Job Description

Description

Priory Hospital Burgess is looking to recruit a Lead Occupational Therapist to join the team. This is a full time/37.5 Hour role.



Set in attractive grounds in a rural setting, on the edge of the South Downs National Park, Priory Hospital Burgess Hill is a purpose-built building with good links to the local community. We offer acute mental health support for adult males, as well as psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) support for adult males.

What you'll be doing

You will be part of a compassionate team who are committed to our patients wellbeing. We take a personalised approach, using proven therapies to help people move forward with confidence and build a healthier, more fulfilling future. You will play a key part in their recovery, assisting qualified staff with the assessment and implementation of individual patient care plans, undertaking routine tasks and activities as directed or delegated to facilitate wellbeing, dignity and treatment of patients.Take overall responsibility for leading the delivery of comprehensive occupational therapy assessments and interventions for clients with complex physical, cognitive, and mental health needs, ensuring care is person-centered and evidence-based. Provide expert clinical leadership, including supervising, mentoring, and supporting the professional development of junior therapists and therapy assistants to maintain high standards of practice. Collaborate proactively with multidisciplinary teams, patients, and their families to develop and implement integrated care plans that optimize functional independence and quality of life. Lead and coordinate service development initiatives, including audit, evaluation, and quality improvement projects, to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of occupational therapy services. Ensure compliance with professional standards, regulatory requirements, and health and safety policies while contributing to the formulation and implementation of local clinical policies and guidelines.
You can find additional information in the attached job description.

What you'll bring to the role

Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.



The ideal candidate will be a registered Occupational Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and possess significant post-qualification experience, including leadership or supervisory roles within a clinical setting. Experience working with clients who have complex physical, cognitive, or mental health needs is essential. Strong skills in clinical assessment, treatment planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration are required, alongside proven ability to lead service development and quality improvement initiatives.

Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills are vital, as is a commitment to professional development and evidence-based practice.

For more information about the role, you can email andreastroyd@priorygroup.com

What we will give you in return

We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.Free on-site parking Supplemented meals 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays Birthday Holiday - Your Birthday as an extra days annual leave Enhanced maternity pay Contributory pension scheme Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme) Access to development opportunities Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel Leadership & management development Long service award Refer a friend bonuses
Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.

About Priory

Priory is the leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care in the UK. We support 26,000 people a year to move towards a healthier future so they can live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat more than 70 conditions, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, as well as children's mental health, across our nationwide network of sites. We also support autistic adults and adults with a learning disability, Prader-Willi Syndrome and brain injuries, as well as older people, within specialist residential care and supported living facilities.


With over 13,000 colleagues working at Priory, we have a long and prestigious history, and an unrivalled reputation for making a real and lasting difference to the lives of every individual in our care.

Priory is part of MEDIAN Group, a leading pan-European provider of mental health, specialist care and rehabilitation services, focussed on restoring quality of life through effective, evidenced and data-driven care.



Priory is committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer, read more here.



All roles will be subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland. We are an equal opportunities employer. Priory will cover the cost of a DBS check.



We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. Should we require assistance, we will reach out directly to our 'PSL'