Senior Occupational Therapist- Older Person's Mental Health Team

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health foundation trust in Gateshead is offering a full-time Band 6 Occupational Therapist role. This position involves providing specialized occupational therapy for older adults and managing a varied caseload, with a focus on dementia care. Candidates should possess a UK driver's licence and demonstrate the ability to work autonomously within the mental health services. A commitment to high-quality care is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience as an autonomous practitioner in occupational therapy.
• Ability to work with older adults and those with dementia.
• UK Driver's Licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist occupational therapy assessments and treatments.
• Independently manage a caseload of clients.
• Supervise junior staff and students.

Skills

Autonomous practice

Client assessment

Evidence-based practice

Multi-disciplinary teamwork

Supervising staff

Job description

Overview

We are offering a full time Band 6 Occupational Therapist role within our Community Older Person's Mental Health Department in Gateshead. The role focuses on the cognitive pathway from early diagnosis to late stages of dementia for those over 65, plus the Younger Persons with Dementia service.

Responsibilities

1. Act as an experienced autonomous practitioner, providing specialist occupational therapy assessment and treatment for clients accessing the Older Persons Community Mental Health Service.
2. Independently manage a caseload, using evidence-based practice and patient­‑centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.
3. Manage and supervise junior staff and students, supporting training and development of staff within the mental health team.
4. Work as a key member of the multi‑disciplinary team.
5. Assist in delivering the occupational therapy service across community and acute care settings, health and social care locations and patients' homes.
6. Participate in service improvement initiatives and support delivery of the OT business plan as directed by the Team/Service Lead.

Requirements

• A UK Driver's Licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
• Full‑time commitment; based at a Gateshead Health Location as directed by the line manager.
• Evidence of experience and ability to work autonomously within occupational therapy services for older adults and dementia.

About the Organisation

Based in the North East of England, we provide a range of hospital and community health services across the Gateshead region, including Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon Urgent Care Centre and Bensham Hospital. We are one of the first foundation trusts in the country and have a dedicated commitment to high quality care.