Senior Occupational Therapist

Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for two competent, confident, and enthusiastic Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our team on a permanent basis, 1 x full time, 1 x part time (22.5 hours).

As a Specialist Occupational Therapist in TEWV you will manage a complex caseload independently, assessing occupational performance and delivering specialist occupational interventions, demonstrating adherence to the Trust Values at all times and operating as a leader in the team, service and organisation.

We are looking for an occupational therapist who can work flexibly to meet service need and has the vision, energy and inspiration to develop creative, imaginative solutions to delivering occupational therapy with adults in a secure inpatient setting.

Please note that shortlisted candidates will be expected to provide a presentation at interview, Title; 'The role of a Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist within Secure Inpatient Services'

This 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-visa

Main duties of the job
The successful postholder will complete occupational performance assessments and occupational formulations, to support team understanding of a persons' occupational needs and occupational risks.

You will use client-centred approaches to co-produce negotiated occupational goals and evaluate these in line with clinical outcome measures and service objectives.

You will offer clinical advice and support relating to occupational needs with multi-disciplinary professionals and multi-agency partners.

In addition to this, the postholder will contribute to multi-disciplinary team working in line with the service operational policy and Ridgeways Clinical Model.

You will use relevant electronic record systems appropriately, abide by all Trust policies and procedures and be able to respond flexibly, creatively and safely to challenges that arise within the context of a forensic setting.

You will contribute to own clinical supervision provided by an experienced Occupational Therapist, line management from the Team Manager, and professional leadership from the Occupational Therapy Lead. You will also clinically supervise others.

You will contribute to and lead on service improvement and quality initiatives.

About us
We 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.

We won't rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.

Job responsibilities

• Candidates must have a minimum of 18 months post qualifying experience of occupational therapy delivery (at the point of application).
• The post holder will provide evidence-based occupational therapy assessment and interventions as part of the OT Pathway linked to the secure inpatient service, and offer input to individuals during their admission to Ridgeway, Roseberry Park Hospital.
• All team members must be committed to providing the best possible care for the people we work with and involve families/carers.
• The ability to engage and communicate with adults with mental health needs, learning disabilities and/or neurodiversity as well as the parents/family/carers and system around them is essential.
• Clinical/Professional supervision is provided by the supervising Occupational Therapist as identified by the relevant Lead OT. The post holder will attend OT Learning and Governance Networks to ensure fidelity to core occupational therapy delivery, enhance CPD and contribute to the wider OT service developments.
• You must be able to demonstrate experience of delivery of occupational therapy, keenness to continually develop themselves and others, and a particular interest in this field of OT. We will support use of transferrable skills from a range of clinical settings.
• There are varied opportunities for training and development, with CPD needs being identified and monitored through appraisal.

Person Specification
Qualifications

• Essential: Appropriate professional qualification for occupational therapy role; Current relevant registration with specific regulatory body.
• Desirable: Post graduate training in relevant specialist area.

Experience

• Essential: Minimum of 18 months post qualifying experience of occupational therapy delivery (at the point of application).
• Desirable: Experience of supporting people with mental health issues, learning disability or autism; Experience of working in Multidisciplinary Team; Experience of managing complex occupational therapy cases.

Knowledge

• Essential: 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; Awareness of professional standards and its application to practice.

Location: Ridgeway, Roseberry Park Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3AF
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 09 November 2026

Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Apply through our website.