Senior Occupational Therapist

Senior Occupational Therapist Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join the Autism Enhanced Support Team (AEST) at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. This role presents an exciting opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team that supports autistic individuals with complex needs, including mental health challenges, learning disabilities, and distressing behaviors.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing specialized Occupational Therapy assessments, interventions, and clinical guidance across various settings, including inpatient, community, and residential environments. You will utilize your expertise to develop person-centered, evidence-based interventions aimed at enhancing wellbeing, independence, and quality of life for individuals at risk of admission, during hospital stays, and in discharge planning.

Main Responsibilities

• Conduct specialized, evidence-based Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions for autistic individuals with complex needs, including those with co-existing mental health issues or learning disabilities.
• Perform assessments related to sensory processing, functional abilities, emotional regulation, daily living activities, and occupational needs, creating personalized interventions to enhance wellbeing, independence, and meaningful engagement.
• Engage in risk assessments, safety planning, and positive risk-taking as part of complex case management.
• Offer expert advice, coaching, and consultation to individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals to foster autism-informed practices.
• Assist in preventing admissions, planning transitions, and facilitating hospital discharges by collaborating to eliminate obstacles and improve outcomes.
• Provide recommendations on environmental modifications, assistive technologies, equipment, and reasonable adjustments across various settings including inpatient, residential, and community environments.
• Collaborate with the Autism Enhanced Support Team (AEST), broader multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), and partner organizations to ensure integrated and coordinated care.
• Deliver clinical guidance, supervision, and training to junior staff and students, contributing to workforce development.
• Participate in service development, audits, research, quality improvement initiatives, and evidence-based practices.
• Maintain professional standards, including HCPC registration, clinical governance, safeguarding, accurate documentation, and continuing professional development.
• Work flexibly across community, inpatient, and residential settings, which may require travel between locations.

Requirements

• Must be a qualified Occupational Therapist with current HCPC registration and evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Possess relevant clinical experience and the ability to manage an autonomous caseload.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention.
• Ability to conduct risk assessments and manage complex cases effectively.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary and/or multi-agency teams.
• Understanding of autism and neurodiversity, with the capability to apply clinical skills in this context.
• Desirable qualifications include experience in specialist autism/neurodevelopmental services, sensory assessment/intervention, and supporting students or junior staff.
• Experience in service development or quality improvement is also preferred.
• Relevant postgraduate training in autism or neurodevelopmental areas is a plus.

Benefits

• Salary range of £39,959 to £48,117 per annum, pro rata.
• Permanent contract with full-time working hours.
• Opportunity to work within a supportive and multidisciplinary team.
• Access to professional development and training opportunities.
• Engagement in meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of autistic individuals.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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