Job summary
We're looking for aspiring leaders to join our dedicated team on the Dragonfly Unit as an Occupational Therapist.

You will be working as part of the Therapy Team comprising, clinical psychology, DBT, art therapy and family therapy. You would be supported and supervised by the Consultant Clinical Psychologist.

We are looking for an Occupational Therapist who has skills in working with children, young people and their families and carers. CAMHS experience would be especially welcome as would knowledge of attachment, child development and working systemically.

We would like individuals to be well motivated, have good interpersonal skills, personal resilience, and an enthusiasm for working with children and their families whilst they are going through a difficult and stressful period in their lives, in terms of their mental health and well-being.

This is an exciting and positive time for the unit in its aspiration to be CQC excellent as we are currently a good rating and there are steps to develop the clinical model which need the support and intervention of OT as part of the wholistic approach to recovery.

You will be working within an inpatient service with a focus on a recovery approach and have the opportunity to lead and direct the structure and focus of the ward routine for service users and staff and contribute to service developments bridging inpatient and community services.

Main duties of the job
Come and join us as we strive for excellence!

As part of our ongoing strive for excellence we are developing a 'care team' approach patient centred care. You will provide support and advice to the multidisciplinary inpatient team and assess the occupational and vocational needs of service users enabling them to develop independent living skills and work towards individual recovery and vocational goals.

It can be a challenging environment at times, so we need clinicians with a positive attitude, compassion, resilience, and a hands-on approach. It is vital that the clinician is reflective around issues of power and difference, see the importance of working across systems, and can do that effectively.

We can accommodate some flexible working in line with the service need.

About us
At Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, inclusion is at the heart of how we work. We are committed to creating a fair, transparent and accessible recruitment process where every candidate has the opportunity to succeed.

We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in our workforce, including those from the global majority. We recognise that not everyone has equal access to opportunities and are working to address this.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and ensuring all candidates receive a positive and equitable experience.

Here at NSFT we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly and supportive team who like nothing better than sharing experiences and learning from each other. In addition to ongoing training and development opportunities, we are committed to providing an environment in which you can thrive.

Why work for us? We have challenges as a Trust, but we have ambitious aspirations, are pushing ahead with exciting transformation work and we need dedicated individuals to support us on our journey. We have strong, established professional networks coupled with an exceptional leadership team who will ensure you are truly cared for and cared about.

Details
Date posted: 02 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year gross per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 246-GYW8378606
Closing date: 15 November 2026

Person Specification
Qualifications

• Essential: Diploma in Occupational Therapy or BSc Hons in Occupational Therapy
• Essential: Post Graduate training relevant to mental health
• Desirable: Other relevant clinical training and qualification

Experience

• Essential: Experience working as a senior Occupational therapist
• Essential: Experience of managing or supervising staff
• Essential: Experience of working in Childrens Mental Health services
• Desirable: Experience in a range of mental health settings
• Desirable: Use of standardised occupational therapy assessment techniques

Knowledge

• Essential: Working knowledge of at least one model or frame of reference for occupational therapy applicable to this clinical area

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

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
Address: Dragonfly Unit - Carlton Court Hospital, St Peters Road, Lowestoft, NR33 8AG, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Contact
Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Ben Gurney-Smith, ben.gurney-smith@nsft.nhs.uk, 01502527400

Applicants are considered in line with the Trust's commitment to equal opportunities and reasonable adjustments.