Job summary
Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist (Community Children and Young Peoples Service)

Location: Newcastle/Gateshead

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join the Newcastle/Gateshead Children and Young Peoples Service. We are seeking to recruit an experienced and motivated Band 6 Occupational Therapist who has a keen interest in working with children and young people.

The service provides specialist mental health assessment and intervention for children and young people with complex and enduring mental health problems including those with neurodevelopmental and learning difficulties.

This Band 6 Occupational Therapist will work within both the Mental Health Team to provide assessment and treatment for service users in order to enhance occupational performance and participation. This is a busy service and requires excellent organisational and time management skills to meet the demands of the role.

We have a robust supervision structure and CPD programme.

The service is based between Benton House, Sandyford Road, Newcastle and Bensham Hospital, Gateshead

The service operates from 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday and some work on Saturdays as necessary.

Main duties of the job
The role will involve using specialist Occupational Therapy assessments and other related non-OT assessments. The successful candidate will use assessments to inform occupational formulations and deliver interventions.

The post holder will work as a member of the Multi-disciplinary Team ensuring that high quality individualised care is delivered which ensures safety and a commitment to promoting recovery and wellbeing and maximising independence.

The post holder will work closely with Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioners who will carry out interventions as directed by the OT.

The successful candidate will have specialist knowledge and skills in OT theories and approaches utilised in meeting the needs of this complex patient group. Formal training in sensory processing and experience in a community setting would be an advantage.

The post holder will be required to work autonomously in the community, as well as working closely with the wider MDT and community colleagues to ensure effective OT assessment and interventions are carried out efficiently.

About us
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

We are keen to support the development of our workforce.

Job responsibilities
Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 8th September 2026

Closing date : 22nd September 2026

We welcome your application.

Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential

• Recognised Occupational therapy degree/ qualification
• HCPC Registration
• Evidence of post-registration training in OT interventions relevant to the post.

Desirable

• Member of Royal College of Occupational Therapy

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, HCPC and RCOT standards and other local and national initiatives
• Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post.
• Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of providing Occupational Therapy services.
• Awareness of equal opportunities legislation and policies

Desirable

• Understanding of difficult to manage/challenging behaviours.
• Undertaking Appraisals

Skills and Competencies
Essential

• Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex needs.
• Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches as identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance).
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Evidence of a high level of professional, organisational and leadership skills (self & others).

Desirable

• Leadership training
• Supervision training
• Experience of working in a community setting

Leadership
Essential

• Effective team working
• Reflective practitioner

Desirable

• Formal training in leadership
• Formal supervision training
• Supervision of OT students or OT staff

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.