Lead Occupational Therapist - Mental Health Team - Burgess Hill - Sanctuary Personal

Sanctuary Personnel Ltd; Burgess Hill; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare staffing agency is seeking a Lead Occupational Therapist in Burgess Hill to manage the therapy team, coordinate operations, and lead therapeutic programmes. Candidates must have a relevant degree, significant mental health experience, and proven leadership skills. This role offers a chance to make a significant impact in patient care and team development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in mental health, ideally within an inpatient setting.
• Current and valid registration with HCPC.
• Experience in supervising or line managing staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Occupational Therapy Team.
• Coordinate and manage day-to-day operations of the service.
• Plan and deliver multi-disciplinary therapeutic patient activity programmes.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Time management

Group facilitation

Education

Degree or post-graduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Lead Occupational Therapist – Mental Health Team

Job Title:Lead Occupational Therapist – Mental Health Team
Location: Burgess Hill, West Sussex
Type: Permanent
Shift Pattern: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary:Up to £48,110 per annum

Sanctuary Personnel have an exciting new opportunity for a skilled and dedicated Occupational Therapist to join our client’s team in a well-established hospital setting. In September 2023, a new 10-bed male adult Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) was opened, expanding the hospital’s facilities to three specialised wards:

• EA Ward – Male Psychiatric Intensive Care
• AJ Ward – Male Psychiatric Intensive Care
• MS Ward – Acute General Adult Male-Only

This is an exceptional opportunity for new team members to contribute to the shaping and transformation of their services. With a strong emphasis on quality and excellence, they are committed to growing and enhancing their current offerings. Your role will be pivotal in developing and improving these services, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in their care.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Occupational Therapy Team: Oversee the team’s resources, ensuring that care standards are exceptional.
• Day-to-Day Operations: Coordinate and manage the effective operation of the Occupational Therapy Service, meeting agreed contact targets.
• Therapeutic Programme Leadership: Plan and deliver multi-disciplinary therapeutic patient activity programmes across the hospital.
• Clinical Support and Supervision: Provide clinical support and professional supervision to the occupational therapy team.
• Specialist Interventions: Deliver evidence-based clinical interventions to enhance patient recovery and well-being through occupational engagement.
• External Collaboration: Maintain links with community activities and social inclusion programmes, such as the Koestler Trust and community art festivals.
• Strategic Development: Collaborate on the strategic development of the service in line with Care Quality Commission standards, Governance, National Care Standards, and professional-specific agendas, in partnership with the Regional Head Occupational Therapist.
• Maintain Clinical Caseload: Continue to manage a clinical caseload alongside leadership responsibilities.

Requirements

• Qualifications: Degree or post-graduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ experience in mental health, ideally within an inpatient setting.
• Current Role: Currently working in at least a Band 6 or 7 role, with experience in a lead or head of department role being desirable.
• Registration: Current and valid registration with HCPC.
• Leadership: Proven experience in supervising or line managing staff.
• Skills: Excellent communication skills with the ability to prioritise and manage time effectively.
• Group Facilitation: Experience in leading and facilitating individual/group sessions.

This role offers a unique opportunity to take a leadership position within a dynamic and expanding service, where you can make a significant impact on both patient care and the development of your team.