At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver specialist occupational therapy for individuals with complex clinical and relational needs.
- Company: Join Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in health and justice care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with strong support and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals facing significant challenges.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant occupational therapy qualifications and experience in mental health support.
The predicted salary is between 39959 - 48117 β¬ per year.
We are recruiting an experienced part-time Band 6 Senior Occupational Therapist (26 hours / 0.7 WTE) to join our newly established Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Outreach Service at HMP Holme House. This post will align with occupational therapy provision across OPD services in TEWV and is part of the National OPD pathway. It offers an exciting opportunity to deliver specialist occupational therapy assessment and intervention for men with complex clinical and relational needs. The role focuses on supporting individuals with significant personality difficulties or a diagnosed Personality Disorder who are assessed as presenting a high risk in relation to offending behaviours.
Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must pass Police Vetting before commencing employment. This includes a thorough review of personal information, including a criminal record check (both spent and unspent), a review of financial standing, and social media checks. Please note that vetting checks may also extend to family members and associates. You must also have resided in the UK for 3 years at the point of application. You must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to be successfully appointed to this role. Please note, this role does not meet the required eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa and therefore the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular role.
Main duties of the job
- To complete occupational performance assessments and occupational formulations, as part of the wider context of offending behaviours and personality difficulties.
- To use client-centred approaches to co-produce negotiated occupational goals and evaluate these in line with clinical outcome measures.
- To offer clinical advice and support relating to occupational needs with multi-disciplinary professionals and multi-agency partners at HMP Low Newton as part of HM Prison and Probation Service.
- To contribute to multi-disciplinary team working in line with the outreach service aims and operational policy including the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway national strategy and objectives.
- To use relevant electronic record systems in the prison setting including Systm One and NOMIS.
- To abide by all Trust policies and procedures.
- To be able to respond flexibly and creatively to challenges that arise within the context of a prison setting.
- To be clinically supervised and professionally managed by the Lead Occupational Therapist for Health and Justice.
About us
Since 2015, Health and Justice have delivered mental health and learning disability care across HMP establishments and within the community. Occupational therapy is a core part of this work, supporting individuals to build skills, increase independence, and engage meaningfully in daily life. Our occupational therapy team is professionally led by the Lead Occupational Therapist and benefits from a strong culture of collaboration. Therapists across the service meet regularly for peer support, continued professional development, and shared learning, helping to maintain high standards of practice and drive ongoing service improvement. As the value of occupational therapy within health and justice continues to be recognised, our team is expanding and strengthening its contribution across service.
We are proud of our Trust-wide OT Pathway, which provides a consistent, evidence-based structure for clinical practice. This includes a clear triage process, standardised assessment tools and documentation, collaboratively developed treatment plans, and robust clinical outcome measures. These elements ensure our work is purposeful, transparent, and focused on meaningful change for the people we support. Our therapists are supported through defined job plans, development frameworks, regular supervision, and established learning and governance networks. These structures enable the delivery of high-quality care while ensuring staff feel equipped, supported, and confident in their roles.
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Appropriate professional qualification for occupational therapy role.
- Current relevant registration with specific regulatory body.
- Post graduate training in relevant specialist area.
Experience
- Minimum 12 months post qualifying experience of occupational therapy delivery.
- Experience of supporting people with mental health issues, learning disability or autism.
- Experience of working in Multidisciplinary Team.
Knowledge
- Understanding of the needs of people who use our services with mental health conditions or learning disabilities.
- Clinical risk assessment and application in practice.
- Knowledge of evidence based practice in designated specialist area.
- Post graduate training in specialist area if applicable to post (e.g. dysphagia, autism diagnostics).
- Aware of professional standards and its application to practice.
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.
Salary: Β£39,959 to Β£48,117 a year pro rata, per annum.
Senior OT for OPD Outreach β Part-Time employer: Tewv Brits
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and peer support for its staff. As part of the Offender Personality Disorder Outreach Service at HMP Holme House, you will have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with complex needs while benefiting from a structured pathway for clinical practice and ongoing learning. With a commitment to high-quality care and a focus on employee well-being, this role provides a rewarding environment for those passionate about occupational therapy in a challenging yet fulfilling setting.
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Senior OT for OPD Outreach β Part-Time
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare field, especially those who work in mental health or occupational therapy. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to occupational therapy and the specific challenges faced in a prison setting. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the role! During interviews, share your experiences and how they align with the values of the Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. Let them see your commitment to making a difference.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, youβll find all the latest opportunities tailored to your skills and interests right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior OT for OPD Outreach β Part-Time
Some tips for your application π«‘
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Senior Occupational Therapist role involves. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and qualifications that resonate with your experience.
Tailor Your Application:Donβt just send a generic CV and cover letter! We want to see how your skills and experiences align specifically with the OPD Outreach Service. Use examples from your past work that showcase your ability to handle complex clinical needs.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our official website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, itβs super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tewv Brits
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of occupational therapy, especially in relation to personality disorders and offending behaviours. Familiarise yourself with the National OPD pathway and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role.
β¨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to support individuals with complex needs. Highlight your experience in multi-disciplinary teams and any relevant clinical risk assessments you've conducted.
β¨Be Person-Centred
Since this role focuses on client-centred approaches, think about how you can co-produce occupational goals with clients. Be ready to discuss how you evaluate these goals and adapt your strategies based on client feedback.
β¨Understand the Environment
Get a grasp of the prison setting and the unique challenges it presents. Think about how you would respond flexibly and creatively to those challenges, and be prepared to share your thoughts during the interview.