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Job requirements
Essential
25 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Experience
Post graduate experience working in complex and high-risk mental health settings -- managing challenging behaviors.
- Experience
Experience of applying the Occupational Therapy process in mental health.
- Experience
Experience of using standardized and functional assessments and activity analysis in a mental health setting.
- Experience
Experience of supporting and supervising junior staff.
- Experience
Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Qualifications
Degree level or higher in Occupational Therapy.
- Qualifications
Health and Care Professions Council registration.
- Additional Criteria
To understand and apply of a range of Occupational Therapy functional non-standardised and standardised assessments, goal setting methods, individual and group interventions, and evaluation methods to support best practice.
- Additional Criteria
Able to manage a complex caseload of clients throughout the service.
- Additional Criteria
Able to review and develop the occupational therapy service, using specialist training and knowledge to inform relevant changes to service delivery.
- Additional Criteria
Able to communicate effectively with stakeholders, colleagues, patients, and their families, both verbally and in writing.
- Additional Criteria
Able to deliver information / interventions where the situation can be emotive, challenging, or hostile -- managing this with sensitivity and tact
- Additional Criteria
Specialist skills in mental health related risk assessment.
- Additional Criteria
Able to take personal responsibility, work autonomously and manage time effectively.
- Additional Criteria
Able to promote the contribution of occupational therapy to a range of audiences.
- Additional Criteria
Able to motivate others, work independently and as part of a team.
- Additional Criteria
Able to critique research and practice and apply to area of work.
- Additional Criteria
Able to use computer efficiently; including email, internet, Microsoft office including word/excel and video consultation software and ability to learn service specific systems.
- Additional Criteria
Specialist, up to date knowledge of Occupational Therapy practice.
- Additional Criteria
Knowledge of current issues in OT practice and mental health service provision e.g. Government policy, drivers, and current best practice.
- Additional Criteria
Knowledge and experience in use of research and audit methods.
- Additional Criteria
Knowledge of OT Professional Standards and Codes of Conduct.
- Additional Criteria
Knowledge of health and safety and risk assessment in mental health.
- Additional Criteria
Knowledge and experience of Mental Health, Mental Capacity Act and Safeguarding.
- Additional Criteria
An understanding of the principles of equal opportunities as it relates to staff and patients and able to demonstrate personal commitment to challenging discrimination and promoting equalities An understanding of equality within the workforce and how it can impact on this post.
Desirable
Not listed in the available specification.
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated, innovative, and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our award-winning Allied Health Professional (AHP) Service as a Senior Occupational Therapist, supporting Adult Mental Health Services across Portsmouth.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work across community mental health services and the Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team (CRHT), delivering specialist occupational therapy interventions to adults experiencing significant mental health difficulties. You will play a key role in promoting recovery, independence, and meaningful participation in daily life through evidence-based occupational therapy assessment and intervention.
As part of a friendly, supportive, and highly regarded Occupational Therapy-led service, you will work alongside experienced Occupational Therapists and multidisciplinary colleagues who are passionate about delivering person-centred, recovery-focused care.
The Occupational Therapy service forms part of our award-winning AHP Service, providing specialist mental health occupational therapy across Portsmouth. The team delivers a range of interventions, including individual therapeutic work, group programmes, and the evidence-based and award-winning Occupation Matters Programme.
Our service is recognised for its innovative approach to enabling people to engage in meaningful occupations, improve wellbeing, and develop the skills needed to live fulfilling and independent lives.
Main duties of the job
As the Occupational Therapy lead within the Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team, you will act as the primary point of contact for occupational therapy expertise and referrals.
Your responsibilities will include:
*Attending and contributing to weekly multidisciplinary team meetings, providing specialist occupational perspectives for individuals with complex presentations where traditional medical or psychological interventions have been less effective.
*Completing comprehensive occupational therapy assessments and developing person-centred intervention plans.
*Managing a caseload of individuals requiring specialist occupational therapy intervention during periods of crisis and recovery.
*Delivering urgent occupational therapy assessments to support safe and effective home treatment.
*Supporting individuals to develop meaningful routines, improve occupational engagement, and reduce social isolation.
*Assessing functional abilities and independent living skills within home environments.
At present, the Trust is unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.
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: 09 October 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 6
- Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year Please note for part time hours the salary will be pro rata
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
- Reference number: 348-PSE-12817
- Job locations: The Orchards, St James' Hospital, Locksway Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO4 8FE, 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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Senior Occupational Therapist with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in Southampton, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Occupational Therapist role. The advertised salary is £39959.00 to £48117.00. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 25 Oct 2026.
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