At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team of Occupational Therapists to support patient recovery.
- Company: Join Priory, the UK's leading independent mental health provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, healthcare benefits, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Access to professional development and numerous perks like birthday leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Must be HCPC registered with leadership experience in Occupational Therapy.
The predicted salary is between 48118 - 48118 £ per year.
Priory Hospital Middleton St George has an opportunity for a HCPC registered Lead Occupational Therapist to join our team. Priory Hospital Middleton St George, Darlington, County Durham is a specialist inpatient service for adults with mental health issues, complex needs and behaviours that challenge. It is accessible by public transport, with a local train station approximately 5 miles away and local bus services to Darlington.
As the Lead Occupational Therapist, you will provide clinical, professional and operational leadership to the Occupational Therapy (OT) service, working in collaboration with the Therapy Services Manager to ensure OT services are proactive and supportive of Priory objectives. In this role, you will play a key part in patient recovery, supporting the assessment and delivery of tailored treatment plans while ensuring dignity, respect, and high standards of care.
Work closely with multi-disciplinary colleagues across the hospital site to support integration around patient care. To deliver a highly specialised and advanced standard of OT assessment, treatment and management for patients. Ensure that own practice and service meets agreed local and national standards and clinical governance requirements, including COT Standards for Practice, Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
Participate in site service quality improvement initiatives including conducting investigations and Quality monitoring assurance objectives and clinical audit. Oversee student placements within the OT team.
Essential for the role – Lead Occupational Therapist:
- Candidates must be HCPC registered and hold a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, or Master’s degree, or have completed formal postgraduate study (award or non-award bearing).
- Experience in team leadership and driving change.
- Experience supervising Occupational Therapists or Occupational Therapy Assistants and students.
- A working knowledge of current national and local healthcare issues.
- Training in relevant models of practice such as MoHO, VdTMoCA, and Sensory Integration.
We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.
Healthcare benefits include:
- Free on-site parking
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Birthday Holiday - Your Birthday as an extra days annual leave
- Contributory pension scheme
- Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and private healthcare
- Access to development opportunities
- Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
- Leadership & management development
- Long service award
- Refer a friend bonuses
Priory is the UK’s leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care. With 12,000 colleagues and a network of 270 services, we support over 24,000 people each year to live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat more than 70 conditions – including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and children’s mental health – and provide residential and supported living care for autistic adults, people with a learning disability, Prader–Willi Syndrome, brain injuries and older people.
All roles are subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland. Priory will cover the cost of a DBS check.
Therapy Lead (Occupational Therapist) in Darlington employer: Priory
At Priory Hospital Bristol, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our new acute ward provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults facing mental health challenges, while benefiting from ongoing career development and a collaborative multidisciplinary team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Therapy Lead (Occupational Therapist) in Darlington
✨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 Priory. 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 Priory.
We think you need these skills to ace Therapy Lead (Occupational Therapist) in Darlington
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 Priory:Take some time to research Priory 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 Priory
✨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 Priory's values and approach.
