Occupational Therapist - Part Time
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 12 February 2026
A new opportunity has arisen for a Band 5 Occupational Therapist based at Dove Ward due to the opening of a new adult acute mental health ward at our Kingfisher Court site. We are looking for an Occupational Therapist passionate about mental health services and developing their skills.
Dove is an acute mental health inpatient unit offering treatment in a safe and therapeutic environment for adults experiencing significant mental health difficulties. The post holder will provide Occupational Therapy expertise within the multi-disciplinary team, including assessment, individual, and group work interventions. The team includes a Band 6 and Band 7 Occupational Therapist, Assistant Therapy Practitioner, and Recreational Worker.
Robust supervision and support will be provided by the Band 6 Occupational Therapist and more widely by the Head and Lead OTs. This post is suitable for existing Band 5s looking to develop more specialist skills or newly qualified Occupational Therapists with a specific interest in acute mental health. It can be offered as a static post or on rotation.
The post holder will play an integral role in the ongoing development of the acute mental health Occupational Therapy service in HPFT, ensuring that interventions are robust and based on the best evidence available.
There are opportunities to network with other OTs in the Trust to share ideas and good practice, including monthly CPD and a Band 5 programme.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will:
* provide occupational therapy assessment and treatment interventions for the specified service user group including 1-1 and group interventions.
* carry a caseload as a member of the MDT and to develop the occupational therapy service provision within the setting.
* be part of the OT service, which uses the Model Of Human Occupation across the Trust, and the Recovery Through Activity framework for groups.
* have access to high quality supervision. Preceptorship and KSF processes are an integral part of all the band 5 posts.
* have lots of CPD opportunities available, including a monthly Band 5 CPD Meeting with tutorials and access to OT in-service training events, as well as funding opportunities for additional training
* attend in-service training often including outside speakers who are at the forefront of out profession.
In return, we can offer you:
* leadership and management training opportunities
* 5% on top of basic salary, high-cost allowance supplement (subject to a minimum and a maximum payment pro rata)
* 27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS Trust service) plus bank holidays (pro rata where applicable)
* One of the UK's best pension schemes
* Comprehensive health and wellbeing services
* Special leave for family and personal reasons
* NHS Car Lease Scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from the Care Quality Commission.
Our family of over 4,000 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:
Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.
Job responsibilities
* To plan and implement individual and/or group interventions in collaboration with the service user, using graded activity to achieve therapeutic goals.
* To undertake occupational therapy assessments for a designated caseload, addressing occupational performance and skill deficits, enabling the service user in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure.
* To build on existing knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) through the use of standardised assessment and intervention tools.
* Following assessment, to undertake case formulation in order to highlight occupational strengths and limitations and to inform the intervention plan moving forward.
* To work collaboratively with service users to identify OT goals as part of the overall recovery plan.
* To provide interventions in the manner that is consistent with Trust standards and values.
* To routinely provide feedback to the MDT regarding observed occupational performance throughout contact, which inform ongoing assessment and therapeutic intervention?
* To provide support and education to service users and carers regarding aspects of occupational therapy e.g. equipment fitting, rehabilitation programmes.
For a more detailed explanation of the role, please see attached JD and PS, and also the Band 5 OT Rotation Scheme Info Pack.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION TRAINING
* O BSc/MSc/PG Dip Occupational Therapy
* HCPC registration (or applied for)
* Proficient use of Microsoft Office and associated packages
* Membership of RCOT
* Experience of working with people with mental health problems and/or learning disability
* Training in the use of the Model of Human Occupation in practice areas
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
* Knowledge of key policy, health legislation and guidelines which impact on OT practice
* Strong communication skills written and verbal
* Applied knowledge and understanding and ability to use a range of communication skills to overcome barriers to engagement
* Ability to work effectively in a team
* Ability to grade and adapt practical skills
ANALYTICAL SKILLS
* Creative problem solving and clinical judgement skills
* Ability to understand, respond and adjust appropriately to the changing needs of service users
* Knowledge and experience of using the range of Model of Human Occupation Assessment tools and other OT related OT.
* Ability to Critically evaluate group interventions and outcomes
* Ability to use case formulation to guide OT intervention plan
* Involvement in outcome measures, audit and promotion of Occupational Therapy
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
£31,049 to £37,796 a year, Pro rata (5% HCAS Included)
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