South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Occupational Therapist

The closing date is 11 August 2025

Job summary

37.5 hours per week - Internal Only

Hello, my name is Kim Somerford and I am the OT Lead for the Forensic Care Group. We are looking for a Band 5 OT to join our team. We pride ourselves on high standards of assessment, treatment, and holistic care in a safe and therapeutic environment. We are a valued part of the forensic care groups service provision.

As an open and honest Trust, we provide the best possible care to our service users and would love for you to come and work with us where you will be well supported and encouraged to develop your clinical and professional competencies within a stimulating learning environment. If you are new qualified, please speak to us about our comprehensive preceptorship offer.

The organisation has well established professional leadership structure led by a Chief AHP with, access to strong professional networks and a wide range of profession specific training and career progression opportunities available.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect patients.

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a skilled Band 5 Occupational Therapist to provide specialist assessments and therapeutic interventions for service users.

The team consists of an OT Lead, three Band 6 Specialist OTs, five Band 5 OTs, a TI, a Horticultural therapist and a Tutor. We provide OT across 7 medium secure wards, supporting service users experiencing mental health difficulties or learning disabilities. We adopt a recovery based approach, using evidence based interventions to inform our practice and ensure the delivery of high quality care. A range of 1:1 interventions and therapeutic groups are provided.

In this role you will gain experience of working within a forensic setting, with service users presenting with a wide range of conditions. You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with other professionals. Professional networking is actively encouraged, and we have well established links with our local partners.

Please contact us for further information about the role.

At the time of advertising, this role does meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. We look forward to receiving your application.

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Details

Date posted

28 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-F0664

Job locations

Hepworth Ward, Newton Lodge

Fieldhead Hospital

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 3SP


Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be required to work as an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team, providing occupational therapy assessment and treatment for service users in receipt of in-patient care. Enabling service users to engage in a range of in-patient and community based treatment activities and supporting safe and effective discharge. You will be actively involved in the promotion of occupational therapy within the service area. The post holder will be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and the client group, and this will include weekends and evening working.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

Core Functions

Clinical

To provide occupational therapy assessments for people accessing the service, prioritising on the nature, complexity and urgency of each individual case.

To plan and implement an occupational therapy treatment programme on an individual and/or group basis, using graded activity to achieve therapeutic goals.

To monitor, evaluate and modify treatment in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention.

To adopt a client centred and sensitive approach to therapy, collaborating with clients (and / or carer(s) where appropriate) in all aspects of the therapy process.

To select and conduct occupational therapy assessments, addressing the physical, psychosocial, behavioural, perceptual, cognitive, sensory and environmental needs of clients.

To demonstrate a broad knowledge of the impact of disability, and to provide training and advice on lifestyles changes and adaptations to the clients psychosocial and physical environment, making referrals where appropriate.

To work proactively alongside other staff and clients in meeting their needs and to assist each individual to integrate within the local community as fully as possible, using practical and creative problem solving approaches to gain the active participation of services users.

To participate in the discharge process identifying appropriate resources and/or support in order to facilitate effective discharge

To provide occupational therapy reports on assessment and treatment by written and verbal reports to Consultants, GPs and other agencies involved, and to ensure that all correspondence relating to caseload is dealt with promptly.

To provide occupational therapy perspective in multi-disciplinary team meetings, ward rounds, clinics and case conferences as required.

To work to the standards and comply with professional ethics for occupational therapy practitioners as laid down by The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT 2015), relevant DoH and other local and national standards.

To ensure that up to date records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional and Trust standards and policies.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms.Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be required to work as an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team, providing occupational therapy assessment and treatment for service users in receipt of in-patient care. Enabling service users to engage in a range of in-patient and community based treatment activities and supporting safe and effective discharge. You will be actively involved in the promotion of occupational therapy within the service area. The post holder will be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and the client group, and this will include weekends and evening working.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

Core Functions

Clinical

To provide occupational therapy assessments for people accessing the service, prioritising on the nature, complexity and urgency of each individual case.

To plan and implement an occupational therapy treatment programme on an individual and/or group basis, using graded activity to achieve therapeutic goals.

To monitor, evaluate and modify treatment in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention.

To adopt a client centred and sensitive approach to therapy, collaborating with clients (and / or carer(s) where appropriate) in all aspects of the therapy process.

To select and conduct occupational therapy assessments, addressing the physical, psychosocial, behavioural, perceptual, cognitive, sensory and environmental needs of clients.

To demonstrate a broad knowledge of the impact of disability, and to provide training and advice on lifestyles changes and adaptations to the clients psychosocial and physical environment, making referrals where appropriate.

To work proactively alongside other staff and clients in meeting their needs and to assist each individual to integrate within the local community as fully as possible, using practical and creative problem solving approaches to gain the active participation of services users.

To participate in the discharge process identifying appropriate resources and/or support in order to facilitate effective discharge

To provide occupational therapy reports on assessment and treatment by written and verbal reports to Consultants, GPs and other agencies involved, and to ensure that all correspondence relating to caseload is dealt with promptly.

To provide occupational therapy perspective in multi-disciplinary team meetings, ward rounds, clinics and case conferences as required.

To work to the standards and comply with professional ethics for occupational therapy practitioners as laid down by The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT 2015), relevant DoH and other local and national standards.

To ensure that up to date records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional and Trust standards and policies.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms.Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Documented evidence of continuing professional development.

Desirable

  • Training in OT specific assessment eg MOHO.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post. A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to engage and work collaboratively with service users.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills
  • Able to work independently using own initiative.
  • Values contributions of others in all disciplines.
  • Willingness to work flexibly.
  • Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to the role.

Qualifications

Essential

  • COT Diploma or BSc Occupational Therapy Degree OR Pre-registration. MSC Occupational Therapy.
  • HCPC State Registration.

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Application of the OT process within a relevant clinical setting.
  • Knowledge of current best practice in OT in designated clinical setting.
  • Planning and coordination of treatment packages.
  • Ability to manage own workload and determine priorities.
  • Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
  • Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
  • Commitment to client-centred, non-discriminatory practice.
  • Understanding of multi-disciplinary working.
  • Computer literacy.
  • Understanding of health legislation and national directives including CPA.
  • Understanding of Health, safety and risk management policies.

Training

Essential

  • Willingness to undertake Practice Placement Education.
  • Willingness to undertake Trust and other identified training.
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Documented evidence of continuing professional development.

Desirable

  • Training in OT specific assessment eg MOHO.

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post. A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Ability to engage and work collaboratively with service users.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills
  • Able to work independently using own initiative.
  • Values contributions of others in all disciplines.
  • Willingness to work flexibly.
  • Ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to the role.

Qualifications

Essential

  • COT Diploma or BSc Occupational Therapy Degree OR Pre-registration. MSC Occupational Therapy.
  • HCPC State Registration.

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Application of the OT process within a relevant clinical setting.
  • Knowledge of current best practice in OT in designated clinical setting.
  • Planning and coordination of treatment packages.
  • Ability to manage own workload and determine priorities.
  • Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
  • Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
  • Commitment to client-centred, non-discriminatory practice.
  • Understanding of multi-disciplinary working.
  • Computer literacy.
  • Understanding of health legislation and national directives including CPA.
  • Understanding of Health, safety and risk management policies.

Training

Essential

  • Willingness to undertake Practice Placement Education.
  • Willingness to undertake Trust and other identified training.

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).

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Hepworth Ward, Newton Lodge

Fieldhead Hospital

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 3SP


Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Hepworth Ward, Newton Lodge

Fieldhead Hospital

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 3SP


Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Kim Somerford

Kimberley.somerford@swyt.nhs.uk

01924316250

Details

Date posted

28 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-F0664

Job locations

Hepworth Ward, Newton Lodge

Fieldhead Hospital

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 3SP


Supporting documents

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