Senior Occupational Therapist- Older Person's Mental Health Team
At a glance
- Band
- Band 6
- Contract
- Fixed-term
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Hours / week
- 37.5
- Posted
- 08/09/2026
- Closes
- 22/09/2026
Sponsorship verdict
Candidates needing sponsorship are encouraged to apply.
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“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.”Quoted verbatim from the source advert
Role summary
This is a full-time opportunity for an experienced or progressing Occupational Therapist to join Gateshead's Community Older Person Mental Health Team. The role involves providing specialised occupational therapy assessment and treatment for older adults with mental health needs, managing a caseload, and supervising junior staff and students. The post holder will work within a supportive multi-disciplinary team and contribute to service development. A UK driving license and access to a a vehicle are essential for community working.
Key responsibilities
- Act as an experienced autonomous practitioner, providing specialised occupational therapy assessment and treatment for clients in the Older Persons Community Mental Health Service.
- Independently manage a caseload, using evidence-based practice and patient-centered principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions.
- Manage and supervise junior staff and students, and support with training and development within the mental health team.
- Work as a key member of the MDT, collaborating with colleagues and other agencies.
- Assist in the delivery of occupational therapy services across community and acute care settings, including patients' homes.
- Support the Band 7 Team Lead Occupational Therapist in planning, coordinating, and delivering service provision and deputise in their absence.
Essential criteria
- Experience of MDT working to deliver holistic patient centered approach to care
- Experience of supervising students and support staff
- Enthusiasm for and experience of working with frail older people/ OPMH
- Experience of risk management, home first principles and community ways of working
- Hold a qualification enabling registration with the Health Professions Council (HCPC) as an Occupational Therapist
- Maintain HCPC Registration
- Evidence of knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of complex Elderly patients or those with complex MH conditions, utilising a holistic approach.
- Full UK driving liscence with access to vehicle for work purposes
Desirable criteria
- OPMH specific experience- assessment tools and interventions
- Member of Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
- Understanding of NHS organisation
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 6 at £37,338 – £44,962 a year, across England.
This advert: £39,959 – £48,117 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 1d ago · Closes in 14d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Senior Occupational Therapist- Older Person's Mental Health Team
The closing date is 22 September 2026
Job summary
We have an exciting full time opportunity (37.5 hours per week) for an Occupational Therapist to join Gateshead's Community Older Person Mental Health Team. We welcome applications from experienced Occupational Therapists or those who wish to progress into a Band 6 role.
We are looking for a motivated and flexible Occupational Therapist to join our team. The post is fortunate to sitwithin a well-established and supportive Community Mental Health MDT and benefits from excellent support from the OT department. Here in Gateshead we encourage and support continuing professional development and have robust supervision processes.
The post holders will work in collaboration with the occupational therapy team lead and mental health colleagues to deliver and shape services. There will be opportunities to develop a wide range of clinical and non-clinical skills. You will work closely with team members and share responsibility for developing band 5 staff and unregistered staff and students. A UK Driving License and access to a vehicle for work purposes will be required for this post for community working. You will be based at one of the Gateshead Health Locations as directed by your line manager.
We welcome enquires so please
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