Senior Occupational Therapist - Development Post

Job overview

This is a development post, if you are appointed as a Band 5, you will be provided with a list of competencies to complete and an agreed timescale in which to complete these, up to a maximum of 12mths. Competencies will be reviewed in your supervisions and appraisals. Only on successful completion of these competencies, you will progress to a Band 6. 

We are looking for an innovative and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to work in the Psychological Skills Service (PSS). Occupational therapists in PSS understand that occupation is at the heart of being human. We understand that meaningful occupations and positive health outcomes are intrinsically linked. We take this fundamental knowledge and training and apply it in the context of the service users we work with.

In PSS, OTs understand how developmental trauma impacts a person through the lifespan, significantly impacting a person’s ability to participate in the things they want and need to do. Because OTs are dual trained in physical and psychological conditions, we understand how these inter-relate within the person’s context.

We welcome all applicants, including those who are looking for a B5 to B6 development opportunity, or return to practice OTs. Please specify which you are applying for. 

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In PSS, occupational therapists provide specialist knowledge and assessment using OT models (i.e., the Model of Human Occupation) with the main focus being on the application of sensory-informed approaches. Using sensory-informed approaches predominantly encompasses ‘bottom-up’ techniques (i.e., using the body and the senses), which can provide a stabilising platform from which a person can then begin psychological therapy. OTs also provide supervision to therapeutic support worker colleagues, to consider the person, the task/occupation, within the context of their environment (including any sensory differences).

PSS OTs carry out occupationally focused formulations, individual therapy and group interventions. They also provide expert advice, guidance and training to PSS colleagues.

Whilst previous knowledge and training in Ayres Sensory Integration is desirable, it is not essential as full training and ongoing (individual and group) supervision will also be provided to enable you to feel confident in this role, utilise your OT skills, whilst developing your knowledge and skills with the application of sensory-informed approaches.

We have 3 locations across the county (Peterborough, Huntingdon and Fenland, and Cambridge). It may be necessary to travel across these 3 areas, depending on service need.

Please note for this role you will need the ability to travel independently and in a timely manner across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to meet strict time deadlines.

Working for our organisation

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is a health and social care organisation dedicated to providing high quality care with compassion to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we care for, as well as supporting and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. 

Our clinical teams deliver a wide range of NHS services across inpatient, primary care and community settings, including children’s, adult and older people’s mental health, forensic and specialist mental health, learning disabilities, primary care and liaison psychiatry, substance misuse, social care, and research and development.

To achieve our goals, we recruit high calibre candidates who share our vision and values. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly underrepresented groups including people with long term conditions and members of our ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ communities. 

All appointments for new employees to CPFT are subject to the successful completion of a probationary period.  

Please note we reserve the right to close adverts early should we receive sufficient applications. 

Regrettably, we cannot offer sponsorship for all roles. If you apply for a post that does not attract sponsorship, your application will be withdrawn from the process. 

For further information on CPFT, please visit our website at https://www.cpft.nhs.uk