Advanced Occupational Therapist

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Kolvin Service Children and Young People's working across two secure care centres. We are seeking to recruit a highly skilled and experienced Advanced Occupational Therapist to join the service. The successful candidate will work in multi-disciplinary team (MDT) providing specialist assessments, carrying out clinical sessions, interventions and evaluating outcomes.

The OT role will involve making recommendations through OT clinical working involves demonstrating evidence-based practice through modelling and mentoring clinical practice with staff, then regularly reviewing and evaluating with service user and staff groups.

Examples of training packages include engaging in service related research projects; with the overarching motivation of and using best evidence based to guide clinical practice, such as using specialist model and assessments. The role will involve and require a robust person who can professionally demonstrate effective leadership skills, with advocating the occupational performance needs for service users and actively contribute to service development.

The post holder will require advanced clinical knowledge and skills in working with this patient group and would be expected to possess a high level of skill and experience in understanding the impact of mental illness, learning disability, autism spectrum and neurodevelopmental conditions upon occupational functioning.

Main duties of the job

The role will involve using evidence based assessments alongside clinical observations using specific occupational therapy assessment or using other related assessments to supporting occupational formulation, and dependent upon the young people needs. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with multiagency, education providers and families supporting the implementation of treatment plans which can involve direct and indirect clinical input with young people.

The role will require updating the teams of occupational therapy input with clear outcome measures and an overview of occupational evaluations of care and treatment whilst in services.

The post holder will be required to possess (or develop through commitment to training) advanced knowledge and skills in theories and approaches utilised in meeting the needs of this patient group including; trauma informed working, sensory processing strategies, and relevant standardised assessments. As well as relevant occupational therapy approaches and models of practice.

About us

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

NHS Employees identified as at risk of compulsory redundancy and those eligible for the NENC Re-Deployment careers hub will receive prior consideration.

Job responsibilities

The successful candidate will work in an multi-disciplinary team, using effective leaderships with mentoring staff, training, and representing the Kolvin service locally and nationally this could include linking with other secure care services across the country. Locally the successful candidate's becoming involved in trust wide service development projects this would include Service User and Carer Involvement and young people feedback and positive and safe projects such as Talk 1st.

Evidence based, NICE concordant practice is essential to the delivery of safe, effective patient care. The post holder will develop links with higher education institutions, foster, develop and facilitate research and its dissemination.

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 18th August 2026

Closing date : 1st September 2026

We welcome your application.

Person specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

• Recognised Occupational Therapy degree or equivalent.
• HCPC registered
• Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses and other relevant CPD to Masters level equivalence
• Post graduate level qualifications

Desirable

• Registered member of College of Occupational Therapists

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, HCPC and RCOT standards and other local and national initiatives
• Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post.
• Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team
• Awareness of equal opportunities legislation and policies.
• Experience of collaborative working across agencies and professional disciplines.
• Proven ability to manage a clinical caseload in a flexible manner as required.
• Undertaking Appraisals
• Experience of providing clinical supervision and support to clinical staff.

Desirable

• Understanding of difficult to manage/challenging behaviours.

Skills and Competencies

Essential

• Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex needs.
• Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches as identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Evidence of high level of professional organisational and leadership skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Excellent interpersonal skills including negotiation and conflict management
• Ability to work effectively with other professionals using a multi-agency approach.
• Ability to work autonomously and within a team.

Desirable

• Demonstrate change management skills
• Knowledge of patient information systems.
• Experience of conducting and evaluating clinical audit