High Dependency Rehabilitation Unit Occupational Therapist

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust in Doncaster is seeking a Band 5 Occupational Therapist to join the 16-bed HDRU, delivering specialist mental health rehabilitation for adults from Rotherham, Doncaster and North Lincolnshire.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team delivering recovery-focused, person-centred interventions, with group-based activities playing a key part and opportunities for supervision, professional development and service improvement.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Occupational Therapy is required.
• Registration with HCPC is essential.
• Practice Placement Educator Qualification within 12 months of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive Occupational Therapy Assessments using the MOHO and other evidence-based tools.
• Develop and evaluate person-centred intervention plans that promote recovery, independence and meaningful occupational engagement.
• Plan, deliver and evaluate a structured programme of occupation-based group interventions, using meaningful activities to promote recovery, skill development, social participation and independence.
• Support patients to establish healthy routines, develop life skills and build confidence in preparation for discharge to less restrictive environments.
• To assist in the supervision of support staff and students and contribute to the development of a range of inpatient based therapeutic activities in partnership with service users, carers and staff.
• To develop links with statutory and voluntary sector community resources and ensure that on-going occupational needs are addressed as part of a safe effective discharge and the occupational therapy pathway process.

Skills

IT skills

Time management

Person-centred care

MDT teamwork

Problem solving

Treatment planning

Reflection

Facilitation

Supervision

Education

Diploma / Degree in Occupational Therapy

HCPC registration

Practice Placement Educator Qualification within 12 months

Job description

Employer Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Phoenix Ward HDRU Town Doncaster Salary £32,073 - £39,043 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 11/10/2026 23:59

High Dependency Rehabilitation Unit Occupational Therapist

NHS AfC: Band 5

Job overview

We are excited to recruit an enthusiastic Band 5 Occupational Therapist to join our 16-bed Higher Dependency Rehabilitation Unit (HDRU) in Doncaster, providing specialist mental health rehabilitation for adults from Rotherham, Doncaster and North Lincolnshire.

The HDRU supports adults with complex mental health needs who require intensive rehabilitation within a structured, therapeutic environment. Patients typically remain on the unit for up to 12 months, working with the multidisciplinary team to develop the skills and confidence needed to progress to less restrictive settings and successful community living.

Occupational Therapy plays a central role in the rehabilitation pathway, delivering recovery-focused, person-centred interventions through meaningful occupation. Group-based interventions are a key part of the role, and you will be expected to plan and deliver a varied programme of occupation-focused groups alongside individual interventions.

You will work within a supportive multidisciplinary team including Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry and AHP colleagues, embracing our "One Team" approach to delivering high-quality care.

This post offers excellent opportunities for supervision, professional development and service improvement within a supportive learning environment.

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact Light Chibuzor Caleb (Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist) or Kirsty Long (Ward Manager).

Main duties of the job

• Undertake comprehensive Occupational Therapy Assessments using the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and other evidence-based assessment tools.
• Develop, implement and evaluate person-centred intervention plans that promote recovery, independence and meaningful occupational engagement.
• Plan, deliver and evaluate a structured programme of occupation-based group interventions, using meaningful activities to promote recovery, skill development, social participation and independence.
• Support patients to establish healthy routines, develop life skills and build confidence in preparation for discharge to less restrictive environments.
• To assist in the supervision of support staff and students and contribute to the development of a range of inpatient based therapeutic activities in partnership with service users, carers and staff.
• To develop links with statutory and voluntary sector community resources and ensure that on-going occupational needs are addressed as part of a safe effective discharge and the occupational therapy pathway process.
• The service is new and will be in Doncaster, High Dependency Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit staff may also be required to work in a variety of other settings dependent on patient needs, e.g. patients’ own homes, community settings

Working for our organisation

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) employ around 4000 talented colleagues who are very much appreciated, valued, and respected.

We have a wide portfolio which includes mental health, physical health, learning disability and drug and alcohol services.

We are passionate about enhancing the quality of our service and we work hard to attract and select the right colleagues for our organisation. Our goal is to employ those who share our passion for providing first class care while remaining committed to our vision and values. Please view our Strategy using the link below:

To find out more about working for RDaSH and the fantastic benefits we offer visit our website:

We are committed to inclusive cultures and really value people in our organisation, view our Allyship video on YouTube to find out more:

The main terms and conditions of service can be found here:

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please view the attached job description and person specification to view the full details about the role

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if there are a high amount of applications

Person specification

Qualification

• Diploma / Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Practice Placement Educator Qualification within 12 months of appointment

Experience

• Pre-registration experience of working in mental health services (placements/ care roles/ voluntary).
• Documented evidence of continuing professional development
• Post registration experience of working as an OT in mental health services
• Experience of delivering individual and group-based interventions
• Experience of research and audit.

Knowledge

• Broad knowledge of current best practice in OT and mental health.
• Application of OT process with designated client group.
• Knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and occupation-focused practice..
• Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and person-centred approaches.
• Relevant mental health legislation, NICE Guidance, and National (NHSE/I) Frameworks
• Knowledge of risk assessment and positive risk management
• Understanding of safeguarding, clinical governance and professional standards.

Skills

• Information technology skills.
• Effective time and workload management
• Person centred approach to care.
• Multi-disciplinary/ multiagency working.
• Problem solving abilities.
• Planning and co-ordination of treatment packages.
• Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance
• Training and facilitation skills.
• Supervisory skills.

**Eligibility for sponsorship - please read before submitting your application**

Please note, not all vacancies or applications are eligible for sponsorship.

*****Before applying, you can make a self-assessment of potential eligibility for sponsorship here: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

**Please note, there have been some changes made to Home Office guidance including changes to salary thresholds for sponsorship applications and eligibility for dependent visas from 9 April 2025 and from 22 July 2025**

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high number of applications.