Job Description

The closing date is 6th Oct 2025

Anticipated Interview date(s) 16th October

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, tasks & skills required

-----------------------------------------

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

-------------------

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 therapy HPC registration CPD - 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 team Experience 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 Professional Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

For help with your application, contact:

Laura Mckenna-Wren


laura.mckenna-wren@somersetft.nhs.uk


07584382848

Pay scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 5

Salary

31049.00 to 37796.00 Yearly

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-Time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-3029

Job locations

Summerlands

56 Preston Road

Yeovil

Somerset

BA20 2BN