Job summaryAn exciting opportunity has arisen for a competent, confident, and enthusiastic full-time Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join our team. The specialist OT post is based within the East Durham Integrated Learning Disabilities Team, covering East Durham; however, there may be a requirement to work across sites in the North and South. The East Integrated Team is located at Spectrum 8, Seaham.
The multi-disciplinary team works with adults with learning disabilities and their families to deliver holistic, person-centred care, including specialist assessment, risk management, and therapeutic interventions, supporting individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives.
We are looking for an Occupational Therapist who can work flexibly to meet service needs and who brings the vision, energy, and inspiration to develop creative and imaginative approaches to delivering occupational therapy with adults with learning disabilities and their families.
Candidates must have minimum 18 months post qualifying experience of occupational therapy delivery at the point of applicationMain duties of the jobAs a Specialist Occupational Therapist within TEWV, you will manage a complex caseload independently, assessing occupational performance and delivering specialist occupational therapy interventions. You will always demonstrate adherence to Trust Values and operate as a leader within the team, service, and organisation.
The successful applicant will be responsible for receiving referrals for occupational therapy, triaging and prioritising these, and completing evidence-based assessments and interventions across key occupational areas: self-care, productivity, and leisure. You will use client-centred approaches to co-produce and agree occupational goals and evaluate these collaboratively with service users. In addition, you will participate in clinical/professional and management supervision.
The postholder will contribute to effective multi-disciplinary team working and contribute to and lead on service improvement and quality initiatives. You will use the Trust's electronic patient record system, adhere to all Trust policies and procedures and respond flexibly and creatively to challenges in service delivery.
You will have access to wider support from the Occupational Therapy network within the TEWV Learning Disabilities Service, enabling you to contribute to the development of a high-quality, needs-led OT service. You will utilise core occupational therapy skills to ensure all individuals have robust assessment and intervention plans in place.
About usWe are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care --our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.
We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.
DetailsDate posted: 05 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 346-DDL-015-26-A
Job locations: East Durham Long Term Integrated Team, Spectrum 8, Spectrum Business Park, Seaham, SR7 7TT, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesThis role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. However, sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements, therefore, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visaDue to the nature of the role it is essential that applicants are able to travel independently across the locality and have access to a suitable vehicle for business purposes. If necessary, adjustments can be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
You must be able to demonstrate experience in delivering occupational therapy, a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development, and a particular interest in this field of practice. Applications are welcomed from those with transferable skills from a range of clinical settings.
There are a variety of opportunities for training and development, with CPD needs identified and monitored through appraisal.
This job advert may close early if a high volume of applications have been received. If interested, please apply for this post as soon as possible.Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- Appropriate professional qualification for occupational therapy role
- Current relevant registration with specific regulatory body
ExperienceEssential- Minimum 18 months post qualifying experience of occupational therapy delivery (at point of application)
Desirable- Experience of supporting people with mental health issues, learning disability or autism
- Experience of working in Multidisciplinary Team
Knowledge and SkillsEssential- Understanding of the needs of people who use our services with mental health conditions or learning disabilities
Desirable- Clinical risk assessment and application in practice
- Knowledge of evidence- based practice in designated specialist area
- Post graduate training in specialist area if applicable to post (e.g. dysphagia, autism diagnostics)
- Experience of managing complex occupational therapy cases
- Awareness of professional standards and its application to practice
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer detailsEmployer name: Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Address: East Durham Long Term Integrated Team, Spectrum 8, Spectrum Business Park, Seaham, SR7 7TT, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact: Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist, Fiona Plummer, fiona.plummer@nhs.net, 07551280447
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).Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). 
