Role: Occupational Therapist
Location: Aberdare Hospital (Main Base), with expectation to support Aberavon Hospital and Queens Care Home as required
Hours: 40 hours per week, according to the needs of the service
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £38,000-£41,000 per annum
About Rushcliffe Care Group
You will be joining Rushcliffe Care, a company with over 35 years of experience in offering the highest levels of care to our most vulnerable in society. Our core values, Reputable Care, Respect and Compassion, Robust Communication, and Real Commitment guide everything we do.
About Aberavon and Aberdare Hospital
Location: Port Talbot and Aberdare, South Wales
Aberavon and Aberdare Hospital provide rehabilitation and recovery for people with complex, severe and enduring mental health challenges. Referrals will be accepted from low secure hospitals, or lock units, acute admissions, and the Criminal Justice System. Patients may or may not be detained under the Mental Health Act 1983
Aberavon Hospital is an 18-bedded locked rehabilitation unit for males aged 18 to 65 with Aberdare being a 10 bedded service.
1. A primary diagnosis of mental illness or personality disorder, who would benefit from treatment offered within a locked rehabilitation service
2. Mental health needs that coexist with learning disabilities, challenging behaviour, or substance misuse
3. A history of disengaging from or failing to maintain contact with treatment services
4. Rehabilitation needs requiring structured support in preparation for more independent community living
About the Role
As an Occupational Therapist, you will deliver high-quality, evidence-based interventions to support patients in building life skills, structure, and confidence. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will assess needs, develop individualised treatment plans, and run therapeutic activities that promote independence and recovery.
Key responsibilities include:
5. Conducting comprehensive occupational therapy assessments, including functional, cognitive, sensory, and vocational profiles.
6. Planning and delivering recovery-focused OT programmes using evidence-based approaches such as MOHO, sensory modulation, CBT-informed practice, and graded exposure.
7. Contributing to risk management within secure environments and supporting safe progression through services.
8. Actively participating in MDT meetings, care planning, and case reviews.
9. Maintaining accurate clinical records in line with HCPC and professional standards.
10. Engaging in ongoing professional development and contributing to service improvement.
About You
Essential requirements
BSc/MSc in Occupational Therapy.
11. HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist.
12. Experience working within mental health, preferably in secure or forensic settings.
13. Knowledge of forensic risk assessment and management.
14. Strong communication, resilience, and de-escalation skills.
Desirable
15. Postgraduate training in specialist interventions (e.g., sensory integration, CBT, DBT, vocational rehabilitation).
16. Experience working with individuals under sections of the Mental Health Act.
17. Understanding of offending behaviours and pathways through secure services.
In line with our values, you will demonstrate a commitment to delivering reputable care of the highest standard, always treating others with respect and compassion. You will communicate clearly and effectively, adapting your approach to meet the needs of colleagues, patients, and stakeholders. Above all, you will show real commitment to your role, bringing reliability, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those we support.
Physical ability requirement
This role requires the ability to complete accredited safety intervention training (such as MAPA or PMVA) to safely manage and de-escalate potentially challenging behaviours. Reasonable adjustments will be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Join our team at Rushcliffe Care Group and help us continue to provide exceptional care and service to our residents.
Start making a difference with your career today.
All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which is covered by Rushcliffe Care.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Rushcliffe Care Group is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, in line with the Equality Act 2010. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Employment decisions are based on individual merit, qualifications, and the needs of the service. Some roles may have specific requirements, such as physical ability or effective communication in English, due to the nature of the care we provide. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our service users and are applied fairly and proportionately. To support our commitment to equal opportunities, we may collect diversity data as part of the application process. This information is used for monitoring purposes only, is anonymised where appropriate, and does not form part of the selection process. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you.