Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist Wales in Caerphilly

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist to work in partnership with Supporting People providing occupational therapy assessment and intervention to individuals experiencing homelessness with co-existing substance use and mental health needs. The post holder will act as a bridge to mainstream services to meet the needs of individuals across a variety of settings. The team is commissioned to support individuals experiencing homelessness with complex needs affecting their psychological, physical and/or social functioning. The team works in close partnership with a number of agencies/departments including the Caerphilly Community Mental Health Teams, Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service, Aneurin Bevan Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service, Codi Group, Regional Local Authority Homelessness Managers, Regional Collaborative Committee and Public Health Wales. The post holder, based within the South Caerphilly Community Mental Health Team, will join the ABUHB Occupational Therapy service on a fixed-term or secondment basis for 2 years due to funding. Those interested in a secondment position must obtain permission from their line manager before applying for this post.

Main Duties of the Job

• To provide highly specialist occupational therapy to adults with complex psychological and physical health needs. This includes face-to-face work with individuals, groups, families, significant others, and consultation work advising staff of other disciplines on the occupational aspects of casework and patient management plans.
• It involves conducting occupational therapy assessments and formulation; the delivery of evidence-based, recovery-focused, therapeutic interventions for the full range of referred difficulties accepted by the service.
• To work collaboratively across a wide range of services/agencies to support a programme of recovery and social inclusion.
• To provide training/supervision of OT staff and other disciplines.
• To provide leadership for junior/support staff through supervision and performance management.
• To contribute to the continued development of this service and participate in the wider service development as directed by the Joint Heads of Occupational Therapy and in collaboration with other Professional Leads and Highly Specialists.
• To conduct and supervise research and audit, to develop and evaluate new clinical/occupational therapy programmes, and to participate in relevant research/audit groups, as required by the Mental Health Division.
• Within the occupational therapy service, practice is underpinned by the Model of Human Occupation. The post holder will be supported to develop skills in the use of MOHO-licensed assessment tools and theory.

About Us

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation serving the communities of Gwent. With more than 14,000 staff and volunteers, we provide safe, high-quality, and compassionate care across hospitals, GP practices, community services, and mental health settings. As a University Health Board, research, education, and innovation are central to our work, supporting evidence-based practice and continuous improvement. Our work is guided by the Gwent Strategy 2025-2035, which sets out our long-term ambition to create a fairer and healthier future for our population. We focus on prevention, reducing health inequalities, and working in partnership with local authorities, voluntary organisations, and communities to improve health and wellbeing. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where people feel valued, respected, and able to develop. Our values of Kindness, Integrity, and Respect shape how we care for patients and how we treat one another. We offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities, flexible working where possible, and a comprehensive NHS benefits package. Working for ABUHB means being part of an organisation that values its people and offers the chance to build a meaningful and rewarding career while making a real difference to the lives of others.

Person Specification

Experience

• Extensive experience of working within adult mental health services, including acting as a care coordinator.
• Experience of successful leading through change and managing conflict.
• Significant experience of working at a band 6 or higher.
• Significant experience of supervising staff.
• Evidence of innovation and developing services, contributing to local clinical guidelines.
• Experience of planning and implementing OT programmes both 1:1 and group.

Desirable

• Experience in presenting papers in conferences.
• Application of national initiatives within an OT service.

Qualifications and Knowledge

• OT degree or diploma.
• Member of HCPC.
• Masters degree or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Leadership/Change management.
• Practice educator.
• Knowledge of MOHO Assessment tools and evidence-based interventions.
• Documented evidence of CPD.
• Awareness of policies, systems and legislation pertinent to mental health.
• Detailed knowledge and application of clinical governance and risk management.

Desirable

• Formal training in psychological therapies.
• Certificate in leadership and management.

Skills and Attributes

• Meets all essential criteria as per attached job description/person specification.

Desirable

• Welsh language skills.

Other

• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS.
• Ability to travel around geographical area.

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. Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.