Clinical Occupational Therapist | East London NHS Foundation Trust

East London NHS Foundation Trust; Bedford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Bedford is looking for an experienced Band 7 Occupational Therapist to manage a small caseload in a supportive team. The role involves providing high-quality assessments and treatments, coordinating multi-disciplinary efforts, and leading service development initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Occupational Therapy and experience in mental health settings. Professional development opportunities are provided to support clinical leadership and expertise.

Benefits

Support and Development Programme

Regular professional supervision

Participation in CPD events

Encouragement for professional training

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health settings.
• Strong leadership and supervision skills.
• Ability to develop and implement treatment plans.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload and provide OT assessments.
• Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Develop and maintain links with community agencies.
• Lead clinical effectiveness activities.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Team coordination

Occupational assessment

Treatment planning

Evidence-based practice

Advanced clinical reasoning

Education

Degree in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Are you an experienced occupational therapist ready for a Band 7 mental health role? Join a supportive and forward-thinking service that values clinical leadership, innovation, and professional growth.

Overview

In this Band 7 Occupational Therapist role you will manage a small caseload primarily at Florence Ball House, collaborate with colleagues to deliver high-quality care across Bedford and surrounding areas, and take on leadership responsibilities, deputising for the Head OT when required, supporting service development, and promoting occupational therapy within evolving community mental health transformation models.

Responsibilities

• Provide an OT assessment and treatment service to clients within inpatient and/or community settings as required.
• Co‑ordinate with other members of the multi‑disciplinary and OT team and provide clinical supervision as required.
• Take a lead role in service and staff development within local and wider service.
• Provide strong leadership and specialist knowledge and skills to ensure robust and evidence‑based OT service.
• Take a lead on developing and maintaining links with relevant, statutory and non‑statutory agencies throughout Luton & Bedfordshire.
• Work closely with other professionals and partners in supporting the development and delivery of a Recovery Pathway.
• Use advanced clinical reasoning to assess the impact of clients’ mental health difficulties on their occupational areas and performance.
• Conduct occupational/vocational assessments, one‑to‑one, and group interventions.
• Undertake specialist assessments of daily living skills to determine functional ability, risk factors, and accommodation needs, contributing to discharge planning and community care plans.
• Promote and apply evidence‑based practice, keeping updated on developments in adult mental health OT.
• Lead clinical effectiveness activities, including audits, research, and contributing to Clinical Interest groups.
• Represent the service in meetings in the absence of the Head OT, contribute to service development priorities, and oversee day‑to‑day management decisions.
• Assist with staff recruitment, provide supervision, training, and advice, and support the development of local policies.
• Take a leadership role in the development of the OT service, promote user involvement in service development, and ensure services meet the needs of both users and their carers.
• Contribute to staff inductions, attend relevant MDT and OT service meetings, and act as a role model in clinical practice.

Benefits

• Band 7 Support and Development Programme to help refine your leadership and clinical expertise.
• Regular managerial and professional supervision.
• Monthly opportunities to participate in OT Service‑wide CPD events and peer development groups.
• Professional development and training actively encouraged through the appraisal process.

This advert closes on Sunday 14 Dec 2025.