Occupational Therapist Development Role B5-B6 | Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust in Preston

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Occupational Therapist to join our well‑established, forward‑thinking and highly motivated team at Guild Lodge. This post is offered as a Band 5–6 developmental role and is open to all applicants who hold a recognised Occupational Therapy qualification and are HCPC registered (or eligible for registration). This is a developmental post designed to support the successful applicant to progress from Band 5 to Band 6 by developing the clinical expertise, leadership skills and professional competencies associated with a Band 6 Occupational Therapist over an agreed period of time.

Progression will be supported through structured supervision, mentorship, appraisal, competency development and access to continuing professional development opportunities. You will work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team within secure mental health services, contributing to assessment, intervention planning and delivery, and the promotion of meaningful occupation as a core component of recovery‑focused care.

What We’re Looking For

• Enthusiastic, compassionate and motivated
• Committed to person‑centred, occupation‑focused practice
• Able to work collaboratively with service users, carers and the wider MDT
• Keen to develop clinical autonomy, leadership and service development skills

Applications are welcomed from:

• Newly qualified or Band 5 Occupational Therapists
• Experienced OTs seeking a supported developmental pathway toward a Band 6 role

Development and Support

• Regular professional and clinical supervision
• A clear developmental framework aligned to Band 6 expectations
• Opportunities to develop leadership, supervision and service development skills
• Access to Trust‑wide Occupational Therapy professional networks and CPD

At Band 5, the post holder will work under the supervision of a senior occupational therapist to develop skills in assessment, intervention planning, risk management and multi‑disciplinary working within secure mental health services. The post holder will use occupational therapy theory and evidence‑based practice to deliver person‑centred, occupation‑focused interventions aimed at improving occupational performance, recovery, social inclusion and quality of life for service users within medium, low and step‑down secure settings.

Complete occupational therapy assessments and interventions for individuals with complex mental health needs, under appropriate supervision. Deliver individual and group interventions aligned with occupational therapy models and frames of reference. Contribute to risk assessment, management plans and CPA processes in collaboration with the MDT. Promote recovery‑focused practice, occupational engagement and social inclusion. Progressively work with increased autonomy as competencies are demonstrated.

LSCFT values diversity and inclusion. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups. We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.

Work Patterns

We support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi‑time.

Wellbeing Offer

The wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a wide range of resources, tools and support to help you thrive both in and out of work.

Informal Enquiries

For further information or an informal discussion, please contact: Rebecca Kenyon – 01772 406693