Occupational Therapist
The closing date is 29 April 2026
The Calderdale and Kirklees In‑Patient Occupational Therapy team has an exciting opportunity for a motivated and dedicated Band 5 practitioner to join our Kirklees team. The service is embracing positive change and developing pathways of care to meet the diverse needs of adults and older people within an acute inpatient setting.
We are looking for a skilled Band 5 OT to provide specialist assessments and therapeutic interventions for service users currently in receipt of in‑patient mental health care. The post is permanent full‑time (37.5 hrs per week).
The post holder will work alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team comprising consultant psychiatrists, senior clinical psychologists, nursing staff and physiotherapists.
As part of the Trust, you will be supported and encouraged to develop your clinical and professional competencies within a stimulating learning environment, with a focus on staff health and wellbeing.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for an innovative, committed and caring OT, who will demonstrate sound clinical decision‑making, work autonomously and as part of the MDT. The team provides the highest standard of assessment, treatment and client‑centred care, supporting safe and effective discharge of acute inpatients. The team includes Band 6, Band 5 OTs and OT assistants. There is an expectation for all staff to cross‑ward and cross‑site work where necessary. We adopt a recovery‑based approach using evidence‑based interventions and professional models of working to inform our practice and ensure the delivery of high‑quality care. A range of 1:1 interventions and therapeutic groups are provided.
Job summary
The post holder will be an integral part of the multidisciplinary team, providing occupational therapy assessment and treatment for service users in receipt of in‑patient care, enabling engagement in inpatient and community‑based treatment activities and supporting safe, effective discharge. The post holder will promote occupational therapy within the service area and work flexibly, including weekends and evenings.
Key result areas
* Clinical – Provide assessments, plan and implement treatment programmes, monitor and modify interventions, adopt a client‑centred approach, manage caseload, provide reports, participate in MDT meetings, and comply with professional standards.
* Management and Leadership – Manage own caseload and coordinate unqualified staff, work effectively as a team member, and keep the Team Manager informed.
* Communication – Provide and receive information as part of the multidisciplinary team, communicate accurately to clients and carers, promote understanding of OT role, and negotiate priorities.
* Personal and Professional Development – Reflect on practice, undertake CPD, participate in appraisal process, supervise unqualified staff, and provide training placements.
* Quality – Demonstrate professional competence, participate in governance and quality improvement, update knowledge of evidence base, and contribute to audit.
* Health, Safety and Security – Adhere to national and local policies, ensure safety, undertake risk assessments, and contribute to improvement.
* Equality and Diversity – Work within legal and ethical frameworks, promote anti‑discriminatory practice, and comply with equality legislation.
Person Specification
* Qualifications – COT Diploma or BSc Occupational Therapy Degree OR Pre‑registration MSc Occupational Therapy, HCPC State Registration.
* Special Knowledge / Skills – Application of the OT process, knowledge of best practice, planning and coordination of treatment packages, workload management, professional and ethical analysis, reflective practice, client‑centred non‑discriminatory practice, multidisciplinary working, health legislation, and risk management.
* Training – Willingness to undertake Practice Placement Education and Trust‑identified training.
* Physical Attributes – Ability to undertake duties and demands of the post, satisfactory sickness record.
* Experience – Documented continuous professional development evidence, training in OT specific assessment tools such as MOHO.
* Personal Attributes – Ability to engage and collaborate with service users, effective written and oral communication, independent working using initiative, values contributions of others, willingness to work flexibly, and ability to travel within the Trust.
* Disclosure and Barring Service Check – Requires submission for DBS with Rehabilitation of Offenders Act Exceptions Order.
Address
Priestley Unit, Dewsbury District Hospital
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