Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist
The closing date is 02 January 2026
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and innovative Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist (OT) to join the Specialist Learning Disability inpatient services based at Kingfisher Court in Hertfordshire.
The successful candidate will work as an influential and integral member of a diverse multi-disciplinary specialist learning disability health team supporting adults with a learning disability admitted to hospital to meet their mental health needs. You will demonstrate clinical knowledge in adult learning disabilities, undertake specialist assessments, deliver and coordinate occupation-focused therapy, and act autonomously in supporting occupational performance.
You will receive regular clinical supervision, support from the Occupational Therapy Professional lead and peers, and be encouraged to participate in continuing professional development activities.
Main duties of the job
Elm Ward, an assessment and treatment unit, is a short-stay, mixed-sex 8-bedded unit for individuals with a learning disability. The Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist will oversee, deliver and coordinate occupation-focused therapy, shape the service in line with national drivers, lead a team of OT staff, and work closely with the wider multidisciplinary team.
The role also involves:
* Contributing to the accreditation of the service through the Quality Network for Inpatient Learning Disability Services (QNLD)
* Developing and strengthening links with local, regional and national services to advance the evidence base for OT
* Leading and supporting a team of qualified Occupational Therapists, Assistant Therapy Practitioners and Occupational Therapy Assistants
* Being a key member of the wider multidisciplinary team
* Partaking in the accreditation process and quality improvement initiatives
* Advancing the occupational therapy service in line with national drivers
* Mentoring junior staff and leading professional development initiatives
Job responsibilities
Key Relationships
* Service users and carers
* Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy team members within the service and the wider Trust network
* Multidisciplinary Team members (interdisciplinary work)
* Other statutory and non-statutory service providers involved in service user care and treatment
* Wider regional and national professional groups and networks
* Team and divisional managers
* Corporate departments
Duties and Responsibilities
* Manage a caseload of clients with highly complex OT needs, using evidence-based/client-centered principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions in clinic and community settings and on home visits.
* Provide leadership for junior staff through supervision and appraisal
* Lead in the planning, development and evaluation of OT services, holding responsibility for defined projects where appropriate.
* Supervise OT students on practice placement following completion of an approved Practise Educators course.
* Mentor staff enrolled on the OT apprenticeship.
* Engage in 1:1 and peer supervision, including Sensory Integration supervision.
* Apply in-depth knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and other standardized assessment approaches relevant to the clinical setting.
* Conduct specialist assessment, undertake case formulation, and identify occupational strengths and limitations to guide intervention planning.
* Collaboratively identify OT goals with service users as part of the overall recovery plan.
* Deliver interventions in accordance with Trust standards and values.
* Provide detailed feedback to the MDT regarding observed occupational performance to inform ongoing assessment and intervention.
* Offer highly specialist support and education to service users and carers on equipment fitting, rehabilitation programmes, sensory issues and management of symptoms through activity.
* Maintain clinical records using the electronic patient record system.
* Coordinate with carers and other professionals as appropriate.
* Practice good personal time management, punctuality and reliable attendance.
* Attend mandatory training.
* Comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and national and Trust policies.
* Reflect on practice and performance through supervision and appraisal.
* Maintain a professional portfolio for CPD, recording learning outcomes through internal and external development opportunities.
* Participate in the Trust OT CPD and training programmes as a learner and facilitator.
* Promote OT through clinical expertise, presentations, articles, conferences and special interest groups.
* Recruit and retain staff.
* Work flexibly including evenings and weekends if required.
Clinical Responsibility
* Lead on identifying OT goals and supporting service users to work towards them.
* Provide highly specialist OT advice, intervention and support to service users and their carers.
* Provide timely updates and feedback to the clinical team on service users’ wellbeing and occupational performance.
* Produce detailed specialist OT reports when required within the designated clinical area.
* Use evidence-based practice to engage service users in meaningful activities, promoting independence, recovery and wellbeing.
* Have senior oversight of the occupational needs of the specific service user group and develop services accordingly.
* Apply a highly specialist understanding of disability and recommend adaptations to the physical and social environment.
* Maintain up-to-date written and electronic records in accordance with professional and Trust standards.
* Conduct risk assessments within the clinical area as guided by local/Trust policies.
* Report incidents, safeguarding concerns, complaints and compliments.
* Work effectively as a senior member of a team providing a highly specialised OT service to the designated area.
* Lead safety huddles and debrief sessions where appropriate.
* Support procurement of equipment and ensure training needs around their use are identified and met.
Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility
* Reflect on personal practice and performance through supervision and appraisal.
* Practice good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
* Oversee the OT rota; manage leave and sickness.
* Oversee risk assessments and well-being plans for OT team members.
* Lead day-to-day delivery of OT services within the area of practice, delegating tasks to staff.
* Demonstrate leadership skills through management of designated projects.
* Coordinate induction, training and education of students and other staff.
* Ensure supervision of OT staff is provided as appropriate.
* Deputise for the Band 8a OT or senior equivalent where required.
* Work effectively as a senior member of the wider LD Assessment and Treatment Unit team.
Person Specification
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
* Able to manage a caseload of clients with highly complex OT needs, using evidence-based/client-centered principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions in clinic and community settings and on home visits.
* Detailed knowledge of evidence-based practice and its contribution to practice governance.
* Extensive clinical experience and ability to demonstrate application of advanced clinical skills.
* Evidence of facilitating therapist, assistants and student development through effective supervision.
* Experience of working within a Learning Disability setting.
* Planning and coordination of treatment packages.
* Experience of working in a relevant inpatient setting.
* Participation in research projects and audit.
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING
* Degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy.
* Registration with HCPC.
* Evidence of continuing professional development.
* Postgraduate training/experience in learning disabilities, mental health/challenging behaviour and physical/sensory disabilities.
* An in-depth knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and other standardized assessment approaches relevant to the clinical setting and post-qualifications linked to this.
* Evidence of providing highly specialist support and education to service users and carers regarding aspects of OT e.g. equipment fitting, rehabilitation programmes, sensory issues, management of symptoms through activity.
* Sensory Integration training – SI Practitioner.
* Membership of RCOT.
* Experience of assessing risk of physical health needs – falls, epilepsy, etc.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
* Clear and effective communication through written, verbal and non-verbal modes.
* Broad knowledge of current best practice in OT, Learning Disabilities and mental health.
* Understanding of team dynamics.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders.
* Experience of AMBIT.
ANALYTICAL SKILLS
* Contributing to formulations and care planning formally and informally.
* Broad knowledge of current best practice in OT and mental health.
* Planning and coordination of treatment packages.
* Ability to identify and analyse problems and to be proactive in their solution.
* Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
* Applied knowledge of mental health legislation.
* Applied knowledge of risk assessment and management.
* Understanding of OT outcome measures.
* Project Management/CQI.
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.
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
£50,008 to £56,908 a year per annum, pro rata (inclusive of 5% HCAS)
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