Occupational Therapist for Acute Services

Are you passionate about making a real impact in healthcare?

We're seeking an experienced Senior Occupational Therapist (SOT) to lead transformative change in reducing restrictive practices within our healthcare setting. This role offers the opportunity to guide a dedicated team, influence policy, and shape the future of patient care.

As part of the team driving inpatient services toward least restrictive, person-centred care, the SOT will champion evidence-based practices and elevate professional standards within our facilities. This pivotal role includes providing expert clinical guidance for cases with complex needs and challenging behaviors, particularly those requiring enhanced observations.

The SOT, as an autonomous practitioner, will deliver advanced clinical insights, coaching, and constructive feedback to empower clinical teams. They will contribute to the Trust's Safe and Supportive Observations Strategy, support therapeutic, recovery-focused interventions, and lead essential 14+ day independent reviews.

The SOT will provide specialist expertise across the Trust and engage in the Safety, Experience, and Effectiveness committees, directly impacting the quality of care. This opportunity is ideal for those with a passion to learn, share, and implement change, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in patient care.

Flexible working hours and potential for a full-time position after the fixed term are available., As our new Senior Occupational Therapist, you'll step into a vibrant, supportive team where we empower each other to be the best version of ourselves, all for the benefit of those we care for. This role offers the exciting opportunity to make a real difference across our Mental Health and Learning Disability inpatient wards, spanning the diverse regions of Hertfordshire, Essex, and Norfolk.

In this pivotal position, you'll be instrumental in shaping the future of our Trust's approach to enhanced observations. We recognise that while keeping service users safe is paramount, traditional observation practices can sometimes feel counterintuitive and infringe upon human rights. That's where your expertise comes in. You'll lead the charge in reviewing current practices, guiding our wards towards reducing unnecessary observation levels, and driving the Trust's progressive new approach.

This role isn't just about staying in one place--your influence will be felt across all our inpatient wards, requiring you to travel regularly. A car will be essential as you bring your vision and leadership to every corner of the Trust.

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from theCare Quality Commission.

Our family of over 4,000 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout