research experience

Experience

Essential

• At least 18 months experience in mental health
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary environment
• Experience of supervising and supporting junior staff and students
• Experience of using appraisal process
• Documented evidence of Continued Professional Development
• Working knowledge of clinical audit
• Experience of introducing new and innovative interventions

Desirable

• Minimum of 3 years post registration experience
• Experience of care co-ordination

Closing Date: 2 August 2026