Job summary
Are you passionate about helping people rebuild their lives and regain independence following a mental health crisis? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join our team on Rydon Ward, a 15-bedded acute mental health ward for working-age adults. In this rewarding role, you will use your occupational therapy expertise to support patients on their recovery journey, helping them develop the skills, confidence and independence needed to achieve meaningful outcomes.

This position is offered at Band 6, but we also welcome applications from Occupational Therapists seeking a developmental Band 5-6 pathway. With structured supervision, professional support and opportunities for career progression, this is an excellent role whether you're an experienced mental health OT or a newly qualified practitioner eager to develop your skills within an inpatient setting.

You'll become part of a supportive multidisciplinary team that values collaboration, innovation and person-centred care, giving you the opportunity to make a genuine difference every day.

Main duties of the job
As an Occupational Therapist on Rydon Ward, you will:

• Deliver high-quality, recovery-focused occupational therapy assessments and interventions for adults experiencing acute mental health difficulties.
• Develop personalised treatment plans that help patients build independence, confidence and meaningful life skills.
• Facilitate a range of individual and group-based therapeutic activities and interventions.
• Work closely with nurses, doctors, psychologists, social workers and other professionals to ensure coordinated, holistic care.
• Support patients, families and carers, promoting involvement in care and recovery planning wherever appropriate.
• Contribute to service improvement, quality initiatives and the ongoing development of occupational therapy practice within the ward.
• Provide guidance and support to activity staff and contribute to the learning and development of colleagues and students.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and ensure interventions are delivered in line with professional standards and evidence-based practice.

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
This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career within a busy and rewarding acute mental health service where occupational therapy plays a vital role in patient recovery.

Working as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, you will take responsibility for delivering comprehensive occupational therapy assessments, formulating treatment plans and evaluating outcomes for patients with a range of mental health needs. Your work will focus on helping individuals identify their strengths, overcome barriers and engage in meaningful occupations that support recovery and social inclusion.

You will have the chance to lead therapeutic groups, provide one-to-one interventions and contribute to discharge planning, ensuring patients are supported to achieve the best possible outcomes both during their admission and beyond.

We are committed to supporting your professional growth. You'll benefit from regular clinical supervision, opportunities for continued professional development and involvement in service development initiatives. For applicants joining on a developmental Band 5-6 pathway, a structured programme of support will help you build the confidence, skills and experience needed to progress into a Band 6 role.

We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic, adaptable and committed to delivering high-quality patient care. You'll be a strong team player with excellent communication skills, a recovery-focused approach and a genuine passion for supporting adults experiencing mental health challenges.

If you're looking for a role where you can make a lasting impact, develop your expertise and be part of a welcoming and supportive team, we'd be delighted to receive your application.

Qualifications
Essential

• Registered to Practice by the HCPC
• Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
• Membership with the RCOT

Desirable

• Membership with a specialist group
• Post graduate training in area relevant to post

Experience
Essential

• Proven application of the OT process
• Previous experience in the mental health field
• Experience of running therapeutic activities and group process

Desirable

• Experience in specific assessment procedures e.g. AMPS, MOHO, Recovery Star
• Experience of delivering psycho-social interventions
• Experience of allocating and supervising the work of colleagues
• At least 2 years post qualification experience

Additional Criteria
Essential

• A basic knowledge of mental health legislation and current practice, including CPA, risk assessment and management
• Knowledge of current best practice in OT relevant to mental health, including MOHO based assessments
• Have access to a vehicle with appropriate business insurance and willingness to use for transportation of patients on occasions

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.

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.