Band 6 Occupational Therapist – Holford Ward (PICU)
We are looking for a dynamic and inspiring Occupational Therapist to join Holford Ward, our 10-bedded mixed-gender Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit.
On Holford Ward, you will be part of a team that delivers expert, supportive, and highly individualised care rooted in relational security and recovery principles. You will help promote personal safety, social inclusion, and strong collaboration with service users, their families, and carers.
In this role, you will lead the Occupational Therapy provision on the ward and receive clinical supervision from a Band 7 Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist. You will play a key part in the inpatient multidisciplinary team, contributing to a genuinely recovery-focused service. You will carry out assessments and deliver evidence-based interventions within the ward, and, where appropriate, in community or home environments.
You will assess, plan, and implement Occupational Therapy interventions tailored to each individual's needs. You will encourage service users to take an active role in shaping their own care, helping them build independence and confidence. You will also facilitate a wide range of therapeutic groups alongside ward staff and visiting professionals, supporting meaningful engagement and recovery-focused activity.
Main duties of the job
* Deliver high-quality Occupational Therapy to individuals on Holford Ward, contributing to a safe, therapeutic, and recovery focused environment.
* Actively contribute to the ongoing development of the PICU, attending management meetings, sharing professional insight, and offering consultation and mentorship to junior colleagues across the service.
* Work with a high level of autonomy, supported by regular managerial and professional supervision, structured training, clinical reasoning sessions, and peer review. Senior therapists and wider colleagues remain available for guidance whenever needed.
* Provide supervision, support, and training to Occupational Therapists, Activity Organisers, apprentices, students, and MDT members, helping to foster a skilled and cohesive team.
* Complete comprehensive assessments for individuals with diverse and often complex physical, psychological, and social presentations, using clinical reasoning to inform accurate diagnosis and effective intervention planning.
* Develop and implement personalised treatment programmes, ensuring each service user receives meaningful, evidence based interventions that promote independence and recovery.
* Manage an independent caseload, prioritising effectively and maintaining high standards of person-centred care.
* Carry out all clinical responsibilities as an autonomous practitioner, contributing professional expertise to the wider multidisciplinary team.
Benefits
* 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
* Career development focus to help you grow and achieve your potential
* Blue Light Card unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks
Job responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
* Carrying out specialist OT assessments for patients with complex physical, sensory and psychological conditions, often presenting with high levels of distress or challenging behaviour.
* Using advanced clinical reasoning and evidence based practice to design and deliver individualised treatment programmes aligned with recovery principles.
* Evaluating patient progress and adapting interventions as needed.
* Managing your own caseload efficiently, prioritising clinical need and service demands.
* Representing the OT role within MDT meetings and case conferences, providing expert opinion and clinical recommendations.
* Undertaking therapeutic manual handling and use of specialist equipment where required.
Communication & Key Working Relationships
* Patients who may experience psychosis, cognitive impairment, anxiety, aggression or reduced capacity.
* Families and carers, supporting understanding of treatment and recovery pathways.
* MDT colleagues including nursing, psychiatry, social care, and community services.
* External health professionals, statutory bodies and social services.
Planning & Organisation
* Undertake comprehensive assessment and discharge planning in collaboration with other professionals.
* Carry out clinical risk assessments and implement risk managed intervention plans.
* Participate in home assessments to provide environmental recommendations and guidance to carers.
* Maintain your CPD and meet all HCPC registration requirements.
* Support team organisation by planning and prioritising workload for yourself and the staff you supervise.
Analytics & Documentation
* Produce clear, concise and accurate clinical reports for MDT use and external agencies.
* Maintain professional, contemporaneous treatment records in line with Trust policy and RCOT practice standards.
* Contribute to audits, outcome measurement and service review.
Policy, Service & Development Responsibilities
* Adhere to all Trust policies including Manual Handling, Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, and Infection Control.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based practice and apply clinical guidelines appropriately.
* Participate in service development projects and support compliance with NAPICU, CQC and Royal College of Psychiatrists standards.
* Complete mandatory training and contribute to the induction of new staff.
Leadership, Supervision & Management
* Provide supervision, guidance and performance monitoring for Activity Organisers and junior OT staff.
* Lead therapeutic activities and contribute to staff training in mobility, positioning and mental health interventions.
* Support appraisal processes and promote reflective practice among the team.
Finance & Equipment Responsibilities
* Ensure safe, competent use of OT equipment and assist with assessment and prescription of community equipment.
* Contribute to managing the cost of therapeutic activities and resources.
Additional Role Requirements
* Provide flexible clinical cover during staff shortages, including occasionally working in other locations.
* Participate in physical interventions (PMVA), restrictive practice procedures and proactive care as required in a PICU setting.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy, HCPC registration, CPD – evidence of ongoing, dynamic and position relevant continuing professional development.
* Postgraduate training in area relevant to post.
Experience
* Experience of working in an acute Mental Health ward.
* Experience of running therapeutic activities and groups.
* Experience of lone working.
* Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
* Experience of service development and review.
Additional Criteria
* Proven application of the OT process.
* Knowledge of the Mental Health Legislation and current practice.
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.
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