Community Occupational Therapist - Band 5 to 6 Development role in Huddersfield

We have an exciting opportunity for an Occupational Therapist (OT) in a Band 5/6 developmental post in the community. The role is 30 hours per week (4 days) with progression from Band 5 to Band 6 in line with the appraisal process. Applications from candidates currently working at Band 6 are welcome.

The South Kirklees Enhanced Pathway team is a community mental health team in Huddersfield. As an OT you will be central to the MDT and pivotal in delivering high-quality care. The service uses the Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) model to support service users at higher risk, involving the wider MDT in daily risk management planning.

The OT will conduct assessments and interventions with community service users and work within the established OT network across the Enhanced Pathway. The role is primarily based in Folly Hall Mills with a Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm schedule; flexible working is available to support work–life balance.

• Due to the large geographical area covered, being a car driver is essential; mileage can be claimed via e-Expenses.
• Provide care coordination and leadership, supporting colleagues with day-to-day caseload management, duty worker responsibilities, clinical issues, and prioritisation with clinical acuity.
• Undertake initial and risk assessments; formulate and review care plans to promote engagement, stability, recovery and risk management.
• Manage a varied caseload and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Work with service users with both short-term interventions and severe/enduring mental health needs to promote health and wellbeing.
• Document care delivery to a high professional standard in line with professional, local and national guidance.
• Recognise risky situations and initiate appropriate actions; manage enquiries and direct referrals from services such as SPA.

At the time of advertising, this role meets UK Visas and Immigration sponsor requirements. All employees are encouraged to have up-to-date flu vaccination.

About the Trust: We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust providing community, mental health and learning disability services. Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities by delivering high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We value diversity and encourage applications from all protected characteristic groups.

The Trust is accountable to its members, and around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members. We employ over 4,500 staff committed to supporting the mental, physical and social needs of service users, families and carers. We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

Please apply promptly as the vacancy may close before the advertised date.

• Date posted: 29 January 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change | Band: Band 5 | Salary: £31,049 to £46,580 a year Pro Rata - Band 5/6 development role
• Contract: Permanent | Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
• Reference: C9378-CK2406 | Job location: Folly Hall Mills, St Thomas Road, Huddersfield, HD1 3LT

The post holder will be an integral member of the MDT, providing specialist occupational therapy assessment and treatment for service users in receipt of care from community services. You will enable engagement in individual and group community-based treatment activities and promote occupational therapy within the service area. You will work flexibly to meet service and client needs.

• Clinical: undertake standardised and non-standardised assessments to formulate effective treatment plans with the service user, family and carer; interpret results to plan and implement client-centred OT programmes; ensure interventions meet professional standards; train on lifestyle changes/adaptations; act as care programme coordinator when required; contribute to a coordinated multi-agency approach; evaluate interventions using audits and outcome measures; support transition from inpatient to community living; maintain clear written and verbal communication within the multi-agency team; maintain clinical records in line with risk management guidelines; attend clinical meetings and provide reports and supervision.
• Management: assist the team leader with daily operational management; communicate significant events or issues; delegate work to therapy assistants and care staff; conduct appraisals and development reviews; manage staff leave and sickness to ensure service cover; participate in recruitment and induction programs.
• Policy & Service Development: contribute to annual service improvement plans, audits and modernisation; collaborate with the OT professional lead to develop professional practice and policy implementation.

For full job description see attached documents. We note mandatory disclosures including DBS checks and UK registration requirements. UK visa sponsorship eligibility is as stated in the advertisement.

Special Knowledge & Skills – Essential: Specialist OT knowledge for mental health; extensive clinical practice including individual and group work; understanding of OT outcome measures; autonomous working; ethical and professional judgement; supervisory/appraisal skills; ability to reflect and improve performance; strong organisational and communication skills; knowledge of mental health/learning disability legislation and clinical governance.

Personal Attributes – Essential: Ability to motivate self and others; organisational skills; effective verbal and written communication; flexible working; valid driving licence and access to a car during the working day.

Training – Essential: Practice Education/Practice Assessor Certificate (or willing to achieve within 12 months); willingness to undertake postgraduate training.

Desirable: Postgraduate training relevant to mental health (e.g., psychosocial interventions, CBT/counselling skills, standardised assessment); leadership/first-line management experience; range of mental health/learning disabilities settings.

Experience – Essential: Post-registration experience in mental health/learning disabilities; CPD; supervision of staff or students.

Qualifications – Essential: Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy; HCPC registration.

Physical Attributes – Essential: Ability to perform the duties; satisfactory sickness record over the past 2 years; reasonable adjustments considered for disabilities.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: This post requires a DBS check. UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.