Job Description

The closing date is 12th Aug 2025

Anticipated Interview date(s) 21/08/2025

Job summary

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


Willow Ward, based at Broadway Health Park in Bridgwater, Somerset, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our dynamic team. As part of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, you will play a key role in delivering an outstanding rehabilitation service within the county.


Willow Ward is an 11-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit offering a countywide service for working-age adults of all genders. Patients present with complex and enduring mental health conditions, often compounded by substance or alcohol dependency. Many have experienced extended inpatient care and require specialist input to regain skills for independent living. The ethos of the service is rooted in relational recovery, promoting social inclusion and meaningful engagement with patients, families, and carers.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

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

Deliver comprehensive Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions to support recovery and independence. Work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT), acting as a senior clinical voice within ward discussions, planning and review. Develop and deliver individualised care and therapeutic group programmes that support functional and social recovery. Liaise effectively with the Open Mental Health Rehabilitation Team, ensuring continuity of care along the rehabilitation pathway. Participate in discharge planning and carry out home assessments as required. Supervise and support the development of OT support staff, students, and colleagues.

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

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


As the Occupational Therapist for Willow Ward, you will:

Take clinical responsibility for a defined caseload, applying evidence-based practice and OT models (e.g. MOHO). Use clinical reasoning to develop tailored interventions that address occupational needs and promote recovery-focused goals. Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives, including AIMS Rehab accreditation processes. Work in partnership with patients, carers, and external agencies to support community reintegration and independence. Maintain accurate records using RiO and produce high-quality reports for care reviews, CPA meetings, and partner agencies. Participate in and contribute to staff supervision, student training, and continuing professional development. Promote the role and value of occupational therapy within the MDT and wider service network. Engage in ongoing learning and reflect Trust values through your professional behaviour and patient care.

Person specification

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

Qualifications

#

Essential

Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy Registered to Practice by the HCPC Commitment to lifelong learning



#

Desirable

Membership with the RCOT Membership with a specialist group Post graduate training in area relevant to post

Experience

#

Essential

Previous experience in the mental health field Awareness of the mental health needs of adults on an in-patient ward Experience of running therapeutic activities and group process Experience in specific assessment procedures e.g., AMPS, MOHO



#

Desirable

Experience of delivering psycho-social interventions Experience of allocating and supervising the work of colleagues Experience of supporting people with mental health difficulties

Additional Criteria

#

Essential

Proven application of the OT process A basic knowledge of mental health legislation and current practice, risk assessment and management Knowledge of current best practice in OT relevant to mental health, including MOHO based assessments Ability to work independently with individuals and groups in a recovery focussed way Will have knowledge of national guidance for mental health rehab services Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skills Full driving licence and willingness to drive the unit vehicles

#

Desirable

Willingness to consider working occasional evenings and weekends depending on the occupational needs of patients (e.g. a short term recreational evening course, or a one off weekend day event)

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:

Imogen Langston


Imogen.Langston@SomersetFT.nhs.uk


01278454130

Pay scheme

Agenda for Change

Band

Band 6

Salary

38682.00 to 46580.00 Yearly

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-Time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-2730

Job locations

Broadway House

Broadway Park

Bridgwater

Somerset

TA6 5LX