The closing date is 21 April 2026
Specialist Occupational Therapist
We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Occupational Therapist to join our well-regarded and accredited Mental Health Rehabilitation Services.
The post holder will provide occupational therapy expertise within the multi-disciplinary team, including specialist assessment, individual and group work interventions within the unit and surrounding community. They will work closely with other Rehabilitation O.T.s across the county and our community Rehabilitation Team. The service includes support by an experienced Assistant Therapy Practitioner, a part‑time B5 OT, supervision by the B7 Head OT, and a Consultant OT.
The Beacon is a community-based stand‑alone, self‑catering 16‑bed unit with dedicated therapy spaces, located near St Albans. We provide high‑quality enablement and recovery‑focused interventions to service users with a primary diagnosis of psychosis.
As a university trust, we emphasise professional development and welcome innovation and new ideas.
Main duties of the job
* Manage a caseload of clients with complex OT needs using evidence‑based, client‑centred principles to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate interventions in unit, community, and home settings.
* Provide leadership for Band 5 OT and Assistant Therapy Practitioners through supervision and appraisal.
* Participate in the planning, development and evaluation of OT and Rehabilitation services, holding responsibility for defined projects where appropriate.
* Supervise OT students on practice placement.
* Select and apply Occupational Therapy assessments for a designated caseload, addressing occupational performance and skill deficits, enabling the client in areas of self‑maintenance, productivity and leisure.
* Monitor, evaluate and modify treatment for clients with multiple needs to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention.
In return, we can offer you:
* 27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS Trust service) plus bank holidays (pro‑rated where applicable)
* One of the UK's best pension schemes
* Special leave for family and personal reasons
* NHS Car Lease Scheme (for substantive staff)
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Opportunities for additional training
Previous experience of working in acute mental health is essential.
Person Specification
Qualifications / Education / Training
* State registration with HCPC
* Completion of preceptorship at Band 5 level – evidence of completed preceptorship
* Evidence of continuing professional development
* Understanding of OT interventions used in mental health and broad knowledge of mental health conditions
* Membership of BAOT and/or specialist section
* First line management training
* Solution focused brief therapy training
* Motivational interviewing training
* Post registration experience in a relevant clinical setting
* Broad base of clinical experience
Previous Experience
* Experience working with people living with a wide range of mental health conditions
* Post registration experience in an acute mental health setting
* Experience providing both individual and group work interventions
* Knowledge and experience of using the Model of Human Occupation and associated assessment tools
* Experience providing advice, support and clinical supervision to junior staff and/or students
* Experience with other specialist OT assessment tools, e.g., sensory integration
* Previous experience 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 requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check to confirm the absence of any previous convictions.
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
£41,957 to £50,387 a year per annum, pro‑rated (5% HCAS included)
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