Specialist Occupational Therapist

We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist to join the Occupational Therapy team at The Brook
, the Regional Learning Disability and Autism Unit in Dawlish. The Brook is a specialist inpatient service supporting adults with a learning disability and autistic adults who present with complex needs and distressed behaviour, within a modern, purpose-built therapeutic environment.

Occupational Therapy is central to the service model, with therapists taking a lead role within core multi-disciplinary teams and contributing specialist occupational perspectives to complex assessment, formulation and intervention planning
. The role focuses on delivering evidence-based, neuro-affirming and trauma-informed Occupational Therapy interventions that promote engagement in meaningful occupation, wellbeing, autonomy and quality of life, while supporting the reduction of restrictive practices.

Band 6 Occupational Therapists also contribute to service development
, including audit and quality improvement activity and the delivery of training to strengthen occupationally informed practice across the service.

Interview date: Wednesday 25th February 2026

As a Band 6 Specialist Occupational Therapist, you will work as a core member of the multi-disciplinary team
, leading on complex occupational assessments and interventions for adults with a learning disability and autistic adults with high levels of need and distress.

You will contribute actively to formulation, care planning, Positive Behaviour Support and risk management, using occupational therapy models and frameworks to inform clinical decision-making. You will support the development of capable and therapeutic environments
, meaningful routines and activity programmes that promote regulation, participation and inclusion.

The role includes providing clinical leadership and support to non-qualified staff
, and contributing to the supervision and development of Occupational Therapy students and apprentices
. Band 6 Occupational Therapists are expected to support audit, quality improvement and training delivery aligned with service and Trust priorities.

The post holder will participate in the internal rotation system, including shift and weekend working
, with appropriate paid enhancements.

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile;

making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification which will provide further information on this role.

• Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Valid professional HCPC registration.
• Evidence of on-going training and development in the theory and practice of Occupational Therapy.
• Further postgraduate training; short specialist courses.
• Post graduate training in the theory and application of Sensory Integration.

• Experience of working with people with communication difficulties.
• Experience in managing a diverse workload including those with distressed behaviour and severe and complex disabilities.
• Previous experience of working in a multi-disciplinary community team including those within the wider support network of service users.
• Student supervision.
• Administration of standardised assessments.

• Clear understanding of the role of the OT within a multidisciplinary inpatient team.
• Sound knowledge and application of OT theory specific to adults with learning disabilities and Autistic Adults, in particular those with complex distressed behaviour, profound physical disability and complex needs, dual diagnosis.
• Understanding of…