Job overview

Are you an HCPC‑registered Occupational Therapist with a passion for working with people experiencing severe mental illness in a recovery‑focused way? Would you like to join a highly supportive service that values teamwork and shared learning?

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated Occupational Therapist to join the Community Rehabilitation Service – Bognor Regis Hub. You will support people with complex or treatment‑resistant psychosis, or related significant mental illness, in line with NICE rehabilitation guidance. The role involves delivering and developing evidence‑based, recovery‑focused interventions that promote independence and enable people to lead fulfilling lives.

This post includes a Lead Practitioner role on the long‑term pathway, with a reduced caseload, alongside leading the short‑term pathway and overseeing group interventions, supported by an OT Technician.

This vacancy is ideal for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist, although a Band 5–6 development post will be considered for the right candidate. Experience of working with severe and enduring mental health needs is desirable, and we welcome applicants with experience of working with older adults, as the service supports adults of all ages.

The service operates Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:00, with Bank Holiday cover (excluding Christmas Day) on a rota basis.

Informal enquiries and visits are warmly welcomed.

Main duties of the job

As a Lead Practitioner & Senior Occupational Therapist, you will:

• Deliver client‑centred Occupational Therapy and generic interventions, including assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation
• Complete and maintain robust risk assessments to support safe and effective care
• Develop, review and implement recovery‑focused care plans reflecting individual strengths, needs and goals
• Build and maintain strong therapeutic relationships to promote engagement and recovery
• Take a lead role in promoting and developing Occupational Therapy within the service and wider MDT
• Produce high‑quality clinical documentation, including care plans, progress notes and risk assessments
• Work collaboratively within the MDT while demonstrating the ability to work autonomously and exercise professional judgement
• Contribute to service development, quality improvement and reflective practice

We are looking for someone who is:

• Compassionate and client‑focused, with a commitment to recovery‑oriented practice
• Highly organised, flexible and adaptable in a dynamic clinical environment
• Confident in managing complex clinical situations and risk
• A strong team player able to take leadership within their role
• Skilled at building rapport and maintaining therapeutic relationships
• Experienced in clear, accurate and timely documentation
• Passionate about advocating for and developing Occupational Therapy

Working for our organisation

Our service provides inter‑professional community mental health rehabilitation for people who require more intensive support than is available through Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams. We work with individuals in their own homes, NHS sites and community settings, delivering compassionate, person‑centred care to promote recovery. Collaboration sits at the heart of the service, with strong teamwork supporting consistent and responsive care.

The Sussex Community Rehabilitation Service is delivered through locality‑based Hubs across the Trust. In West Sussex there are three Hubs, based in Bognor Regis (this post), Worthing and Horsham. The service offers both short‑ and longer‑term pathways. Short‑term pathways provide time‑limited community rehabilitation support for up to 16 weeks, while longer‑term pathways offer care coordination, typically for a minimum of three years.

Our team‑based model fosters a highly supportive environment for both the people we support and our staff.

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative team, including regular supervision and reflective practice
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives
• Quarterly West Sussex CRS CPD days
• Local, divisional and national Occupational Therapy development and networking opportunities
• Encouragement to access the Trust‑wide AHP training offer