Band 5 Occupation Therapist

As a Band 5 Occupational Therapist, you will be responsible for delivering specialist occupational therapy interventions to adults receiving treatment within acute mental health inpatient services. Working autonomously, with support and supervision from senior Occupational Therapists, you will assess individuals with complex mental health needs and develop tailored treatment programmes that promote recovery, independence and wellbeing.

You will undertake comprehensive occupational therapy assessments, using clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice to identify strengths, challenges and rehabilitation goals. You will formulate and deliver treatment plans, monitor progress and adapt interventions as required to meet changing patient needs.

The role involves close collaboration with medical, nursing, psychology, social care and community teams to ensure coordinated, person-centred care. You will contribute to ward-based therapeutic activity programmes, discharge planning processes and home assessment visits where appropriate.

You will also support the development of others through supervising Rehabilitation Assistants, Activity Organisers and students, helping to foster a positive learning environment. In addition, you will contribute to service evaluation, clinical audit and quality improvement projects, ensuring services continue to reflect best practice and the needs of the people we serve.

The successful candidate will hold a Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will have experience gained through placements or previous practice within rehabilitation or mental health settings and demonstrate excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.

We are looking for someone who is compassionate, adaptable and recovery-focused, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. A commitment to continuous professional development, high-quality patient care and the values of kindness, respect and teamwork is essential.

If you are passionate about supporting people with mental health needs to regain independence, build resilience and achieve their recovery goals, we would love to hear from you.

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Qualifications

Essential: - HPC registration; - Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy.; - CPD - evidence of ongoing, dynamic and position

Desirable: - Membership of the College of Occupational Therapists

Experience

Essential: - To have gained effective experience of rehabilitation from student placements or post-graduate experience

Desirable: - Experience of lone working.; - Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.; - Experience of service development and review