Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join our Adult Acute Mental Health Inpatient Service based on Rydon Ward. Working within a supportive multidisciplinary team, you will provide high-quality, recovery-focused occupational therapy interventions to adults experiencing acute mental health difficulties.

As a Band 5 Occupational Therapist, you will manage your own caseload, undertaking comprehensive assessments, developing person-centred treatment plans and supporting individuals to achieve meaningful recovery goals. You will work across inpatient settings and, where appropriate, within community and home environments to ensure continuity of care and effective discharge planning.

This is an excellent opportunity for a newly qualified or early career Occupational Therapist looking to develop their clinical skills within mental health services while benefiting from regular supervision, professional development and support from experienced Occupational Therapy colleagues.

Main duties of the job

• Deliver high-quality occupational therapy assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for adults receiving care within acute mental health inpatient services.
• Manage a defined caseload, independently assessing patients and developing individualised treatment plans based on their needs, goals and strengths.
• Support patients to maximise independence, recovery and participation in meaningful occupations and daily activities.
• Play a key role in multidisciplinary team meetings, care planning and discharge planning to ensure seamless transitions between inpatient and community services.
• Conduct clinical risk assessments and contribute to the safe management of patient care.
• Work collaboratively with patients, families, carers and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes and support recovery journeys.
• Provide guidance, support and supervision to Activity Organisers, Rehabilitation Assistants and students as required.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and produce clear written reports in line with professional and organisational standards.
• Contribute to service development, audit, quality improvement initiatives and evidence-based practice.
• Participate in continuing professional development and contribute to training and teaching activities within the service.

About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities
As a Band 5 Occupational Therapist, you will be responsible for delivering specialist occupational therapy interventions to adults receiving treatment within acute mental health inpatient services. Working autonomously, with support and supervision from senior Occupational Therapists, you will assess individuals with complex mental health needs and develop tailored treatment programmes that promote recovery, independence and wellbeing.

You will undertake comprehensive occupational therapy assessments, using clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice to identify strengths, challenges and rehabilitation goals. You will formulate and deliver treatment plans, monitor progress and adapt interventions as required to meet changing patient needs.

The role involves close collaboration with medical, nursing, psychology, social care and community teams to ensure coordinated, person-centred care. You will contribute to ward-based therapeutic activity programmes, discharge planning processes and home assessment visits where appropriate.

You will also support the development of others through supervising Rehabilitation Assistants, Activity Organisers and students, helping to foster a positive learning environment. In addition, you will contribute to service evaluation, clinical audit and quality improvement projects, ensuring services continue to reflect best practice and the needs of the people we serve.

The successful candidate will hold a Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will have experience gained through placements or previous practice within rehabilitation or mental health settings and demonstrate excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.

We are looking for someone who is compassionate, adaptable and recovery-focused, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. A commitment to continuous professional development, high-quality patient care and the values of kindness, respect and teamwork is essential.

If you are passionate about supporting people with mental health needs to regain independence, build resilience and achieve their recovery goals, we would love to hear from you.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• HPC registration
• Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy.
• CPD - evidence of ongoing, dynamic and position

Desirable

• Membership of the College of Occupational Therapists

Experience
Essential

• To have gained effective experience of rehabilitation from student placements or post-graduate experience

Desirable

• Experience of lone working.
• Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience of service development and review

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.

Location: Rydon Ward, Cheddon Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 7AZ
Closing date: 02 November 2026
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time

Apply through our website.