Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a Band 5 Occupational Therapist to join the Community Team for Adults with Learning Disabilities (CTALD). We offer specialist health services to adults with a learning disability across Somerset.
As a key member of our multi-disciplinary team-which includes Psychiatry, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, LD Nursing, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Assistant Practitioners, Community Liaison Practitioners, admin, and medical secretaries--you will play a vital role in supporting adults with learning disabilities to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
The CTALD operates as a 9-5 service across four localities: Bridgwater, Taunton, Wells, and Yeovil. This post is for 30 hours per week, with a hybrid working model and flexible/agile working options to support your work-life balance. You will be primarily based in the East (Yeovil) area but may be required to cover other areas as needed.
We are committed to your professional development and offer a supportive environment where you can grow your skills and make a real difference in the community.
Main duties of the job
- Provide a community-based Occupational Therapy service to adults with learning disabilities, managing a caseload with a client-centred, evidence-based approach.
- Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate interventions for adults with severe learning disabilities, including those with sensory processing needs.
- Work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team to deliver holistic care and support.
- Prioritise referrals for treatment and carry out specific OT assessments and interventions.
- Provide consultancy and training to professionals, carers, and other stakeholders.
- Support OT students on practice placement and contribute to the development of the OT service.
- Participate in service development, quality improvement, and audit activities.
- Maintain high standards of record keeping and adhere to Trust, RCOT, and HCPC standards.
- Promote awareness of Occupational Therapy within the team and wider community.
- Travel within Somerset as required (car driver essential).
About us
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:
- 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
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Use evidence-based OT assessment tools to identify occupational performance challenges for a range of service user groups, including those with dementia, profound and multiple learning disabilities, behaviours that challenge, and autistic spectrum conditions.
Deliver graded activity, skills training, and meaningful activity programmes to achieve therapeutic goals, using both individual and group interventions.
Formulate and communicate therapeutic recommendations, adapting your approach to empower staff teams and service users.
Provide specialist advice on daily living, environmental adaptation, assistive technology, and basic OT equipment.
Write accessible reports, care plans, and recommendations for service users and carers.
Utilise the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and relevant assessments (e.g., MOHOST).
Contribute to care planning and risk management processes.
Act in accordance with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists' Code of Ethics, HCPC, and Trust policies.
Engage in regular supervision, continuous professional development, and reflective practice.
Support the induction, training, and supervision of students and other staff.
Participate in health promotion, social inclusion, and liaison with other organisations.
Maintain confidentiality, promote equality and diversity, and uphold safeguarding responsibilities at all times.
Working Conditions:
- Community-based role involving travel to service users' homes and other locations.
- Combination of sitting, standing, walking, and working in restricted positions during assessments and therapy.
- Occasional exposure to challenging behaviour, unpleasant conditions, or environments.
- Flexible and agile working supported.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Use evidence-based OT assessment tools to identify occupational performance challenges for a range of service user groups, including those with dementia, profound and multiple learning disabilities, behaviours that challenge, and autistic spectrum conditions.
Deliver graded activity, skills training, and meaningful activity programmes to achieve therapeutic goals, using both individual and group interventions.
Formulate and communicate therapeutic recommendations, adapting your approach to empower staff teams and service users.
Provide specialist advice on daily living, environmental adaptation, assistive technology, and basic OT equipment.
Write accessible reports, care plans, and recommendations for service users and carers.
Utilise the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and relevant assessments (e.g., MOHOST).
Contribute to care planning and risk management processes.
Act in accordance with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists' Code of Ethics, HCPC, and Trust policies.
Engage in regular supervision, continuous professional development, and reflective practice.
Support the induction, training, and supervision of students and other staff.
Participate in health promotion, social inclusion, and liaison with other organisations.
Maintain confidentiality, promote equality and diversity, and uphold safeguarding responsibilities at all times.
Working Conditions:
- Community-based role involving travel to service users' homes and other locations.
- Combination of sitting, standing, walking, and working in restricted positions during assessments and therapy.
- Occasional exposure to challenging behaviour, unpleasant conditions, or environments.
- Flexible and agile working supported.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma/degree in Occupational therapyHPC registrationCPD - evidence of ongoing, dynamic and position relevant continuing professional development
Desirable
- Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Experience
Desirable
- Previous experience of working with adults with a learning disability Experience of lone working. Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary teamExperience of service development and review
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Must be a car driver and have access to a car
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma/degree in Occupational therapyHPC registrationCPD - evidence of ongoing, dynamic and position relevant continuing professional development
Desirable
- Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Experience
Desirable
- Previous experience of working with adults with a learning disability Experience of lone working. Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary teamExperience of service development and review
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Must be a car driver and have access to a car
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
