Occupational Therapist

The Calderdale and Kirklees In‑Patient Occupational Therapy team have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and dedicated Band 5 practitioner to become part of our Kirklees team. The service is embracing positive change and developing pathways of care to meet the diverse needs of adults and older people within an acute inpatient setting. The post is permanent, full‑time (37.5 hrs per week). The post holder will work alongside a multidisciplinary team comprising consultant psychiatrists, senior clinical psychologists, nursing staff and physiotherapists. The role supports MDT in facilitating the safe and effective discharge of acute inpatients, delivering specialist assessments and therapeutic interventions for service users in receipt of in‑patient mental health care.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide occupational therapy assessments for people accessing the service.
• Plan and implement an occupational therapy treatment programme on an individual and/or group basis, using graded activity to achieve therapeutic goals.
• Monitor, evaluate and modify treatment to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention.
• Adopt a client‑centred, sensitive approach to therapy, collaborating with clients and carers.
• Select and conduct occupational therapy assessments addressing physical, psychosocial, behavioural, perceptual, cognitive, sensory and environmental needs.
• Provide training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations, making referrals when appropriate.
• Support the discharge process by identifying resources and facilitating effective discharge.
• Produce occupational therapy reports and communicate with Consultants, GPs and other agencies.
• Participate in MDT meetings, ward rounds, clinics and case conferences.
• Maintain up‑to‑date records and activity data in accordance with professional and Trust standards.
• Manage caseload, coordinate activities of unqualified staff and contribute to service development.
• Communicate accurately and sensitively to clients, carers and other professionals.
• Engage in professional development, supervision, quality improvement and audit activities.
• Adhere to health and safety, legal and policy frameworks and promote equality and diversity.

Key Result Areas

• Deliver high‑quality assessments and treatment within professional ethics.
• Achieve therapeutic goals for service users, ensuring safe discharge.
• Maintain accurate records and reports.
• Contribute to team effectiveness and collaborative working.
• Fulfil professional development and quality improvement responsibilities.
• Support Trust objectives regarding health, safety, equality and diversity.

Person Specification – Essential Qualifications

• COT Diploma or BSc Occupational Therapy Degree OR Pre‑registration MSc Occupational Therapy.
• HCPC State Registration.

Essential Professional Knowledge and Skills

• Application of the OT process within a relevant clinical setting.
• Knowledge of current best practice in OT in the designated clinical setting.
• Planning and coordination of treatment packages.
• Management of own workload and prioritisation.
• Analytical and ethical decision‑making.
• Reflective practice and critical appraisal.
• Commitment to client‑centred, non‑discriminatory practice.
• Understanding of multidisciplinary working.
• Computer literacy.
• Knowledge of health legislation, CPA, health, safety and risk management policies.

Essential Training and Attributes

• willingness to undertake Practice Placement Education and Trust‑identified training.
• Ability to undertake duties and demands of the post; satisfactory sickness record.
• Effective written and oral communication; independent initiative.
• Flexible working and willingness to travel within the Trust.
• Values contributions of others across disciplines.

Person Specification – Desired

• Training in OT specific assessment e.g. MOHO.
• Documented evidence of continuing professional development.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities. All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to have their up‑to‑date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.