Search for more NHS jobs in Southampton
Job summary
Are you an Occupational Therapist looking for a rewarding full-time role where you can make a real difference to people's mental health recovery?We have an 11 month fixed term contract/internal secondment waiting for you!We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, innovative OT with a passion for adult mental health to join our supportive, forward-thinking team in central Southampton.As a valued member of our multidisciplinary team, you will work collaboratively with service users to promote recovery, independence and meaningful engagement in everyday life. Using a range of evidence-based ot assessments and interventions, and deliver individual and group-based interventions tailored to each person's needs. You will also support OT students on practice placements, helping to develop the future workforce.Our busy city-centre unit offers an excellent range of facilities and resources; group and activity spaces, ADL kitchen, a sensory space, gym and shop. You will join a friendly, experienced Occupational Therapy team of OTs, Technicians, apprentices and a Fitness Instructor, working together to deliver high-quality, recovery-focused care.We are committed to supporting your development. You will benefit from comprehensive induction, regular supervision, and continuing professional development opportunities. Newly qualified Therapists will be supported through our structured Preceptorship Programme to help build confidence and develop skills for a successful career in mental health.
Main duties of the job
Undertake occupational therapy assessments for a designated caseload, addressing occupational performance and skill deficits, enabling the service user in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure.Work with service users to identify occupational goals as part of the overall care plan.Plan and implement individual and/or group interventions, in collaboration with the service user, using graded activity to achieve therapeutic goals.Monitor and evaluate treatment in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of the intervention.Carry out home visits as appropriate within given guidelines.Establish effective communication networks with users and carers, team members, OT colleagues and other agencies including maintenance of clinical records.Work as a member of the multidisciplinary teams, contributing to decisions with regard to service user care programmes.
About us
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides joined-up mental and physical healthcare for around two million people across our communities. With over 13,000 staff working in the community and local hospitals, we deliver care at every stage of life, helping people live their best and healthiest lives.
Our mental health services include community-based support and early intervention in psychosis (EIP) for both adults and young people, alongside a network of specialist inpatient wards covering forensic, learning disability, eating disorder and older person's care.
We deliver extensive physical health services too, from urgent community response teams helping frail and older patients remain safely at home, to hospitals at home teams providing acute-level care in familiar surroundings. Our neurological services offer rehabilitation and treatment for conditions including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Motor Neurone Disease, Head Injury, Cerebral Palsy and Stroke. Across Hampshire, our community hospitals provide inpatient rehabilitation as a step down from acute care, and our dedicated teams also staff Treetops Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Portsmouth, offering expert, compassionate support.
Everything we do is underpinned by our CARE values of compassion, accountability, respect and excellence
Details
- Date posted: 06 July 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 5
- Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year
- Contract: Fixed term
- Duration: 11 months
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 348-SAC-11830
- Job locations: Antelope House, Brintons Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 0YG, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
Further information about the Trust and this role can be found on the Job Description and Person Specification document attached. It is important to us that we ensure our recruitment processes are accessible and inclusive to everyone - if as a potential candidate you are concerned a person specification may prevent or restrict your application for employment as a result of unintentional barriers on the grounds of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, religion/belief or disability please initially contact the Trust's Recruitment team - detailed in the advert. The Trust will seek to resolve this issue wherever possible.
We are happy to talk Flexible Working - all requests for flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Application of the OT process
- Use of functional assessment and activity analysis
Desirable
- Documented evidence of Continuing professional development
- Experience in a range of clinical settings (as student and qualified practitioner)
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Some knowledge of current best practice in OT
- Ability to work with individuals and groups
- Understanding of professional ethics and their application in practice
- Understanding of team dynamics
- Ability to work with service users with unpredictable behaviour patterns.
- Basic knowledge of health legislation and current practice, including CPA and risk assessment, risk management.
- Word processing and internet skills
- Basic knowledge of the principles of clinical governance
- Good personal organisation skills
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance
- Health, safety and risk awareness
Desirable
- Training and presentation skills
- Groupwork skills
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 5 Occupational Therapist roles in Southampton
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Occupational Therapist with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in Southampton, South East, England. It is listed as a Band 5 Occupational Therapist role. The advertised salary is £32,073 to £39,043 a year. The contract type is Fixed-Term. The application deadline is 19 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (06 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.