Senior Occupational Therapist

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Bodmin; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Senior Occupational Therapist to join our Acute Dementia Unit in Cornwall. You will lead expert assessments and develop interventions to promote independence and safety for patients with dementia and acute mental health needs in an inpatient setting.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will support discharge planning, mentor junior staff and contribute to service improvement, ensuring person-centred care and evidence-based

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
• HCPC registration.
• CPD portfolio containing evidence of CPD activities.
• Experience of working with patients with complex and challenging needs.
• Substantial Post registration experience as an OT, predominantly in mental health.

Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive occupational therapy assessments for patients with dementia and complex mental health needs.
• Develop and implement evidence-based intervention plans that promote independence and maximize functional ability.
• Undertake cognitive, functional, and environmental assessments to inform discharge planning.
• Work collaboratively with patients, families, carers and multidisciplinary colleagues.
• Provide specialist advice regarding dementia care, meaningful occupation and risk management.
• Contribute to service development, quality improvement initiatives and the delivery of evidence-based practice.
• Support and supervise junior staff, assistants and occupational therapy students where appropriate.

Skills

Occupational Therapy

Mental health care

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy

HCPC registration

CPD portfolio

Experience with complex needs

Post-registration mental health experience

Job description

Go back Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Occupational Therapist

The closing date is 28 September 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated occupational therapist to join our specialist Acute Dementia Unit. We are looking for a compassionate practitioner with a passion for improving outcomes for people living with dementia who require assessment, treatment, and support within an inpatient setting.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will provide expert occupational therapy assessments and interventions to support individuals experiencing acute mental health needs alongside dementia. You will play a key role in promoting independence, well-being, recovery and person-centered care.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive occupational therapy assessments for patients with dementia and complex mental health needs.


• Develop and implement evidence-based intervention plans that promote independence and maximize functional ability.


• Undertake cognitive, functional, and environmental assessments to inform discharge planning.


• Work collaboratively with patients, families, carers and multidisciplinary colleagues.


• Provide specialist advice regarding dementia care, meaningful occupation and risk management.


• Contribute to service development, quality improvement initiatives and the delivery of evidence-based practice.


• Support and supervise junior staff, assistants and occupational therapy students where appropriate.

About us

We're an NHS community and mental health provider Trust based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver community and hospital-based care to improve people's physical and mental health. We also provide specialist support to people with dementia or a learning disability.

We are a people organisation and people matter to us. As part of the team, you'll help support the health and wellbeing of the people who live and visit this beautiful part of the UK.

Over 5,000 people make up the Trust. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, plus admin and support staff.

We work in people's homes, in community clinics and bases. Some staff work from one of our 10 community hospitals. Our aspiration is to have great people, provide great care, be a great place to work and a great partner.

Approximately 568,000 people live here. A third of people who live in Cornwall are supported by acute hospital services in Devon. As a result, we also work closely with our partners in Devon. In the summer, and during other holidays lots of people choose to visit the area. This increase the numbers of people who use out services.

Job responsibilities

To view a detailed job description and person specification including the main responsibilities of this role please see supporting documents.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications and Relevant Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy.


• HCPC registration


• CPD portfolio containing evidence of active involvement of CPD activities


• Experience of working with patients with complex and challenging needs


• Substantial Post registration experience as an OT, predominantly in mental health.


• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of working with rehabilitation principles.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Highly developed clinical knowledge base in mental health and psychosocial interventions


• Highly developed knowledge of the Principles of Recovery and Social Inclusion

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust