Job Description

Band 6 Senior Occupational Therapist
Poplars Wars, Inpatient Mental Health for Older Adults - LU5 5BF -
Full Time - 37.5 hours per week - Permanent
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Luton/Bedfordshire directorate, Older Peoples Mental Health inpatient service, for a Senior Occupational Therapist, with knowledge and experience of working with older people with mental health and/or dementia, to work at Poplars ward, which is an 18-bedded acute assessment unit for older people with functional mental illness.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for providing Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention for the treatment of older people within the ward with a functional mental health diagnosis and on occasion dementia/cognitive impairment, utilising assessment and evaluation tools drawn from the Model of Human Occupation. The OT assessments and interventions will be recovery focused and client-centred, supporting and enabling the person to achieve their goals in self-care, productivity and leisure. As part of the multi-disciplinary team your assessments will be essential in informing and planning positive discharge for the service user.
The post holder will work within the already well-established multi-disciplinary team to develop the role of Occupational Therapy, and to enhance the OT programme both on the ward and in the community through 1:1 intervention, group work, and enabling clients in accessing relevant local community resources which would support their discharge.
About us
You will be part of a larger OT service, with a focus on investment in staff development and well-being. A planned and supportive induction period will be developed along with regular managerial and professional supervision will be provided. You will have monthly opportunities to participate in the service's OT CPD events, peer-support development groups and shape service development through quality improvement. Professional development and training are actively encouraged through the appraisal process.
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.
Details
Date posted
08 August 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
38,682 to 46,580 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
363-BED7346872
Job locations
Poplars Ward
Mayer Way
Houghton Regis
LU5 5BF
Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of clients with complex OT needs, using evidence based/client-centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions within an inpatient ward setting.
• Provide day-to-day management of junior OT staff
• To provide leadership for junior OT staff, through supervisions and appraisals
• Participate in the planning, development and evaluation of OT services, holding responsibility for defined projects where appropriate

• Regularly supervise OT students on practice placement, following attendance at an approved Fieldwork Educators course
• Apply knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and other standardised assessment approaches relevant to the clinical setting.
• Routinely provide feedback to the MDT regarding observed occupational performance throughout contact, which inform ongoing assessment and therapeutic intervention.
• Maintain clinical records using the electronic patient record system.
• Liaise with carers and other professionals as relevant.
• Exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
• Attend mandatory training.
• Comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and national and Trust policies
• Review and reflect on your own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.

See attached full job description and person specification Job description
Job responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of clients with complex OT needs, using evidence based/client-centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions within an inpatient ward setting.
• Provide day-to-day management of junior OT staff
• To provide leadership for junior OT staff, through supervisions and appraisals
• Participate in the planning, development and evaluation of OT services, holding responsibility for defined projects where appropriate

• Regularly supervise OT students on practice placement, following attendance at an approved Fieldwork Educators course
• Apply knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and other standardised assessment approaches relevant to the clinical setting.
• Routinely provide feedback to the MDT regarding observed occupational performance throughout contact, which inform ongoing assessment and therapeutic intervention.
• Maintain clinical records using the electronic patient record system.
• Liaise with carers and other professionals as relevant.
• Exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
• Attend mandatory training.
• Comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and national and Trust policies
• Review and reflect on your own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.

See attached full job description and person specification
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy
• State HCPC Registration
• Practice Placement Educator Training

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working with Older People with mental health and/or dementia diagnosis
• Ability to undertake clinical risk - assess, manage and reduce potential risks
• Experience of developing and facilitating groups
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of supervising OT staff and students

Desirable

• Previous service development activities and role development.
• Use of the Model of Human Occupation and its practical application in the clinical field
• Experience of assessing for physical health needs/equipment

Skills
Essential

• Ability to manage a clinical caseload and work independently
• ability to use IT to support with role
• Good organisational and time management skills
• good communication skills, both written and verbal

Desirable

• Awareness of current legislation relating to Mental Health and Dementia Services

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy
• State HCPC Registration
• Practice Placement Educator Training

Experience
Essential

• Experience of working with Older People with mental health and/or dementia diagnosis
• Ability to undertake clinical risk - assess, manage and reduce potential risks
• Experience of developing and facilitating groups
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of supervising OT staff and students

Desirable

• Previous service development activities and role development.
• Use of the Model of Human Occupation and its practical application in the clinical field
• Experience of assessing for physical health needs/equipment

Skills
Essential

• Ability to manage a clinical caseload and work independently
• ability to use IT to support with role
• Good organisational and time management skills
• good communication skills, both written and verbal

Desirable

• Awareness of current legislation relating to Mental Health and Dementia Services