Occupational Therapist

Job Summary

A new rotational development has arisen within South Cumbria for a Band 5 Occupational Therapist (OT) to support preceptorship and continuous professional development across inpatient and community settings. We seek an individual passionate about working with people who have a varied range of mental health needs.

The rotation offers the opportunity to work across two clinical areas over a 12‑month period:

• Dova, Mental Health Inpatient Ward, Dane Garth
• Furness Community Mental Health Team

Responsibilities include routine occupational therapy interventions to maintain, restore or create a match beneficial to the individual between abilities, demands of occupations (self‑care, productivity, leisure) and environment. The postholder works alongside senior therapists for support and supervision.

LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all backgrounds. We support flexible working and encourage applicants from under‑represented groups.

• Date posted: 19 February 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: 5
• Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 a year (subject to confirmation)
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time
• Reference number: 351‑BAY
  918‑CS
• Job locations: Furness CMHT, Duddon House, Fairfield Lane, Barrow in Furness, LA13 9AZ

After a period of preceptorship and approved training, the band 5 occupational therapist provides fieldwork placements for occupational therapy undergraduates and progressively takes responsibility for supervision and delegation of tasks.

• Under the supervision of a senior therapist, accept clinical responsibility for the management of a specific caseload.
• Select, undertake and interpret the outcomes of occupational therapy assessments for individuals whose mental health problems impact on occupational performance.
• Work collaboratively with service users to identify occupational therapy goals as part of an overall care plan.
• Plan, implement and modify individual or group interventions to promote occupational performance and facilitate meaningful life roles.
• Seek opportunities to deliver interventions in socially and culturally appropriate venues, including ordinary community settings.
• Evaluate outcomes within the Care Programme Approach (CPA) to ensure therapy is effective and acceptable to the individual and, if appropriate, their carers or families.
• Demonstrate understanding of the effects of mental illness on day‑to‑day functioning and advise on strategies to reduce disability impact.
• Fulfil shared team roles in responding to ongoing mental health needs, coordinating input of other professionals, and monitoring risk factors.
• Delegate and supervise planned interventions to support staff where applicable.
• Contribute insights on the impact of mental health problems on occupational performance and social inclusion.

Essential

• Diploma/BSc/MSc in Occupational Therapy (OT) and ongoing registration with the Health Professionals Council.
• Knowledge of current best practice in OT and professional ethics.
• Understanding of team dynamics, health legislation, CPA, risk assessment and management.
• Basic knowledge of clinical governance and health, safety and risk awareness.
• Ability to work single‑handedly with individuals and groups, effective written and oral communication, computer literacy.
• Commitment to client‑centred, non‑discriminatory practice and lifelong learning.
• Willingness to work flexibly and meet travel requirements.

Desirable

• Documented CPD evidence.
• Positive learning from personal experience of mental health issues.
• Previous mental health work in paid or voluntary capacity.
• Knowledge of evidence‑based practice, training and presentation skills.
• European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

Furness CMHT

Duddon House, Fairfield Lane

Barrow in Furness, LA13 9AZ

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