Specialist Occupational Therapist

Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work as a Specialist Occupational Therapist within the Adult Community Treatment team in Gateshead. This is an excellent opportunity to practice the fundamental skills of Occupational Therapy in a supportive and supervised environment. We work holistically to develop new skills and build brighter futures for people and use the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) to structure assessments, 1:1 and group interventions.

We strive to support people in overcoming barriers to meaningful activity by working on individual goals and enabling personal recovery.

We are looking for a motivated, confident, friendly person who is happy to work in a busy and sometimes pressurised multi disciplinary team.

We need someone who understands the importance of maintaining an occupational focus in the team and be able to advocate the value of activity in people's recovery journey.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will be supported to manage a caseload of service users in line with the requirements of the Community Treatment team and that safe, evidence based, effective, culturally competent care is delivered in a timely manner to service users.

The post holder will formulate, implement and review plans for the treatment and management of service users with a full range of clinical presenting problems. Additionally, they will thoroughly assess risk; formulate safe and effective risk management plans and document and communicate these clearly and concisely. Specialist Occupational Therapy interventions will be applied utilising specialist assessment and evaluation tools drawn from the Model of Human Occupation. Awareness of current policies and practice in this area is essential.

About us
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

Job responsibilities
Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 18th August 2026
Closing date : 1st September 2026
We welcome your application.

Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential

• HCPC Registration
• Recognised Occupational therapy degree/ qualification
• Evidence of post-registration training in OT interventions relevant to the post.

Desirable

• Member of Royal College of Occupational Therapy

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, HCPC and RCOT standards and other local and national initiatives
• Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post.
• Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of providing Occupational Therapy services.
• Awareness of equal opportunities legislation and policies
• Experience of collaborative working across agencies and professional disciplines.
• Proven ability to manage a clinical caseload in a flexible manner as required.
• Experience of supervising students / non registered staff

Desirable

• Understanding of difficult to manage/challenging behaviours.
• Undertaking Appraisals
• Coordinating and supporting staff in the day to day provision of clinical services.

Skills and Competencies
Essential

• Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex needs.
• Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches as identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance).
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Evidence of a high level of professional, organisational and leadership skills (self & others).
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with other professionals using a multi-agency approach.

Desirable

• Clinical Leadership. Training & Induction of staff.
• Delegation skills.
• Debriefing skills.
• Teaching/Presentation skills.

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.