Senior Occupational Therapist (Band 5 Development Considered)

Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity for a Occupational Therapist to join a supportive and friendly Older Adults Occupational Therapy team in West Essex, working across a number of community sites.

The role offers a varied caseload with opportunities to deliver both group-based and one‑to‑one occupational therapy interventions for older adults with mental health needs, including cognitive impairment and dementia.

The post provides experience in screening older adults for therapeutic groups, alongside preparing and facilitating a range of interventions, including Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). You will work closely with the Multi‑Disciplinary Team, contributing to reviews and care planning meetings, and will gain experience delivering community-based occupational therapy interventions within patients’ home environments across West Essex, supporting independence, safety, and quality of life.

You will be responsible for providing a high standard of occupational therapy assessment, advice, intervention, and evaluation for older adults referred to the service.

The role includes regular clinical supervision, reflective practice, and structured support for ongoing professional development and Band 6 progression within Older Adults mental health services.

The post holder will be required to travel independently between community sites across West Essex as part of their day‑to‑day role, including transporting equipment and intervention resources as required.

Main duties of the job

The role is Band 6 but Band 5 development will be considered.

You will use a range of appropriate occupational therapy assessment tools and approaches to assess older adults’ abilities, strengths, and difficulties in relation to their identified goals and occupational performance in everyday activities.

Plan, facilitate, and lead group-based interventions, ensuring sessions are purposeful, outcome-focused, and responsive to the needs of older adults, including those with cognitive impairment or dementia.

Screen and assess patients for suitability for group interventions, contributing to effective care pathways and group formulation.

Manage a caseload of complex community-based cases, working autonomously within professional boundaries and with appropriate support and supervision from senior members of staff.

Support and supervise junior staff, students, and support workers as required, contributing to their learning, development, and delivery of high-quality occupational therapy interventions.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the Job Description for full details of the role.

In summary, you will work as a core member of the Occupational Therapy team within the wider Specialist Dementia and Frailty Service for West Essex.

You will work collaboratively with the Multi‑Disciplinary Team (MDT) to deliver high‑quality occupational therapy assessment, care planning, and intervention for older adults with complex needs. The role also includes providing advice, guidance, and practical support to carers, promoting independence, safety, and quality of life.