Senior Occupational Therapist
Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join our dynamic Acute Therapy Service in Preston. This is a fantastic chance to work in a creative, supportive team that helps people in crisis and offers an alternative to hospital admission.ATS is a psychologically led, DBT-informed service supporting individuals in emotional crisis. We provide structured psychological input, practical and occupational support, and a safe, containing environment. Our focus is on recovery, resilience and helping people regain control of their lives.
Main duties of the job
What You'll Doo Assess risks and occupational needs for service users with complex presentations and emotional dysregulationo Assist with day-to-day assessments, processing of referrals and other core clinical taskso Deliver OT-specific group sessions and 1:1 assessmentso Support DBT-led (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) skills groups and ensure the service is model-adherento Empower service users to apply coping strategies and skills learned in ATS
What We're Looking Foro HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with relevant experienceo Interest in working with individuals with complex mental health and personality difficultieso Skills in group work, collaboration and supervisiono Commitment to team working and delivering high-quality care
What We Offero Regular clinical and management supervisiono Ongoing opportunities for training and professional developmento An inclusive, supportive and diverse workplace
About us
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including secondary mental health care across this area. Specialist provision comprises inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health and forensic services including low and medium secure care.
The Trust also provides a range of physical health and well-being services in the community alongside a range of partners in the Lancashire, Cumbria and Sefton area.
Lancashire & South Cumbria Foundation Trust encourages flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as; term time, part time, compressed hours, flexi-time and career breaks. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview.
Details
Date posted
17 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum, pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
351-CEN2368-CC
Job locations
Timber House
Whittingham Lane
Preston
PR3 2JH
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information about the role, please see the attached recruitment pack which includes a detailed job description and person specification, or visit our website via Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS FT.
Job descriptionJob responsibilities
For further information about the role, please see the attached recruitment pack which includes a detailed job description and person specification, or visit our website via Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS FT.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc/MSc in Occupational Therapy
- HCPC registration
- Practice Placement Qualification (Undergraduate OT student educator) within 1 year of appointment
- Willingness to undertake DBT training within 12 months of appointment
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of how mental health problems affect occupational performance and how OT theory guides practice
- Expert application of OT assessments and interventions with advanced clinical reasoning
- Awareness of current research and evidence-based practice, with ability to apply it
Experience
Essential
- Minimum 2 years post-registration experience, including at least 1 year in mental health
- Extensive clinical experience, including individual and group work in mental health settings
- Competence in delivering group-based skills training
Skills
Essential
- Work independently and set priorities for self and others
- Devise specialist interventions to improve occupational performance
- Supervise, appraise, and mentor staff
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc/MSc in Occupational Therapy
- HCPC registration
- Practice Placement Qualification (Undergraduate OT student educator) within 1 year of appointment
- Willingness to undertake DBT training within 12 months of appointment
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of how mental health problems affect occupational performance and how OT theory guides practice
- Expert application of OT assessments and interventions with advanced clinical reasoning
- Awareness of current research and evidence-based practice, with ability to apply it
Experience
Essential
- Minimum 2 years post-registration experience, including at least 1 year in mental health
- Extensive clinical experience, including individual and group work in mental health settings
- Competence in delivering group-based skills training
Skills
Essential
- Work independently and set priorities for self and others
- Devise specialist interventions to improve occupational performance
- Supervise, appraise, and mentor staff
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional informationDisclosure 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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Timber House
Whittingham Lane
Preston
PR3 2JH
Employer's website
https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Timber House
Whittingham Lane
Preston
PR3 2JH
Employer's website
Salary range
- £38,682 - £46,580 per year