Senior Occupational Therapist

Overview

Within Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's expanding acute inpatient mental health service, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have two newly created positions. The role of the Senior Occupational Therapist involves supporting the Clinical and Operational Lead Occupational Therapist in providing strong clinical leadership. The goal is to ensure that evidence-based practice is delivered to improve the quality of service and create responsive healthcare systems.

The post holder will collaborate with Occupational Therapists at the ward level, overseeing the Occupational Therapy provision and facilitating transitions to the Hope and Resilience Hub and community-facing services. The Hope and Resilience Hub focuses on recovery and provides compassionate treatment in a safe therapeutic setting for those in acute stages of illness.

Main Duties

• Maintain a high clinical profile with individual treatment plans and an overview of team interventions.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge in acute settings, disseminating this effectively within the context of recovery and social inclusion.
• Manage own workload efficiently, prioritizing competing demands.
• Assess service users' needs in complex situations using professional knowledge and judgment.
• Ensure all service users have up-to-date occupational therapy plans tailored to their needs.
• Apply leadership theories and adapt strategies as required.
• Work closely with ward-based Occupational Therapists to meet service user needs.
• Participate in clinical practice development, mentoring, and coaching, particularly for student education and placements.

About Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and be part of a dedicated workforce committed to 'making a positive difference in people's lives'. Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's services have received a 'GOOD' rating from CQC, with feedback highlighting how Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's colleagues treat patients with compassion and kindness.

Benefits Include:

• Flexible working options where possible
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Annual appraisals and ongoing training opportunities
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Comprehensive maternity, paternity, and adoption benefits
• Health service discounts and online benefits
• Incremental pay progression
• Free 24/7 employee assistance programme
• Access to diversity networks
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Structured learning and development programs

Education / Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy
• Evidence of ongoing professional development, reflection, and team leadership skills

Desirable

• Field work educators qualification

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Post-registration experience in mental health
• Specialized Occupational Therapy assessments
• Facilitating evidence-based therapeutic interventions
• Analytical skills for interpreting complex situations
• Supervision of junior staff
• Application of theoretical models of practice
• Experience in adult acute mental health settings
• Knowledge of research techniques and clinical audit

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure submission to check for previous convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must hold current UK professional registration.