Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Occupational Therapist Band 6
The closing date is 19 November 2026

Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist, interested in expanding their clinical skills and experience, to work within North East Essex Specialist Community Mental Health (SCMHT) provision for adults covering Colchester and the surrounding area.

Occupational Therapists within the North East Essex SCMHT hold two complementary roles.

• The Occupational Therapy specialist role: delivering occupationally focused assessment, intervention and consultation to inform and support formulation and delivery of the holistic MDT care plan and risk assessment.
• The Care coordinator/MDT practitioner role: contributing to the holistic assessment care planning and wider MDT functions.

The OT team sits within the wider multi-disciplinary teams providing holistic support for clients with complex and enduring mental health needs requiring secondary level mental health care.

The base for this role is Herrick House Colchester but you will be expected to travel to meetings and client visits at client homes, within the community and at other EPUT sites.

Main duties of the job
Working within this busy team environment you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of clinical skills; including but not limited to undertaking OT assessments, care planning, delivering interventions through group and individual sessions, and the supervision and appraisal of junior staff. You will also build on your skills of risk assessment and treatment planning in your role as care-coordination and duty worker.

The post holder will have access to professional supervision and leadership within the team.
They will be supported to access a range of relevant development and training opportunities to enhance their practice.

About us
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us (subject to terms and conditions).
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Details
Date posted: 09 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 364-A-9964-B
Job locations: Herrick House, East Stockwell Street, Colchester, CO1 1ST, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
More details to be found in the attached job description, however in summary:
The post holder will be part of the Occupational Therapy team and wider Community Mental Health Team.
They will deliver Occupational Therapy focused assessment, treatment and interventions to community dwelling adults within North East Essex area who are in receipt of care from secondary mental health services.
They will concurrently undertake MDT shared tasks including holding an allocated caseload of clients for whom they are the named Care coordinator and undertaking Duty as a part of the team wide duty rota.

Person Specification
Education/Qualifications

• Essential: Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy; Registered with HCPC; Completion of Preceptorship period and evidence of continuing professional and personal development.
• Desirable: Evidence of post qualification study.

Additional Qualities

• Desirable: Car driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes, ability to travel across sites and boundaries to attend meetings etc.

Skills/Experience

• Essential: Experience as a qualified occupational therapist in mental health; Literate in IT/computer skills; Experience of working closely and developing relationships with medical, nursing, social care, tertiary providers and clinical staff; Ability to produce clear, coherent and accurate clinical reports including ability to complete required electronic data systems for a variety of audiences.
• Desirable: Experience of providing professional support/supervision and motivation of staff; Fieldwork educator.

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.
Certificate of Sponsorship: 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.
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Herrick House, East Stockwell Street, Colchester, CO1 1ST, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://eput.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: AHP Lead and Clinical Manager, Matt Waters, matthew.waters2@nhs.net

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