At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people regain independence through specialist neurological rehabilitation.
- Company: Join Brainkind, a leading charity in brain injury rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 38 days leave, and comprehensive development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with excellent career growth and team collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration required.
The predicted salary is between 39959 - 48117 £ per year.
Location: Stagenhoe, Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Salary: £39,959 - £48,117 per annum (DOE) (equivalent to NHS Band 6)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Help people rebuild their independence through specialist neurological rehabilitation. Brainkind is looking for a passionate and motivated Senior Occupational Therapist to join our specialist multidisciplinary team at Stagenhoe, our neurological rehabilitation service in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.
This is an exciting opportunity for an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about neurological rehabilitation and person-centred care to work within one of the UK's leading brain injury charities, supporting people to regain independence, rebuild confidence and maximise their quality of life following acquired brain injury and other complex neurological conditions.
Working alongside an experienced multidisciplinary team, you'll play a vital role in delivering evidence-based rehabilitation that makes a genuine difference to people's lives every single day.
About Stagenhoe: Set within a beautiful historic building in the Hertfordshire countryside, Stagenhoe provides specialist neurological rehabilitation and long-term care for adults living with acquired brain injuries and complex neurological conditions. Our service offers slow-stream rehabilitation, supporting people with a wide range of physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural needs through tailored rehabilitation programmes designed to maximise independence and improve quality of life.
As part of our multidisciplinary team, you'll work alongside Neuropsychologists, Physiotherapists, Speech & Language Therapists, Nurses, Rehabilitation Support Workers and Activities Coordinators to deliver truly holistic rehabilitation.
About the Role: This is a rewarding opportunity to develop your career within specialist neurological rehabilitation while making a meaningful difference to people's lives. As a Senior Occupational Therapist, you will provide a high-quality Occupational Therapy service, assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating person-centred rehabilitation programmes that enable individuals to participate more fully in everyday life.
You'll work with people presenting with a broad range of neurological conditions, helping them maximise independence across daily living, mobility, leisure, vocational activities and community participation. Alongside managing your own clinical caseload, you'll have the opportunity to lead a small team of Therapy Assistants and Activities Coordinators, contribute to service development and help shape innovative rehabilitation programmes that meet the diverse needs of the people we support.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver specialist Occupational Therapy assessments, treatment planning and interventions.
- Develop and evaluate individualised, person-centred rehabilitation programmes.
- Support people to maximise independence across activities of daily living, self-care, mobility, leisure and community participation.
- Apply evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning to achieve meaningful rehabilitation outcomes.
- Manage and prioritise your own clinical caseload.
- Develop creative and innovative treatment plans tailored to individual goals.
- Contribute to the development of therapeutic group programmes to meet the needs of a diverse neurological caseload.
- Provide leadership and day-to-day support to a small team of Therapy Assistants and Activities Coordinators.
- Promote collaborative working across the multidisciplinary team.
- Share knowledge and contribute to the ongoing development of Occupational Therapy services.
- Develop specialist skills in equipment provision, adaptive technology and specialist seating.
- Participate in regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development.
- Access peer support from Brainkind's national network of Occupational Therapists and Allied Health Professionals specialising in neurological rehabilitation.
About You: We're looking for a compassionate, creative and motivated Occupational Therapist who is passionate about supporting people living with neurological conditions to achieve meaningful, life-changing outcomes. You'll enjoy working both independently and collaboratively, bringing excellent communication skills, clinical reasoning and a person-centred approach to everything you do.
Essential Requirements:
- Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy.
- Current HCPC registration.
- Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Ability to work autonomously whilst effectively prioritising your own workload.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to build positive working relationships.
- Commitment to delivering evidence-based, person-centred rehabilitation.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience working within neurological rehabilitation, acquired brain injury, complex care or a related clinical setting.
- Experience gained through previous employment or clinical placements.
- Interest in equipment provision, seating assessment and rehabilitation technology.
Rewards & Benefits: At Brainkind, we recognise that exceptional rehabilitation starts with exceptional people. That's why we invest in your wellbeing, development and career progression through an outstanding benefits package, including:
- Competitive salary of £39,959 - £48,117 per annum (DOE)
- 38 days annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Buy & Sell Annual Leave Scheme (up to 5 days)
- Simplyhealth Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Company Pension Scheme
- Group Life Assurance
- Eye Care Voucher Scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Long Service & Staff Recognition Awards
- Comprehensive learning and development opportunities
- Regular clinical supervision and CPD support
- Access to Brainkind's national Occupational Therapy and Allied Health Professional network
Why Choose Brainkind? Working at Brainkind means joining one of the UK's most respected specialist neurological rehabilitation providers. You'll work with highly skilled clinicians, gain valuable experience across a diverse neurological caseload and have genuine opportunities to develop your expertise within a supportive, forward-thinking organisation. Most importantly, you'll help people rebuild their independence, confidence and future after life-changing neurological injury.
Important Information: Please note that applications will be reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis. We encourage early applications as this vacancy may close once sufficient applications have been received. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory compliance checks, including: Enhanced DBS checks, Three years of satisfactory references, Standard pre-employment checks. Brainkind is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and guarantees an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace where every colleague feels valued, respected and empowered to thrive.
Senior Occupational Therapist in Watford employer: Brainkind
Brainkind is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff, offering a clear pathway to leadership roles within the neurorehabilitation field. With a supportive and collaborative work culture, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities and generous perks, including 38 days of annual leave, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in clinical psychology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Occupational Therapist in Watford
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Brainkind. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Brainkind.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Occupational Therapist in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Brainkind:Take some time to research Brainkind and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brainkind
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Brainkind's values and approach.
