Specialist Occupational Therapist
The closing date is 08 December 2025
We are looking for a band 6 Occupational Therapist to work in our Early Memory Diagnosis and Support Service (EMDASS) within Mental Health Services for Older People based at Rosanne House, Welwyn Garden City, Herts.
The Occupational Therapists in EMDASS provide occupation based assessments and interventions and are involved in both pre and post diagnosis. You would work independently in the community, working closely with a band 4 Assistant Therapy Practitioner.
You would provide specialist OT assessments and interventions using a variety of techniques such as confidence building, developing coping strategies, the use of life stories, telecare equipment, Just Checking. There would be opportunities to provide group interventions and carer education.
Main duties of the job
* The band 6s would have a community caseload for EMDASS in Mental Health Services for Older People.
* The band 6 OT would supervise and appraise junior and support staff.
* Provision of specialist OT interventions - supervision and instruction can be provided.
* Opportunities for involvement in recruitment
* Opportunities to be involved in training/CPD sessions
* Use of MOHO - again instruction/training can be provided.
* Involvement in service review opportunities
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from theCare Quality Commission.
Our family of over 4,500 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:
Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.
Job responsibilities
To manage a caseload of clients with complex OT needs, using evidence based/client-centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions in clinic and community settings and on home visits.
To provide leadership for junior staff, through supervision and appraisal
To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of OT services, holding responsibility for defined projects where appropriate
To regularly supervise OT students on practice placement, following attendance at an approved Fieldwork Educators course
* To apply knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and other standardised assessment approaches relevant to the clinical setting.
* Following assessment, to undertake case formulation in order to highlight occupational strengths and limitations and to inform the intervention plan moving forward.
* To work collaboratively with service users to identify OT goals as part of the overall recovery plan.
* To provide interventions in the manner that is consistent with Trust standards and values.
* To routinely provide feedback to the MDT regarding observed occupational performance throughout contact, which inform ongoing assessment and therapeutic intervention.
* To provide specialist support and education to service users and carers regarding aspects of occupational therapy e.g. equipment fitting, rehabilitation programmes.
* To maintain clinical records using the electronic patient record system.
* To liaise with carers and other professionals as relevant.
* To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
* To attend mandatory training.
* To comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and national and Trust policies
* To review and reflect on your own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.
* To maintain a professional portfolio for CPD, recording learning outcomes through participation in internal/external development opportunities.
* To actively participate in the Trust OT CPD development programme, as a learner and a facilitator
Clinical Responsibility
To work effectively as a member of a team in providing an occupational therapy service to the designated area.
To provide specialist Occupational Therapy advice, intervention and support given to service users and their carers.
To provide timely feedback to the MDT information regarding the service users wellbeing and occupational performance.
To provide a detailed and specialist occupational therapy report when required, within designated clinical area.
To use evidence-based practice to engage service users in meaningful and appropriate activities, to promote independence, recovery and well-being.
To have a senior oversight of the needs of the service user group and develop services accordingly.
To demonstrate and apply a specialist level of understanding of the effect of disability and recommend adaptations to the clients physical and social environment.
To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.
To undertake risk assessments within clinical area as guided by local/Trust policies.
To report incidents, safeguarding concerns, complaints and compliments.
To actively participate in safety huddles and de-brief sessions as appropriate.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* BSc/MSc/PG Dip Occupational Therapy
* HCPC registration
* Proficient use of Microsoft Office and associated packages
* Completion of preceptorship and/or evidence of having met the full KSF Gateway for Band 5 OT's
* Evidence of relevant post grad training
* Membership of RCOT, including specialist section
* First line management training
* Solution Focussed Brief Therapy training
* Cognitive Behavioural Therapy training
* Broad base of clinical experience
Experience
* Post registration experience in relevant clinical setting
* Applied experience of providing both individual and group work interventions
* Specialist knowledge and experience of using the Model of Human Occupation assessment tools, or others appropriate to area
* Experience of other specialist Occupational Therapy assessment tools, e.g. AMPS, Pool Activity Levels
* Documented evidence of continuing professional development
* Experience in providing advice, support and clinical supervision to junior staff and/or students
* Applied knowledge of Recovery principles and how these relate to OT
* Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or learning disability in a variety of health and social care settings
* Previous experience of having worked at Band 6 level
* Experience in research or audit
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.
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
£40,617 to £48,778 a yearper annum, pro rata (inclusive of 5% HCAS)
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