Occupational Therapist (FTC)
At a glance
- Band
- Band 5
- Contract
- Fixed-term
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Posted
- 22/09/2026
- Closes
- 05/10/2026
Sponsorship verdict
Sponsorship is not clearly stated in this advert.
The advert didn't contain a clear role-specific sponsorship line, so HiveMind can't confirm eligibility. Verify with the recruiting manager or trust HR before you apply.
Role summary
Join the Intensive Support Team in Oxford as an Occupational Therapist, supporting children and adults with learning disabilities and complex behavioural needs. You will use your OT expertise alongside Positive Behaviour Support and behavioural approaches to understand behaviours, influence support plans, and improve outcomes. This varied role involves community visits, assessments, data analysis, and intervention work, allowing you to develop skills in OT, PBS, and Applied Behaviour Analysis. The position is a fixed-term contract for 11 months to cover maternity leave, also available as a secondment opportunity.
Key responsibilities
- Work with adults and children with a learning disability to improve their occupational performance in self-maintenance, productivity, and leisure.
- Manage a clinical caseload of clients with complex needs, including mental illness, physical needs, challenging behaviour, learning disability, and autism.
- Formulate, implement, evaluate, and adapt individual client-centred interventions.
- Ensure all assessments and interventions align with client-centred plans (e.g., health action plan, behaviour plan).
- Collect, collate, and analyse data on the effectiveness of behaviour support plans and OT interventions, measuring progress and providing written reports.
- Work holistically as part of the Multi-Disciplinary Team, providing awareness, advice, teaching, and training regarding occupational therapy.
Essential criteria
- Knowledge and an understanding of the needs of people with learning disabilities and autism, who challenge services and can have complex health needs
- Knowledge of OT models, underpinned by theory and practical experience, including application of OT standardised assessment
- Demonstrates knowledge of range of OT assessment tools & therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group
- Occupational Therapy Degree qualification or equivalent
- Registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Experience and knowledge of working with people who exhibit challenging behaviour
- Experience of working with individuals with a learning disability
- Ability to communicate sensitive information to patients, carers and colleagues
- Experience in the development, assessment, application, and evaluation of Positive Behaviour Support plans, OT interventions
- Experience of organising own workload
- Ability to work collaboratively with people with a learning disability and complex health needs, and the wider multidisciplinary team
- Excellent organizational skills - ability to work independently, reliably and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals
- High level communication skills (written and verbal), including an ability to communicate and work in settings in which the atmosphere may be emotive
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support and Functional Analysis, and experience in their application
- Knowledge and application of standardised behavioural assessments
- Knowledge of learning disability guidelines in current practice
- Presentation and training skills
- Post-qualifying courses relating to challenging behaviour and learning disability
- Sensory Integration qualification
- Documented evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Experience within a community learning disability health setting
- Experience supporting junior staff e.g. support workers
- Analysing professional and ethical issues to find resolution
- Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectivel
- Ability to tolerate emotionally demanding/challenging situations, and to seek support appropriately
- Ability to organise and respond efficiently to complex information
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 5 at £29,970 – £36,483 a year, across England.
This advert: £32,073 – £39,043 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 0d ago · Closes in 14d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Oxford Health NHS Trust
Occupational Therapist (FTC)
The closing date is 05 October 2026
Job summary
Are you an Occupational Therapist with a passion for problem-solving, data analysis, and making a real difference?
Join our Intensive Support Team in Oxford, where you'll support children and adults with learning disabilities and complex behavioural needs across Oxfordshire. Using your OT expertise alongside Positive Behaviour Support and behavioural approaches, you'll help uncover the reasons behind behaviour, influence support plans, and improve outcomes for the people we work with.
This varied role combines community visits, assessments, data analysis, and intervention work, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills in OT, PBS, and Applied Behaviour Analysis while managing your own diary within team core hours.
If you're enthusiastic about learning, collaboration, and delivering meaningful person-centred support, we'd love to hear from you.
Applicants must have a full valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work. Adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010 where required.
Please note: This role is offered on a fixed-term basis for 11 months to cover maternity leave (from September 2026). The post is also available as a secondment opportunity.
Main duties of the job
- To work with adults and childre
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