Job summary
Are you looking to start or develop your Occupational Therapy career in mental health?

If so, Oxford Health have a Band 5 Occupational Therapy role on Opal Ward (Adult mental Health ward) and on Amber ward (Older adult acute ward). Both wards are based at the Whiteleaf Centre in Aylesbury.

We have a strong identity as inpatient occupational therapists. This post is based as part of the ward MDT and you will join a service wide OT team that includes Band 5 to 7 occupational therapists. We have regular skill development days, OT forums and you will have supervision from a senior occupational therapist and support from the clinical lead occupational therapist.

If this is your first qualified post, you will be supported to complete your preceptorship and development programme as part of our 'Flyer Programme'. We want you to have a great experience working with us to support your development into the next generation of leaders and expert clinicians. We are committed to developing a strong Occupational Therapy workforce and supporting your career progression.

We use the Model of Human Occupation as our professional framework and currently developing and strengthening our provision to include a wide spectrum of interventions including sensory assessments, MOHO assessments, vocational opportunities, links with the Recovery College, and more.

Please state in your application if you have preference on which ward you would like to apply for.

Main duties of the job
You will carry a caseload as a member of the MDT and support the development of the occupational therapy service provision within the setting. With ongoing support and supervision, you will be responsible for the following duties:

• To carry out the initial screening and assessment of all service users and to undertake intensive short-term treatment where appropriate.
• To manage a caseload of clients with complex Occupational Therapy needs, using evidence based/client-centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.
• Following assessment, to undertake case formulation in order to highlight occupational strengths and limitations and to inform the intervention plan moving forward.
• To assess for and prescribe appropriate equipment and aids to enable patients' safety and independence with ADLs giving advice to other staff, families and carers when required.
• To be responsible for monitoring and evaluating treatment plans, working with other teams both within the Trust and third sector organisations when appropriate.
• To involve patients in goals and treatment proposals gaining valid informed consent whilst working within the legal framework with patients who lack capacity for informed consent.
• To support junior members of the therapy team.

About us
Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application please read the "candidate guide to making an application" and ensure your supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses any essential criteria.

As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"

Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent"

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:

• Excellent opportunities for career progression
• Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
• 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
• NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
• Competitive pension scheme
• Lease car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists apply)
• Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team

Job responsibilities
We hope that the advert has given you a clear understanding of the skills we are seeking and the opportunity at hand. You will need to use the supporting statement element of your application form to demonstrate your suitability for this role and you should refer to the job description, person specification and the guidance notes attached to this role to help you tailor your application.

The essential and desirable criteria will be used to shortlist for interview and you should ensure that you refer to these within your application to increase your chances of being selected for interview.

We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. We kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of their experience and must take care to ensure the use of AI tools does not generate an application that does not accurately reflect their knowledge, skills and values.

Person Specification
Training/Qualifications
Essential

• BSc/MSc Occupational Therapy
• HCPC registration

Desirable

• Post registration mental health or sensory training e.g ASI, PSI, AMPS,
• RCOT specialist sections e.g mental health

Experience
Essential

• Evidence of working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Evidence of working clinically in a mental health setting/mental health placement

Desirable

• Evidence of interest in working in mental health
• Documented evidence of continuing professional development

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge
Essential

• Evidence of knowledge of OT models of practice
• Awareness and ability to promote diversity and equality of opportunity.
• Ability to promote the role of occupational therapy

Desirable

• Evidence of mental health conditions
• Knowledge of physical health and how it applies in mental health
• Knowledge/use of MOHOST, TOMS (Therapy Outcome Measure), The Allen Cognitive Assessment
• valid driving license and have access to a vehicle for work.

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. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Oxford Health NHS Trust
Address: Whiteleaf Centre, Bierton Road, Aylesbury, HP20 1EG, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist
Helen Shields
helen.shields@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
01865901326

Details
Date posted: 13 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 267-BM8162867
Job locations: Whiteleaf Centre, Bierton Road, Aylesbury, HP20 1EG, United Kingdom