Senior Occupational Therapist – MHST(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a confident and motivated Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join the Harrogate Wellbeing in Mind Team (WiMT), delivering mental health support within local education settings.

This role sits within the national Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) programme, where Occupational Therapy is recognised as a specialist and complex intervention. The successful post holder will help manage this complexity by contributing across the three core strands of MHST delivery while consistently demonstrating the Trust’s values in everyday practice.

You will work closely with children, young people, families, and school staff to improve engagement in meaningful activities that support positive mental health and wellbeing.

About the Service

The Wellbeing in Mind Team works directly with schools and colleges to increase early access to mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people. This aligns with the UK government priority to strengthen mental health provision within education settings

MHST services typically focus equally on three areas:

• Whole-school or college approach to wellbeing
  Supporting schools to develop policies, resources, and awareness initiatives.
• Consultation and advice for education staff
  Building confidence and skills among teachers and pastoral teams.
• Direct assessment and intervention for young people
  Providing low-intensity, evidence-based support, often informed by CBT principles.
• Each element represents roughly one-third of the team’s overall workload.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• Receive, screen, and prioritise occupational therapy referrals
• Complete evidence-based assessments addressing:
• Self-care
• Productivity (education participation)
• Leisure and social engagement
• Develop collaborative, person-centred occupational goals
• Deliver targeted interventions and evaluate outcomes
• Maintain accurate records using the Trust’s electronic patient system

School & Community Engagement

• Provide consultation and practical advice to education staff
• Deliver training sessions, assemblies, and group wellbeing activities
• Contribute to the whole-school approach to mental health
• Work with families, voluntary organisations, and community partners
• Promote social prescribing opportunities for young people

Team & Service Development

• Participate in multidisciplinary team working
• Attend clinical, professional, and management supervision
• Lead or contribute to quality improvement and service development projects
• Follow Trust policies, safeguarding procedures, and governance standards
• Use creative and flexible approaches to meet emerging service needs

Working Environment

The post holder will work across primary, secondary, and further education settings in Harrogate. Support will be available through:

• The CAMHS Occupational Therapy network
• Clinical supervision from the Lead Occupational Therapist
• OT Learning and Governance forums
• Opportunities for continuous professional development

The role aims to strengthen the occupational therapy contribution within school-based mental health services and enhance outcomes for young people experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Recognised professional qualification in Occupational Therapy
• Current registration with the relevant regulatory body (HCPC)
• Minimum 12 months post-qualification experience
• For international applicants: IELTS level 7 (or equivalent)
  HCPC registration guidance

Essential Experience & Skills

• Experience delivering occupational therapy interventions
• Understanding of the needs of children and young people with mental health difficulties, learning disabilities, or additional needs
• Ability to engage effectively with young people, families, and education staff
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Good organisational and clinical documentation abilities

Desirable Criteria

• Experience within mental health, CAMHS, learning disability, or autism services
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team
• Knowledge of clinical risk assessment
• Postgraduate or specialist training relevant to the role
• Experience managing complex occupational therapy caseloads

Safeguarding, Registration and Compliance

• This position is subject to an Enhanced DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders legislation
• Applicants who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may apply and will be considered alongside other candidates. Further information is available from UK Visas and Immigration
• Overseas applicants must provide criminal record certificates for countries lived in for 12 months or more within the last 10 years
• Guidance on working in health careers within the NHS 

Why Join TEWV?

• Opportunity to shape school-based mental health support
• Strong professional supervision and OT network support
• Collaborative multidisciplinary environment
• Emphasis on innovation, early intervention, and prevention
• Ongoing CPD and service development opportunities