The closing date is 6th Oct 2025
Anticipated Interview date(s) 15th October
Job summary
We are looking for a dynamic and compassionate Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our dedicated Link LD/A team, working with children and young people who have learning disabilities and/or are autistic, and who are experiencing significant mental health or behavioural challenges. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking, neurodivergence-informed service that places young people and their families at the heart of care.
Based in either Yeovil or Taunton (to be agreed), you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based occupational therapy interventions that are holistic, person-centred, and system-aware. You will work within a multi-disciplinary team to provide specialist assessments and interventions, including sensory processing, Positive Behavioural Support (PBS), and Sensory Attachment Interventions. Your work will directly contribute to the team's mission of preventing unnecessary inpatient admissions and supporting young people to thrive in their communities.
This role is ideal for an experienced occupational therapist who is passionate about working with neurodivergent young people and who is eager to contribute to service development, staff training, and collaborative working across health, education, and social care. You will also have access to ongoing CPD opportunities and be encouraged to develop your clinical expertise in a supportive and innovative environment.
Main duties, tasks & skills required
* Deliver specialist Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions, including sensory processing, Positive Behavioural Support, and Sensory Attachment Interventions.
* Apply the OT process within a multi-disciplinary framework, focusing on individuals, families, and wider systems.
* Co-facilitate consultations with network colleagues across health, education, and social care.
* Support the development of OT-informed models and approaches within the multidisciplinary team.
* Provide clinical supervision to support workers and contribute to peer and management supervision.
* Maintain accurate records and contribute to care planning, reviews, and multi-agency meetings.
* Promote inclusive communication environments and contribute to service development and training initiatives.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
* Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
* NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
* Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
* A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Clinical Responsibilities
* Independently manage a caseload of children and young people with complex needs.
* Provide holistic, person-centred interventions tailored to each individual's strengths and challenges.
* Write specialist reports and care plans, and evaluate outcomes of interventions.
* Work within the Mental Capacity Act and contribute to safeguarding processes.
Collaboration & Consultation
* Build strong working relationships with service users, families, schools, care providers, and professionals across sectors.
* Co-facilitate consultations and contribute to multi-disciplinary assessments and care coordination.
Service Development & Training
* Advise on the development of resources and contribute to specialist training for professionals and carers.
* Participate in audits, research, and policy development aligned with national standards and Trust guidelines.
Professionalism & Leadership
* Provide supervision and mentorship to junior staff.
* Promote the understanding of Occupational Therapy within and beyond the team.
* Maintain high standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and clinical governance.
Administrative & Logistical Duties
* Maintain accurate and timely documentation.
* Travel across Somerset to deliver services in community settings.
* Ensure the safe use and storage of OT equipment and resources.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
Registered with HCPC
Member of RCOT
Degree in Occupational Therapy
Desirable
Additional specialist post-graduate training relevant to clinical area (e.g. Sensory Processing, Sensory Attachment Intervention, specific psychological therapies)
Training/experience of PBS
Experience
Essential
Significant post-graduate experience in Occupational Therapy
Experience of carrying out supervision to junior staff, coordinating the care of clients and delegating tasks.
Desirable
Experience of working with children and young people with LD and/or autistic young people
Experience of contributing to service development
Additional Criteria
Essential
Access to transport with appropriate Business Insurance to travel throughout the Somerset area.
Ability to demonstrate diagnostic knowledge and application to planning intervention.
Sound understanding of national policies and procedures relevant to LD and autism.
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 Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
For help with your application, contact:
Laura Kaye
Pay scheme
Agenda for Change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£ to £ Yearly
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-Time
Reference number
184-OL-GR-3103
Job locations
Foundation House
Wellsprings Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 7PQ
Summerlands
56 Preston Road
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 2BN