Senior Occupational Therapist – Crisis Team(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Band 6 Occupational Therapist with a strong interest in mental health and crisis intervention to join the High Peak and North Dales Older Adults Crisis Team.

This role provides an opportunity to work in a community-based mental health crisis service, supporting older adults who require urgent mental health assessment and intervention while remaining in their homes whenever possible.

Located near the scenic Peak District National Park, the service offers the chance to work in a supportive team environment while contributing to high-quality mental health care across Derbyshire.

Working Environment

The team is known for its collaborative culture and supportive atmosphere. Staff highlight several benefits of working within the service:

• Strong teamwork and professional support
• Friendly and welcoming colleagues
• A positive and inclusive workplace culture
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Varied and meaningful clinical work
• Team members consistently report feeling valued, respected and supported within the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment and Intervention

• Provide specialist occupational therapy assessments for older adults experiencing mental health crises.
• Develop personalised treatment plans that address the individual’s functional, psychological and environmental needs.
• Deliver therapeutic interventions aimed at improving independence, safety and wellbeing.

Caseload Management

• Manage a diverse caseload within the community crisis service.
• Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment approaches as required.
• Support patients in maintaining independence within their own homes where possible.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Work closely with a wide range of healthcare professionals including:

• Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs)
• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Physiotherapists
• Inpatient ward teams
• Service Development
• Contribute to the development of occupational therapy pathways across the organisation.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and service development projects.
• Support partnerships with community organisations and other healthcare providers.

Professional Development

• Participate in continuing professional development (CPD) events within the Trust’s occupational therapy network.
• Support and mentor junior staff and therapy support workers.
• Contribute to workforce development initiatives across the organisation.

About the Organisation

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust delivers a wide range of mental health, learning disability and community healthcare services across Derbyshire.

The Trust has been rated “Good” overall by the Care Quality Commission, with inspectors highlighting the compassion and professionalism demonstrated by staff.

The organisation is committed to supporting employees through a variety of initiatives, including staff wellbeing programmes, professional development opportunities and inclusive employee networks.

Benefits

Employees joining the Trust can expect a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Flexible working arrangements where possible
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Access to the **National Health Service pension scheme
• Regular appraisal and career development opportunities
• Maternity, paternity and adoption support
• Employee assistance programme available 24/7
• Discounts on retail, travel and wellbeing services
• Staff networks supporting diversity and inclusion

Essential Requirements

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy or equivalent qualification
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council

Experience

• Post-registration clinical experience within adult mental health services
• Experience providing clinical supervision or mentoring
• Knowledge of environmental adaptation and equipment provision

Professional Skills

• Ability to manage complex cases within community settings
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Commitment to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with older adult mental health services
• Participation in clinical audit or research activities
• Knowledge of service improvement and quality development initiatives

Additional Requirements

Applicants must meet the travel requirements necessary to work across community settings.

This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 exceptions for healthcare roles.

Visa and Right-to-Work Information

Although applications from overseas candidates are welcomed, sponsorship availability depends on salary thresholds set under the UK Skilled Worker visa route and eligibility criteria.

Applicants who require sponsorship must meet the requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration.

Helpful UK Government Resources

For more information about working in healthcare roles in the UK:

• Careers in occupational therapy within the NHS
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council 
• UK Skilled Worker visa information
• Disclosure and Barring Service checks 
• Criminal record checks for overseas applicants