About this role
Job summary
Are you an Occupational Therapist with a passion for problem-solving, data analysis, and making a real difference?
Join our Intensive Support Team in Oxford, where you'll support children and adults with learning disabilities and complex behavioural needs across Oxfordshire. Using your OT expertise alongside Positive Behaviour Support and behavioural approaches, you'll help uncover the reasons behind behaviour, influence support plans, and improve outcomes for the people we work with.
This varied role combines community visits, assessments, data analysis, and intervention work, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills in OT, PBS, and Applied Behaviour Analysis while managing your own diary within team core hours.
If you're enthusiastic about learning, collaboration, and delivering meaningful person-centred support, we'd love to hear from you.
Applicants must have a full valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work. Adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010 where required.
Please note: This role is offered on a fixed-term basis for 9 months to cover maternity leave (from October 2026). The post is also available as a secondment opportunity.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will have responsibility for their own caseload, as an autonomous practitioner, adapting their approach to meet the needs of the client and the framework of the team's working model. This includes the following:
To manage a complex caseload of clients (children and adults) in a collaborative and multi-professional way To participate in the planning and development of evidence-based interventions; assess, plan, implement and evaluate those interventions. To provide advice, training and education to other professionals, support staff and students from other professions as necessary. To provide support and supervision for junior colleagues and students on practice placements To participate in the planning, development and evaluation of the Intensive Support Team and your professional role within the team.
The post holder will work in partnership with members of Community Learning Disability Teams and Learning Disability Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team.
About us
Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application please read the "candidate guide to making an application" and ensure your supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses any essential criteria.
As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"
Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent"
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
o Excellent opportunities for career progressiono Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and developmento 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous serviceo NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailerso Competitive pension schemeo Lease car schemeo Cycle to work schemeo Employee Assistance Programmeo Mental Health First Aiderso Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists apply)o Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team
Job description Job responsibilities
To provide comprehensive Occupational Therapy assessment for individuals referred to the Intensive Support Team for a range of clinical presentations such as learning disabilities, challenging behaviour, mental illness, complex physical need and autism, within the remit of the Team. This will involve gathering, interpreting and evaluating highly complex information from a variety of sources, using evidence-based therapy outcome measures and analysing the individuals needs using skilled problem-solving approaches seeking support and advice from a supervisor as appropriate. To formulate, implement, evaluate and adapt individualised programmes for individuals on the caseload, taking their goals into consideration and using clinical reasoning skills and seek support and advice from a supervisor as appropriate. To collect, collate and analyse data/ information regarding the effectiveness of behaviour support plans and occupational therapy interventions and provide written reports as appropriate. To develop skills and awareness in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Positive Behaviour Support to compliment occupational therapy interventions and the work of the Intensive Support Team. To work towards skills in planning and implementing multidisciplinary training for carers and staff on specialist health issues To provide supervision to junior members of the team and hold line management responsibilities
Person Specification
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge and an understanding of the needs of service users who challenge services and who have complex health needs. Awareness of RCOT and NICE guidelines for LD population and use of sensory item provision. Demonstrates knowledge of range of OT assessment tools & therapeutic interventions relevant to the client group Knowledge of OT models, underpinned by theory and practical experience, including application of standardised assessments.
Desirable
Knowledge of Positive Behavioural Support model and Functional Analysis and experience of application of these models of working. Knowledge and application of standardised behavioural assessments (e.g., QABF, FAI).
Qualifications Essential
Qualified Occupational Therapist Registered and practicing member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) Learning disabilities and challenging behaviour specific post graduate courses
Desirable
Evidence of successful completion of specialist short courses e.g.: Sensory Integration training Practice Educator training
Experience Essential
Experience of working with children, young people and adults with complex sensory, behaviour and communication needs Experience of working with individuals with a learning disability Experience of contributing to education of children, young people, families, colleagues in health and education settings
Desirable
Experience within a community learning disability health setting Experience of working with people who exhibit behaviours which challenge Experience managing a caseload and supervising others
Personal Qualities Essential
Ability to manage emotional consequences of working with patients with a range of communication disorders. Able to act independently and on own initiative but recognise when to seek support.
Desirable
Evidence of self-directed learning/reflective practice.
Job Related Aptitude & Skills Essential
Competent IT skills for use of electronic health records and ability to adapt to new developments. Ability to work collaboratively with the wider multidisciplinary team. Excellent organisational skills including good time management - clinical and non-clinical. Communicate effectively, particularly where barriers to understanding exist. Demonstrates excellent presentation skills to deliver reports, verbally and written information.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Oxford Health NHS Trust
Address Slade House
Horspath Driftway
Oxford
OX3 7JH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)