At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality occupational therapy in a secure forensic setting and lead junior staff.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Riverside Centre, dedicated to mental health rehabilitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for mentoring students and contributing to a diverse workforce.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be an HCPC registered Occupational Therapist with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 39959 - 48117 £ per year.
Location: Riverside Centre, Prestwich Hospital, Town Manchester.
Salary: £39,959 – £48,117 per annum (pro rata).
Contract type: Permanent, full time, 37.5 hours per week, flexible working available.
Closing date: 09/06/2026.
A vacancy has arisen for an experienced Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist to join the Occupational Therapy department within the Adult Forensic Service at the Riverside Unit. The post-holder is responsible for delivering high quality, evidence-based occupational therapy assessment and intervention to people admitted to the secure forensic setting. You will have access to clinical and management supervision, professional forums, alongside regular specialist CPD opportunities.
Main duties of the job:
- Manage a defined specialist caseload using evidence-based / client-centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.
- Provide clinical, professional leadership for junior staff within the service and be a positive role model.
- Deliver a range of individual and group interventions drawn from relevant frames of reference, demonstrating sophisticated clinical reasoning skills.
- Act as an emerging leader and skilful communicator; liaise and negotiate with varied professional groups.
- Be research and professional standards aware and use evidence to support and develop practice.
- Provide regular fieldwork opportunities for undergraduates and contribute to the learning of other team members and students from other disciplines.
- Mentor, coach and/or develop others and supervise junior practitioners and support staff, delegating work to add to the effectiveness and efficiency of the team.
- Utilise evidence-based assessments, identify risk within the performance of occupation to contribute to the formulation of risk.
- Work autonomously with service users for extended periods within community settings as part of their rehabilitation programme; this involves regular activities requiring sustained physical effort and an appropriate level of physical stamina.
Other requirements:
The postholder will be required to work autonomously with service users for extended periods within community settings as part of their rehabilitation programme, involving regular activities that demand sustained physical effort and an appropriate level of physical stamina.
Education / Qualifications:
- Occupational Therapist registered with HCPC.
- Evidence of relevant postgraduate training/learning relevant to clinical field.
Experience:
- Experience of using MOHO model of practice.
- Experience of educating students.
- Post registration experience of working in a mental health setting.
- Post registration experience of working in a broad range of mental health settings.
- Experience of leading on delegated projects.
Knowledge:
- Comprehensive knowledge of current best practice in occupational therapy for mental health including models, assessments and interventions.
- Knowledge of the occupational needs of patients detained within secure services.
- Knowledge of risk within this setting and its impact on clinical decision making when devising occupational therapy treatment plans.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care.
Skills and abilities:
- Applying the principles of recovery and promoting service user and carer involvement.
- Effective written and oral communication skills, including the processing of complex and sensitive information.
- Ability to reflect and critically appraise the performance of others.
- Training and presentation skills.
Benefits:
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years.
EEO statement:
We are committed to ensuring our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and aim to remove barriers to employment for candidates from under-represented groups.
Notice:
Please note, this vacancy may be closed at any time if sufficient applications have been received.
Specialist Occupational Therapist in Manchester employer: Greater Manchester Mental Health
Join our dedicated team at the Riverside Centre in Prestwich Hospital, where we prioritise a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. As a Specialist Occupational Therapist, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, access to ongoing clinical supervision, and opportunities for continuous professional development, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals in a secure forensic setting. With generous annual leave and a commitment to diversity, we strive to create an inclusive environment that values every team member's contribution.
Contact Details:
Greater Manchester Mental Health Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Occupational Therapist in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the occupational therapy field, especially those who work in mental health. They might know about openings or can give you a heads-up on what the hiring managers are really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to occupational therapy and mental health. Think about how you can showcase your experience with the MOHO model and your leadership skills. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your mentoring and coaching experience during interviews. It’s a big deal in this role, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've developed others in your previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It shows you're serious about the position and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Occupational Therapist in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Specialist Occupational Therapist role. Highlight your experience with the MOHO model and any relevant postgraduate training, as this will show us you’re a great fit for our team.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your effective communication skills in action! Use your written application to demonstrate how you've applied recovery principles and involved service users in your past roles. This is key for us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your experience and qualifications shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greater Manchester Mental Health
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest evidence-based practices in occupational therapy, especially those relevant to mental health. Familiarise yourself with the MOHO model and trauma-informed care, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided clinical leadership or mentored junior staff in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with various professional groups, as this will demonstrate your readiness to take on a leadership role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Risk Management
Since the role involves assessing risk within a secure setting, be prepared to discuss how you approach risk assessment and management in your practice. Use specific examples from your experience to illustrate your understanding.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, CPD opportunities, and the types of interventions you might be involved in. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
