Senior Occupational Therapist | Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Chelmsford is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist to take on advanced roles in assessing and managing complex patients. You will provide leadership and mentoring to junior staff and work collaboratively as part of an integrated team. This position offers flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package including generous leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Up to 14.5% pension contributions

Staff discounts including NHS offers

£8K relocation package

Interest-free season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Experience in advanced assessment and treatment of complex cases.
• Knowledge of Royal College standards and Health Professions Council regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and training.

Responsibilities

• Plan and evaluate patient treatment processes.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of complex health needs.
• Manage a complex caseload with effective clinical reasoning.

Skills

Autonomous management

Clinical reasoning

Supervision

Problem solving

Collaborative treatment planning

Education

Relevant professional qualification in Occupational Therapy

Job description

To play a major and specialist role in the advanced assessment, treatment and clinical management of people who have complex, acute and chronic presentations, determining the functional deficits and occupational therapy treatment required.

To work as an autonomous professional according to the Royal College of Occupational Therapy ‘Professional standards for occupational therapy practice, conduct and ethics (2021)’ and the ‘Health Professions Council Regulations’.

To contribute to the overall service development of the team and actively participate in Continuing Professional Development. Provide leadership through supervision, mentoring, education and training.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of the integrated team to plan, deliver and evaluate all aspects of the patient treatment process, including discharge and referral to appropriate community based health and social care agencies.
• Undertake comprehensive assessment of patients with a range of complex health and social care needs, with specialist assessment of all aspects of occupational performance (physical, cognitive, mental, social and environmental needs).
• Autonomously manage a complex caseload of patients using clinical reasoning, critical thinking, reflection and analysis to support assessment and treatment.
• Develop collaborative treatment programmes with patients, carers and colleagues, demonstrating client centred reasoning and specialist problem solving techniques.
• Implement appropriate occupational therapy interventions to enable patients to achieve optimum level of independence.
• Evaluate patient progress, reassess and review treatment programmes as required through monitoring of medical and rehabilitation needs and adjust accordingly.
• Plan and prioritise own workload and delegate tasks where appropriate to ensure effective use of time.
• Supervise junior staff and assistants to plan their work effectively.
• Identify and undertake routine and complex risk assessments, both of environmental and individual case management.
• Complete the implementation, review and evaluation of policies and procedures pertinent to the OT team and facilities on the unit.
• Provide support and education to patients and carers regarding all aspects of Occupational Therapy.
• Work flexibly across the wards and the community service if required.
• Maintain and develop professional expertise in a wide range of clinical areas and conditions.
• Deal with day to day management of the inpatient OT service, including delegating and monitoring work. Deputise for the Therapy Lead in their absence.
• Be aware of the additional responsibility of lone working.
• Raise the profile of Occupational Therapy within the multi-disciplinary team and the wider community.
• Be autonomously responsible for complex caseloads.
• Provide clinical expertise to other members of the multi professional team.
• Represent Occupational Therapy at senior level.
• Assist in the recruitment, selection and orientation of new staff members.
• Participate in the staff appraisal scheme as appraiser and appraisee. Be responsible for implementing and achieving development needs for self and junior staff identified from the performance review and development plans.
• Undertake the role of Clinical Educator for Occupational Therapy students, working with colleagues to ensure the standard of clinical placements and teaching meets qualification requirements.

Key Activities

• Complete mandatory training in line with Trust policy and procedures.
• Participate in the staff appraisal process and undertake it for any staff you manage.
• Keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy.
• Provide management supervision where appropriate.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5 % of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8 K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us.
• Season ticket loans are interest‑free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Valuing You

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and well‑being services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.

This advert closes on Monday 1 Dec 2025