Job summary
We offer support to people in crisis with mental health issues, such as psychosis, mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety and trauma. The ward has a multidisciplinary team consisting of experienced consultant psychiatrists, specialty doctors, mental health nurses and therapists, who provide person-centred care, in collaboration with the patient, to allow them to maximise their recovery journey.
Main duties of the job
You will be part of a compassionate team who are committed to our patients wellbeing. We take a personalised approach, using proven therapies to help people move forward with confidence and build a healthier, more fulfilling future. You will play a key part in their recovery, assisting qualified staff with the assessment and implementation of individual patient care plans, undertaking routine tasks and activities as directed or delegated to facilitate wellbeing, dignity and treatment of patients.
* Deliver specialist occupational therapy assessments and interventions for individuals with eating disorders, focusing on restoring daily functioning, promoting independence, and improving engagement in meaningful activities such as self-care, work, and leisure.
* Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, psychiatrists, dietitians, nurses, and family therapists to develop and implement comprehensive, person-centred treatment plans that address both physical and psychological recovery.
* Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions aimed at supporting clients through meal planning, sensory regulation, emotional management, and body image rehabilitation, helping them develop healthy relationships with food and activity.
* Support transitions across care settings, including inpatient, day programme, and community environments, by promoting recovery-focused routines, relapse prevention strategies, and sustainable lifestyle changes.
* Maintain high-quality clinical documentation and contribute to care reviews, audits, and service development, ensuring all practice aligns with HCPC standards and best-practice guidelines for eating disorder care.
About us
Priory is the UKs leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care. With 13,000 colleagues and a network of 280 services, we support over 26,000 people each year to live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat more than 70 conditions including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and childrens mental health and provide residential and supported living care for autistic adults, people with a learning disability, PraderWilli Syndrome, brain injuries and older people.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to providing an inclusive, accessible recruitment process. Learn more about the accessibility support we offer here.
All roles are subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland. Priory will cover the cost of a DBS check.
We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy.
Details
Date posted
16 February 2026
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£32,000 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
458030
Job locations
Priory Hospital Chelmsford
Stump Lane
Springfield
Essex
CM1 7SJ
Job description
Job responsibilities
Priory Hospital Chelmsford is looking to recruit an Occupational Therapist to join the team to work on our eating disorder ward. This is a full-time/37.5-hour role.
Chelmsford is one of the UKs leading treatment centres and is rated by former patients for its excellence, dedication and commitment, as well as producing outstanding treatment outcomes.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Priory Hospital Chelmsford is looking to recruit an Occupational Therapist to join the team to work on our eating disorder ward. This is a full-time/37.5-hour role.
Chelmsford is one of the UKs leading treatment centres and is rated by former patients for its excellence, dedication and commitment, as well as producing outstanding treatment outcomes.
Person Specification
Requirements
Essential
* The successful candidate will hold a recognised degree or diploma in Occupational Therapy and be registered with the HCPC. Previous experience working within eating disorder services or mental health settings is highly desirable. Strong assessment, communication, and clinical reasoning skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. The role requires a compassionate, recovery-focused approach and a genuine interest in supporting individuals to rebuild confidence, identity, and independence in their daily lives.
Person Specification
Requirements
Essential
* The successful candidate will hold a recognised degree or diploma in Occupational Therapy and be registered with the HCPC. Previous experience working within eating disorder services or mental health settings is highly desirable. Strong assessment, communication, and clinical reasoning skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. The role requires a compassionate, recovery-focused approach and a genuine interest in supporting individuals to rebuild confidence, identity, and independence in their daily lives.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Priory Healthcare
Address
Priory Hospital Chelmsford
Stump Lane
Springfield
Essex
CM1 7SJ
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Priory Healthcare
Address
Priory Hospital Chelmsford
Stump Lane
Springfield
Essex
CM1 7SJ
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)