Job overview
Larch ward at Meadowfield Hospital in Worthing has an exciting opportunity for a Band 5 Occupational Therapist to join our acute OT team and the ward MDT caring for older adults with functional mental health needs.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated occupational therapist, with good communication skills and a drive for clinical excellence working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Main duties of the job
The post includes providing OT assessments and interventions, with a focus on the promotion of recovery, to facilitate discharge from the inpatient ward through establishing roles and routines, engagement in meaningful activities and relapse prevention.
The role also includes carrying out OT assessments in home environments to identify OT interventions, equipment and support needs as part of discharge planning.
There is an expectation to be involved in projects and service developments happening within the team, allowing the post-holder to develop both their own skills and contribute to continuous service improvements.
The post is open to newly qualified OT graduates, as well for more experienced OTs who wish to develop their clinical skills in this area of practice. We also welcome applications from final year OT students still waiting for their HCPC registration.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- To apply an understanding of mental health conditions and the implications these have on functional ability and quality of life for older adults.
- To work as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team to support care planning during admission and discharge planning.
- To carry out home assessments when required,
- To work closely with Larch Home First team and the discharge team.
- To carry out a range of OT assessments and OT treatment interventions.
- To be involved in mobility assessments and the prescription of equipment
- To liaise with wider community services, carers and support networks.
- To be involved in the day-to-day running of the existing therapeutic group programme and the development of new groups, including writing protocols , risk assessment and evaluation.
- To participate in MDT meetings, case conferences and care review meetings
- To work alongside OT colleagues, OT support staff and OT students, including providing guidance and supervision when applicable.
Person specification
Person Specification
Essential
- Degree/Diploma in occupational therapy
- HCPC registration as an occupational therapist or as a student in process of registration
Desirable
- Experience in working with people with mental health difficulties
- Experience in working with older adults
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Experience of running groups/activities
- Experience of being supervised
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Occupational Therapist with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in Worthing, South East, England. It is listed as a Band 5 Occupational Therapist role. The advertised salary is £32,073 - £39,043 pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 23 Jul 2026.
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