Job summary
We're looking for aspiring leaders to join our dedicated team on the Dragonfly Unit as anOccupational Therapist.
You will be working as part of the Therapy Team comprising, clinical psychology, DBT, art therapy and family therapy. You would be supported and supervised by the Consultant Clinical Psychologist.
We are looking for an Occupational Therapist who has skills in working with children, young people and their families and carers. CAMHS experience would be especially welcome as would knowledge of attachment, child development and working systemically.
We would like individuals to be well motivated, have good interpersonal skills, personal resilience, and an enthusiasm for working with children and their families whilst they are going through a difficult and stressful period in their lives, in terms of their mental health and well-being.
This is an exciting and positive time for the unit in its aspiration to be CQC excellent as we are currently a good rating and there are steps to develop the clinical model which need the support and intervention of OT as part of the wholistic approach to recovery.
You will be working within an inpatient service with a focus on a recovery approach and have the opportunity to lead and direct the structure and focus of the ward routine for service users and staff and contribute to service developments bridging inpatient and community services.
Main duties of the job
Come and join us as we strive for excellence!
As part of our ongoing strive for excellence we are developing a 'care team' approach patient centred care.You will provide support and advice to the multidisciplinary inpatient team and assess the occupational and vocational needs of service users enabling them to develop independent living skills and work towards individual recovery and vocational goals.
It can be a challenging environment at times, so we need clinicians with a positive attitude, compassion, resilience, and a hands-on approach. It is vital that the clinician is reflective around issues of power and difference, see the importance of working across systems, and can do that effectively.
We can accommodate some flexible working in line with the service need.
Details
- Date posted: 02 November 2026
- Closing date: 15 November 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 7
- Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year gross per annum pro rata
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
- Reference number: 246-GYW8378606
- Job locations: Dragonfly Unit - Carlton Court Hospital, St Peters Road, Lowestoft, NR33 8AG, United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please find attached our Job Description and Person Specification for more detail on your Key Accountabilities, then if you feel you have what it takes to make a difference, click APPLY!
Interview dates are to be confirmed and candidates may only be given a minimum of 3 days notice.
You will be contacted via email and invited to book a time. These emails may go to your SPAM, so please keep checking all your emails if applying.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma in Occupational Therapy or BSc Hons in Occupational Therapy
- Post Graduate training relevant to mental health
Desirable
- Other relevant clinical training and qualification
Experience
Essential
- Experience working as a senior Occupational therapist
- Experience of managing or supervising staff
- Experience of working in Childrens Mental Health services
Desirable
- Experience in a range of mental health settings
- Use of standardised occupational therapy assessment techniques
Knowledge
Essential
- Working knowledge of at least one model or frame of reference for occupational therapy applicable to this clinical area
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
About us
At Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, inclusion is at the heart of how we work. We are committed to creating a fair, transparent and accessible recruitment process where every candidate has the opportunity to succeed.
We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in our workforce, including those from the global majority. We recognise that not everyone has equal access to opportunities and are working to address this.
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and ensuring all candidates receive a positive and equitable experience.
Here at NSFT we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly and supportive team who like nothing better than sharing experiences and learning from each other. In addition to ongoing training and development opportunities, we are committed to providing an environment in which you can thrive.
Why work for us? We have challenges as a Trust, but we have ambitious aspirations, are pushing ahead with exciting transformation work and we need dedicated individuals to support us on our journey. We have strong, established professional networks coupled with an exceptional leadership team who will ensure you are truly cared for and cared about.
Employer details
- Employer name: Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
- Address: Dragonfly Unit - Carlton Court Hospital, St Peters Road, Lowestoft, NR33 8AG, United Kingdom
- Employer's website: https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx