Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time, permanent post as a band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist to join the Occupational Therapy Team within Children and Young People Services, working into a general adolescence unit (acute ward) in Prudhoe, Ferndene.
This service supports young people aged 13-18 years mixed sex ward, young people who are experiencing complex mental health difficulties, trauma and/or neurodevelopmental conditions.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Occupational Therapist who has clinical experience and the ability to work autonomously. The successful candidate would require a strong role identify and sound clinical background knowledge, hold skills on how to balance clinical needs of the service, the team and own expectations. The successful candidate will work alongside the MDT team to deliver specialised assessments and interventions and will be required to adapt to meet a wide range of needs.
We are a responsive, innovative and dynamic Foundation Trust, encouraging Leadership, opportunities for Continuing Professional Development and developing specialist skills and training. Our approach to recruitment is values based and applicants must reflect the Trust's corporate values and behaviors.
Main duties of the job
The job role of the specialist occupational therapist is to screen all young people who are admitted or transferred into the acute ward. The occupational therapist is integral to the young persons care, using assessment, treatment plans to support he young person to discover and recover. The successful candidate will proactively advocate the needs of young people to other professionals, meeting families with consideration of adaptation and working holistically with the focus of occupational performance in all aspects of the young person's care and treatment.
The successful candidate will facilitate therapeutic groups as well as 1:1 individual sessions in order to support clinical observations to inform formal assessments. The OT will gather information to support occupational formulation with devising interventions plans in collaboration with young person.
The successful candidate will use best-evidence based assessments, write reports and clear documentations of clinical contact with young people. The OT regularly provides feedback through attending clinical meetings with advocating the occupational needs for young people.
The successful candidate will have a supervisor role which includes supervision of AHP support staff, providing clear guidance on therapy directed interventions and supporting staff with CPD. The OT role has opportunity for development of staff through training.
About us
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Occupational therapist will work clinically within the ward environment alongside the Nursing, medical teams and wider MDT. The role is to raise the profile of OT through training, mentoring and echoing shared values whilst clinically working with young people.
There is an expectation the OT works collaboratively with the team, demonstrates flexibly and holds integrity to the occupational needs of young people.
Please find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 3rd November 2026
Closing date : 17th November 2026
We welcome your application.
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential
- Recognised Occupational therapy degree/ qualification
- HCPC Registration
- Evidence of post-registration training in OT interventions relevant to the post.
Desirable
- Member of Royal College of Occupational Therapy
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, HCPC and RCOT standards and other local and national initiatives
- Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post.
- Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team
- Experience of providing Occupational Therapy services.
- Awareness of equal opportunities legislation and policies
- Experience of collaborative working across agencies and professional disciplines.
- Proven ability to manage a clinical caseload in a flexible manner as required.
- Experience of supervising students / non registered staff
Desirable
- Understanding of difficult to manage/challenging behaviours.
- Undertaking Appraisals
- Coordinating and supporting staff in the day to day provision of clinical services.
Skills and Competencies
Essential
- Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex needs.
- Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills.
- Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches as identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance).
- Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Evidence of a high level of professional, organisational and leadership skills (self & others).
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively with other professionals using a multi-agency approach.
- Ability to work autonomously and within a team.
- Effective time and case management skills
- Good conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to adapt within a changing environment.
Desirable
- Clinical Leadership. Training & Induction of staff.
- Delegation skills.
- Debriefing skills.
- Teaching/Presentation skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Ferndene Hospital
Prudhoe
NE42 5PB
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)
Specialist Occupational Therapist in Prudhoe employer: CNTW
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With a strong focus on person-centred care, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, regular supervision, and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic healthcare environment in Newcastle upon Tyne. Join us to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a compassionate and collaborative team.
