Occupational Therapist in Rushden

We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist to work within the Dementia and Delirium Team. We provide a countywide service in the community and support the confusion units at Spinneyfields and Turnfurlong and the resolving delirium beds at Apollo house. The post on offer is a full-time 37.5 hours per week permanent position. We would welcome recently qualified applicants at band 5 also for a developmental post. The closing date is 17 February 2026.

Main duties of the job:

• The post holder will provide an OT lead role as a specialist practitioner to people (over 65 years) for the Dementia and Delirium service (D&D).
• The D&D service specialises in assisting with complex discharge planning for people with dementia and/or delirium.
• The D&D model works closely with inpatient and community services to support patients and their families with the most appropriate discharge plan helping reduce delayed discharges and giving the patient the best chance of returning home.
• The role will involve OT assessments of people who have been referred to the D&D team with complex needs.
• There will be a need for MDT and collaborative work with a range of other providers.
• The post holder will provide OT interventions to individuals as appropriate and provide an expert advisory role to colleagues.
• The post holder will undertake OT assessments, environmental and home/access visits and assist with ordering and installing equipment, aids and adaptations including assistive technology referrals.
• The post holder will be involved in the on-going development of the Dementia and Delirium service.
• Teaching and education provision on dementia and delirium is a key part of the team's role.

About us:

The role will include completing triage screening and nursing/social/therapy assessments for people who have been referred to the D&D team with complex needs, as well as advising on treatment plans, undertaking risk assessments and assisting with planning packages of care. There will be a need for MDT and collaborative work with a range of other providers. The post holder will provide mental health nursing and therapy interventions to individuals, as appropriate and provide an expert advisory role to colleagues in the General and community Hospitals. The post holder will be involved in the on-going development of the Dementia and Delirium service.

Job responsibilities:

For further information on the advertised role, please refer to the job description located under the Supporting Documents heading. The full person specification can be accessed under the About You Section of the document.

Person Specification:

• Registered Degree Level with mental health knowledge and experience of dementia and delirium.
• Post graduate qualification in and or relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Experience of working with older people with complex health and social care needs.
• Minimum of 2 years post qualifying experience within older adult mental health services.
• Expert knowledge and good understanding of the care management process and eligibility criteria, MHA, MCA, CPA, current legislation relating to older people.
• Experience of working with and good understanding of dementia and delirium.
• Experience of participating in audit and research.
• Experience of working within a hospital setting.
• Experience of working within community settings.
• Advanced clinical skills and assessment skills in care of older adults with mental health needs.

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.