Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 5 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 experiencing homelessness 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 work in close partnership with a number of agencies/departments including; the Caerphilly Community Mental Health Teams, Gwent Area Planning Board (APB), Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS), Aneurin Bevan Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service (ABSDAS), 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/ secondment basis for 2 years duration due to funding. Those interested in applying for a secondment position, must obtain permission from their line manager before applying for this post.

Main duties of the job

• Provide occupational therapy to adults with complex psychological and housing needs alongside substance use. This includes working with individuals, groups, families and significant others. It involves conducting occupational therapy assessments and the delivery of evidence based, recovery focused, therapeutic interventions for adults accessing the service.
• Use outcome measures and clinical information to evaluate interventions with individuals, supporting collaborative review of progress and inform decisions about ongoing intervention.
• Manage and prioritise a defined occupational therapy caseload, planning and organising workload independently to meet individual and service needs, and adjusting priorities in response to changing clinical presentations and risk.
• Participate in the ABUHB Occupational Therapy Preceptorship Programme during the first year of practice.
• To work collaboratively across wide-ranging services/agencies to support a programme of recovery and social inclusion.
• 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-licenced 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
Qualifications and knowledge

• BSc or equivalent in Occupational Therapy
• HCPC Registration
• Knowledge of Occupational Therapy theory and models of practice and application to clinical practice
• Understanding of the impact of mental health conditions on occupation
• Knowledge of assessment, intervention and evaluation within occupational therapy
• Awareness of relevant legislation, policies and professional standards

Desirable

• Evidence of CPD relevant to occupational therapy practice
• Knowledge of outcome measures and their use within practice

Experience

• Placement experience in a health or social care setting relevant to the role
• Experience of working with individuals with mental health needs and/or learning disabilities
• Experience of working collaboratively with individuals to support meaningful occupations
• Experience of working as part of an MDT

Desirable

• Experience of facilitating or contributing to group interventions
• Experience of using OT assessment tools or outcome measures
• Experience of working with families, carers or relevant others

Skills and attributes

• Able to apply clinical reasoning
• Skilled in assessing occupational performance and formulating and adapting intervention plans
• Can manage and prioritise workload -organised and manages time well)
• Effective communication skills
• Able to build therapeutic relationships
• Can work independently and as part of a team
• Reflective and uses feedback to improve performance
• Basic IT/digital skills

Desirable

• Skilled in facilitating group interventions
• Has contributed to service developments
• Awareness of QI and audit processes
• Emerging or interest in developing leadership skills
• Welsh language skills

Other

• Approved DBS
• Can travel across sites

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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.