Job summary
We are excited to recruit an enthusiastic Band 5 Occupational Therapist to join our 16-bed Higher Dependency Rehabilitation Unit (HDRU) in Doncaster, providing specialist mental health rehabilitation for adults from Rotherham, Doncaster and North Lincolnshire.

The HDRU supports adults with complex mental health needs who require intensive rehabilitation within a structured, therapeutic environment. Patients typically remain on the unit for up to 12 months, working with the multidisciplinary team to develop the skills and confidence needed to progress to less restrictive settings and successful community living.

Occupational Therapy plays a central role in the rehabilitation pathway, delivering recovery-focused, person-centred interventions through meaningful occupation. Group-based interventions are a key part of the role, and you will be expected to plan and deliver a varied programme of occupation-focused groups alongside individual interventions.

You will work within a supportive multidisciplinary team including Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry and AHP colleagues, embracing our "One Team" approach to delivering high-quality care.

This post offers excellent opportunities for supervision, professional development and service improvement within a supportive learning environment.

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact Light Chibuzor Caleb (Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist) or Kirsty Long (Ward Manager).

Main duties of the job

• Undertake comprehensive Occupational Therapy Assessments using the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and other evidence-based assessment tools.
• Develop, implement and evaluate person-centred intervention plans that promote recovery, independence and meaningful occupational engagement.
• Plan, deliver and evaluate a structured programme of occupation-based group interventions, using meaningful activities to promote recovery, skill development, social participation and independence.
• Support patients to establish healthy routines, develop life skills and build confidence in preparation for discharge to less restrictive environments.
• To assist in the supervision of support staff and students and contribute to the development of a range of inpatient based therapeutic activities in partnership with service users, carers and staff.
• To develop links with statutory and voluntary sector community resources and ensure that on-going occupational needs are addressed as part of a safe effective discharge and the occupational therapy pathway process.
• The service is new and will be in Doncaster, High Dependency Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit staff may also be required to work in a variety of other settings dependent on patient needs, e.g. patients' own homes, community settings

About us
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) employ around 4000 talented colleagues who are very much appreciated, valued, and respected.

We have a wide portfolio which includes mental health, physical health, learning disability and drug and alcohol services.

We are passionate about enhancing the quality of our service and we work hard to attract and select the right colleagues for our organisation. Our goal is to employ those who share our passion for providing first class care while remaining committed to our vision and values. Please view our Strategy using the link below:

https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/documents/clinical-and-organisational-strategy-2023-to-2028/

To find out more about working for RDaSH and the fantastic benefits we offer visit our website:

https://workwithrdash.co.uk/

We are committed to inclusive cultures and really value people in our organisation, view our Allyship video on YouTube to find out more:

https://youtu.be/WMJSkLoTk4Q

The main terms and conditions of service can be found here:

https://www.nhsemployers.org/publications/tchandbook

Details
Date posted: 25 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 376-RCG-0748-A
Job locations: Phoenix Ward HDRU, Tickhill Road, Doncaster, DN4 8QQ, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Please view the attached job description and person specification to view the full details about the role

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if there are a high amount of applications

Person Specification
Qualification
Essential

• Diploma / Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Practice Placement Educator Qualification within 12 months of appointment

Experience
Essential

• Pre-registration experience of working in mental health services (placements/ care roles/ voluntary).
• Documented evidence of continuing professional development
• Post registration experience of working as an OT in mental health services
• Experience of delivering individual and group-based interventions

Desirable

• Experience of research and audit.

Knowledge
Essential

• Broad knowledge of current best practice in OT and mental health.
• Application of OT process with designated client group.
• Knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and occupation-focused practice..
• Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and person-centred approaches.
• Relevant mental health legislation, NICE Guidance, and National (NHSE/I) Frameworks
• Knowledge of risk assessment and positive risk management
• Understanding of safeguarding, clinical governance and professional standards.

Skills
Essential

• Good communication skills - written & verbal.
• Information technology skills.
• Effective time and workload management
• Person centred approach to care.
• Multi-disciplinary/ multiagency working.
• Problem solving abilities.
• Group work skills.
• Planning and co-ordination of treatment packages.
• Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance

Desirable

• Presentation skills
• Training and facilitation skills.
• Supervisory skills.

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 (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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.
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 (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).