At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower veterans through meaningful occupations and evidence-based interventions.
- Company: Join Combat Stress, the UK's leading mental health charity for veterans.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27-33 days annual leave, competitive pension, and employee assistance programmes.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in veterans' lives while advancing your career in Occupational Therapy.
- Qualifications: Must be a dynamic, professional Occupational Therapist with experience in trauma services.
The predicted salary is between 32100 - 38600 £ per year.
Based across the north of England
Salary: Band 6, £38,164 – £46,104, per annum, dependent on experience
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 16:30
Are you passionate about Occupational Therapy? Are you a dynamic, professional, enthusiastic Occupational Therapist, with a passion for working in a trauma service? Are you ready to take the next step in your career?
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and dynamic Occupational Therapist to join the Occupational Therapy Team as a permanent staff member. This role provides the opportunity to work autonomously as a valued member of an interdisciplinary team and be part of a National Occupational Therapy service.
We provide a comprehensive Induction, Individual and Peer supervision, protected CPD time and Reflective Practice.
About Us: Combat Stress is the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans. For over a century we’ve been helping former service personnel deal with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Today we provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues related to their military service. We provide a range of community, outpatient and residential mental health services to veterans with complex mental health problems. We provide services in-person, and via phone and online.
About the role: The Occupational Therapy team at Combat Stress are passionate about ‘What matters to veterans’. As an Occupational Therapist within Combat Stress, you will be responsible for empowering veterans to engage fully in meaningful occupations. This will be achieved through comprehensive clinical assessment and clinical formulation in collaboration with the veteran, through evidence-based interventions. This role is subject to a DBS check.
What we offer: You will work within a reputable charity that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our veterans, that has a fantastic cause and a committed follower base.
- 27 days annual leave, with an increase to 30 days annual leave upon 5 years of continuous service, plus bank holidays and an additional increase to 33 days annual leave upon 10 years continuous service, plus bank holidays.
- Competitive stakeholder pension scheme – contributions matched up to 11% of salary
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to Blue Light Card scheme
- Death in Service Scheme
How to apply: Thank you for your interest in working for Combat Stress. If your application is shortlisted, one of the team will contact you shortly after the closing date to let you know the next steps. Please be aware that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to all applicants. If you do not hear from the team within 3 weeks of the closing date, we will not be taking your application further on this occasion. We will keep your details for up to 6 months after the vacancy has been successfully filled. Please feel free to contact us if you no longer wish us to hold your details. If you have been informed about the role by a current employee, please state this and the employee's name in your covering letter. Please note, you MUST have the right to work in the UK to apply for our vacancies and work at Combat Stress.
Interview date: Week commencing 2 February 2026. Please note, we reserve the right to close this advert early, should we receive a sufficient amount of applicants.
Recruitment Privacy Notice: Combat Stress is the data controller for the information you provide during the recruitment process unless otherwise stated. If you have any queries about the process or how we handle your information, please contact us at HR@CombatStress.org.uk. All of the information you provide during the process will only be used for the purpose of progressing your application, or to fulfil legal or statutory requirements if necessary. We will not share any of the information you provide during the recruitment process with any third parties for marketing purposes or store any of your information outside of the European Economic Area. The information you provide will be held securely by our data processors whether the information is in electronic or physical format. We will use the contact details you provide to us to contact you to progress your application. We will use the other information you provide to assess your suitability for the role you have applied for. You do not have to provide what we ask for, but it might affect your application if you don’t. We do not collect more information than we need to fulfil our recruitment process and will not retain it for longer than is necessary. Applications sent speculatively will be retained for a maximum period of six months, unless you contact us and ask us to delete your application sooner.
Combat Stress – Senior Occupational Therapist (England North) employer: Confederation of Service Charities
The Poppy Factory is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting veterans in their transition to meaningful employment. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer flexible working options and a collaborative work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. Joining our team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values your contributions and provides opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of those who have served.
Contact Details:
Confederation of Service Charities Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Combat Stress – Senior Occupational Therapist (England North)
✨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 Confederation of Service Charities. 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 Confederation of Service Charities.
We think you need these skills to ace Combat Stress – Senior Occupational Therapist (England North)
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 Confederation of Service Charities:Take some time to research Confederation of Service Charities 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 Confederation of Service Charities
✨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 Confederation of Service Charities's values and approach.
