Specialist Occupational Therapist
The closing date is 27 May 2026
An exciting opportunity for a competent, confident, and enthusiastic full‑time Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join our team at Hamsterley Ward Auckland Park Hospital. We are a 15‑bedded female organic ward caring for patients who are predominately over 65 years old.
The multidisciplinary team works with older people with an organic illness alongside their families to deliver high‑quality care in an inpatient setting.
You will access wider support from the occupational therapy network in order to deliver a high‑quality, needs‑led OT service, utilising core occupational therapy skills to the benefit of the people we work with.
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; 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
* Responsible for receiving requests for occupational therapy, triaging these for occupational therapy input (including judgement of potential occupational complexity) and prioritising for occupational urgency.
* Complete evidence‑based occupational assessment and treatment to address key occupational areas of self‑care, productivity and leisure.
* Use a client‑centred approach.
* Co‑produce negotiated occupational goals and, as treatment progresses, collaboratively evaluate these with service users.
* Participate in clinical/professional supervision and management supervision.
* Contribute to multi‑disciplinary team working.
* Contribute to and lead on occupational therapy‑related service improvement and quality initiatives in the working area.
* Use the Trust electronic patient record system.
* Abide by all Trust policies and procedures.
* Respond flexibly and creatively to challenges.
About us
* Independently manage a complex occupational therapy specific caseload.
* Comprehensively assess occupational performance and functioning.
* Deliver specialist occupational therapy treatment.
* Always demonstrate adherence to the Trust Values.
* Operate as a leader in the team, service and organisation.
Job responsibilities
We are looking for an OT 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 those we serve and their families.
The post holder will provide evidence‑based occupational therapy assessment and treatment as part of the occupational therapy clinically linked pathway, offering input to individuals, their families and carers in an inpatient setting.
All team members must be committed to providing the best possible care for the people we work with and their families/carers.
The ability to engage and communicate with older people with mental health concerns, as well as the parents/family/carers and the system around them, is essential.
Clinical/professional supervision is provided by the supervising occupational therapist identified by the relevant lead occupational therapist.
The postholder will attend the relevant occupational therapy learning and governance network to ensure fidelity to core occupational therapy delivery, enhance CPD and contribute to wider occupational therapy service developments.
The applicant must be able to demonstrate experience of delivering occupational therapy, keenness to continually develop themselves and others, and a particular interest in this clinical area.
We will support use of transferable 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
* Appropriate professional qualification for the occupational therapy role.
* Current relevant registration with the specific regulatory body.
Experience
* Minimum 12 months post‑qualifying experience of occupational therapy delivery.
* Experience of supporting people with mental health issues, learning disability or autism.
* Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team.
Knowledge and Skills
* Understanding of the needs of people who use our services with mental health conditions or learning disabilities.
* Clinical risk assessment and application in practice.
* Knowledge of evidence‑based practice in the designated specialist area.
* Post‑graduate training in a specialist area, if applicable to the post (e.g., dysphagia, autism diagnostics).
* Experience of managing complex occupational therapy cases.
* Awareness of professional standards and their application to practice.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
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