2,479 Senior Therapist jobs in the United Kingdom

The starting salary for this role is 42,239 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

This role is based in Woking with a view to county coverage as part of the Enabling Independence Team. Surrey offer agile working where you will be able to work flexibly from both the office and home.

The Mental Health Service is seeking to appoint an Occupational Therapist to join the Enabling Independence Team. Applications from newly qualified OTs are welcomed for this post and will be provided with full professional development support.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About the Team

Surrey County Council is committed to transforming the way it delivers adult social care. As part of this transformation, a new Occupational Therapist role has been created within the Enabling Independence Team (EIT).

The primary focus of EIT is to support individuals living with mental health conditions and/or substance misuse issues that have resulted in social care needs. The support we offer is grounded in strengths-based, goal-oriented practice. We believe that by exploring people's goals and aspirations-and recognising the strengths they already have or can access-we can help individuals stay independent for longer and remain connected to their communities.

This new role reflects our belief that the occupational therapy approach aligns closely with the EIT model and that the addition of an OT will enhance the service's ability to support people holistically and creatively.

You'll be joining a multi-skilled team that includes Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, a Senior Occupational Therapist, AMHPs, reablement workers, Assistant Social Care Practitioners, and an Occupational Therapy Assistant Team Manager.

About the Role

As an Occupational Therapist within our team, you'll work directly with individuals to assess their strengths, needs, and aspirations, while managing the impact of physical and mental health conditions on their daily lives through proportionate assessments. You'll help clients build routines, manage their home environments, and gain confidence in everyday tasks, using occupational therapy approaches to foster independence, reduce isolation, and connect them with meaningful community resources.

You'll also provide clinical insight and practical strategies to colleagues handling complex cases, contribute to the development of skills gain programmes, and support team learning through reflective practice and informal training. Your role will involve applying key legislation, including conducting mental capacity assessments, best interest decisions, and specialist mental health evaluations. You'll carry out moving and handling risk assessments, recommend equipment and major adaptations, and deliver rehabilitation interventions that empower individuals to live fulfilling lives.

Safeguarding responsibilities will be part of your remit, ensuring the wellbeing of those in your care. You'll collaborate across health, social care, and voluntary sectors to coordinate community support, including safe hospital discharge planning. Managing a caseload of adults, you'll uphold high standards of person-centred care, engage in supervision and performance reviews, and support innovation through the integration of digital tools like Microsoft Copilot to enhance client engagement and streamline practice.

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Professional qualification in Occupational Therapy and current registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Experience of working within a social care, health or community focused multi-disciplinary setting with evidence of a good mental health working perspective
• Ability to complete person centred and proportionate OT assessments, familiarity with moving and handling equipment such as hoists and stand aids
• Knowledge of current legislation, including the Care Act and the Mental Capacity Act and its application to practice in a social care setting.
• Knowledge of physical and mental health conditions and the likely impact on the individual, carer and family with a good understanding of and ability to assess and manage risk

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area.

The closing date for this advert is 05/10/2025 with interviews to follow.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. Your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.

Mental Health Assistant/Aspiring Therapist - Reading

ASAP Start - Full-time Position

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with their mental health and emotional wellbeing?

An inclusive and forward-thinking SEN and SEMH school in Reading is seeking a Mental Health Assistant to join their dedicated team. This full-time, long-term role is ideal for individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

You will be working with students aged 5 to 19 who may have Autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma-related behaviours, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. As a Mental Health Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils with their emotional regulation, self-esteem, behaviour, and engagement in learning.

Key Details:

• Role: Mental Health Assistant
• Location: Reading
• Salary: 89-100 per day
• Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm
• Ideal for: Psychology, Counselling, Education, or Criminology graduates, or anyone passionate about mental health and child development

As a Mental Health Assistant you will help implement therapeutic and trauma-informed practises within the classroom setting to help students manage anxiety and build confidence. You will work closely with SEN professionals, therapists and teachers to ensure consistent care and create a safe, calm and nurturing environment for students to thrive.

This Mental Health Assistant role is perfect for aspiring Psychologists, Youth Workers, Therapists, Teachers, or Social Workers looking to gain hands-on experience in a specialist educational setting. You'll receive full training and support from a highly experienced team committed to inclusive education and emotional wellbeing.

If you are empathetic, resilient, and motivated to make a lasting impact on young lives - apply now!

Apply directly via this advert or contact Ed at Academics for more information.

Mental Health Assistant / Aspiring Therapist - Reading

Mental Health Assistant/Aspiring Therapist - Reading

ASAP Start - Full-time Position

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with their mental health and emotional wellbeing?

An inclusive and forward-thinking SEN and SEMH school in Reading is seeking a Mental Health Assistant to join their dedicated team. This full-time, long-term role is ideal for individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

You will be working with students aged 5 to 19 who may have Autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma-related behaviours, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. As a Mental Health Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils with their emotional regulation, self-esteem, behaviour, and engagement in learning.

Key Details:

• Role: Mental Health Assistant
• Location: Reading
• Salary: 89-100 per day
• Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm
• Ideal for: Psychology, Counselling, Education, or Criminology graduates, or anyone passionate about mental health and child development

As a Mental Health Assistant you will help implement therapeutic and trauma-informed practises within the classroom setting to help students manage anxiety and build confidence. You will work closely with SEN professionals, therapists and teachers to ensure consistent care and create a safe, calm and nurturing environment for students to thrive.

This Mental Health Assistant role is perfect for aspiring Psychologists, Youth Workers, Therapists, Teachers, or Social Workers looking to gain hands-on experience in a specialist educational setting. You'll receive full training and support from a highly experienced team committed to inclusive education and emotional wellbeing.

If you are empathetic, resilient, and motivated to make a lasting impact on young lives - apply now!

Apply directly via this advert or contact Ed at Academics for more information.

Mental Health Assistant / Aspiring Therapist - Reading

Daytime Healthcare are assisting a leading private mental health provider, who are looking for a Senior Occupational Therapist to join their team in Thatcham, Berkshire.

You will be instrumental in promoting health and independence by delivering high quality occupational therapy assessments and interventions, along with providing clinical leadership, supervision, and consultation to the wider multidisciplinary team.

You will be key in demonstrating highly specialist expertise and specialist occupational therapy skills in areas such as occupational engagement, environmental adaption, development and maintenance of skills needed for meaningful participation.

Your responsibilities as an Occupational Therapist will include:

• Communicating effectively with a range of clinicians, managers, directors, associate directors, people who access services, carers/supporter/family members, stakeholders and agencies
• Providing compassionate and effective leadership to junior staff including support staff and assistants
• Ensuring the delivery of occupational therapy student placements
• Supporting the completion of appraisals/personal development plans with junior staff

To be a Successful Occupational Therapist you will need:

• Occupational Therapy profession qualification
• Extensive and relevant post qualification clinical experience with adults who have complex needs
• Extensive experience of applying occupational frames of reference and approaches
• Demonstrates evidence highly effective clinical reasoning skills
• Highly specialist knowledge of relevant assessment and treatment models
• Knowledge of how to work with vulnerable individuals with learning disabilities and mental illness

You will work at our location in Thatcham which is a combination of medium secure and low secure units and rehabilitation flats. The service provides a seamless internal care pathway supporting and empowering patients in their recovery and rehabilitation. You will work alongside the multidisciplinary to provide personalised assessment and treatment programmes for males with mental illness/ complex care needs as well as those with personality disorder.

Apply today!

Daytime Healthcare are assisting a leading private mental health provider, who are looking for a Senior Occupational Therapist to join their team in Thatcham, Berkshire.

You will be instrumental in promoting health and independence by delivering high quality occupational therapy assessments and interventions, along with providing clinical leadership, supervision, and consultation to the wider multidisciplinary team.

You will be key in demonstrating highly specialist expertise and specialist occupational therapy skills in areas such as occupational engagement, environmental adaption, development and maintenance of skills needed for meaningful participation.

Your responsibilities as an Occupational Therapist will include:

• Communicating effectively with a range of clinicians, managers, directors, associate directors, people who access services, carers/supporter/family members, stakeholders and agencies
• Providing compassionate and effective leadership to junior staff including support staff and assistants
• Ensuring the delivery of occupational therapy student placements
• Supporting the completion of appraisals/personal development plans with junior staff

To be a Successful Occupational Therapist you will need:

• Occupational Therapy profession qualification
• Extensive and relevant post qualification clinical experience with adults who have complex needs
• Extensive experience of applying occupational frames of reference and approaches
• Demonstrates evidence highly effective clinical reasoning skills
• Highly specialist knowledge of relevant assessment and treatment models
• Knowledge of how to work with vulnerable individuals with learning disabilities and mental illness

You will work at our location in Thatcham which is a combination of medium secure and low secure units and rehabilitation flats. The service provides a seamless internal care pathway supporting and empowering patients in their recovery and rehabilitation. You will work alongside the multidisciplinary to provide personalised assessment and treatment programmes for males with mental illness/ complex care needs as well as those with personality disorder.

Apply today!

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children and adolescents presenting with a range of mental health issues.
• Develop, implement, and review individualized, evidence-based treatment plans.
• Provide direct therapeutic interventions using a variety of modalities (e.g., CBT, DBT, family therapy).
• Offer psychoeducation and support to children, adolescents, and their families/carers.
• Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams, including social workers, educators, and medical professionals.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records in accordance with professional and organizational standards.
• Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to junior therapists and support staff.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of group therapy programs.
• Participate in regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development.
• Advocate for the needs of children and adolescents within the community and statutory services.

• A Master's degree in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, or a related field.
• Professional registration with a relevant body (e.g., BACP, NMC, SWE).
• A minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience working with children and adolescents with mental health difficulties.
• Extensive experience in conducting mental health assessments and delivering evidence-based therapies.
• Demonstrated experience in therapeutic case management and care planning.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and child protection policies.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and empathetic skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently.
• Experience in providing clinical supervision is highly desirable.
• Flexibility to adapt to a hybrid working model, involving both remote and in-person sessions.

Our clinicians are fulfilled by the idea of affecting even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things.

Get out what you put in

This role is based at The Grange Learning Centre, 2 days per week.

Our clinicians are a crucial part of the most joined-up model in SEND. Across all of our specialist schools and children’s homes, we provide unrivalled levels of clinical support, both in terms of our expertise and breadth of provision. Our young people present with a complexity of need including developmental trauma, neuro-developmental conditions and special educational needs.

As part of a multi-disciplinary clinical team you will be supporting educational and residential colleagues to provide therapeutic living and learning environments and, based on clinical assessment and formulation, offer individualised interventions and engagement to our young people. You’ll also be assessing our young people’s mental health and recommend appropriate interventions in a personalised care plan. Building rapport is key, by doing this you’ll be able to deliver effective counselling and feedback on progress.

What we do for you

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment,
we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the sector. With us, you’ll get to make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

• Training : A full induction and on the job training

• Holiday : You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with 35 days holiday including bank holidays

• Clinical Development : If career growth and professional advancement is your thing, we provide a leading programme of clinical learning and development

• Flexible benefits : meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits here

• Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance

• Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts

• Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schools here

• A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

Bring your whole self to work

This is a great opportunity to change young lives and have a positive impact on their future. Embedded within our living and learning environments you will be offered the support, resource and platform for you to do great things. You’ll benefit from supervision, a clinical development programme and access to a 220+ strong team of multi-disciplinary clinical colleagues who will be with you every step of the way. Here’s a few things we’ll need from you:

• As a qualified professional (or accredited Counsellor), you’ll be eligible for membership of BACP, or a similar professional body (additional mental health or therapeutic intervention qualifications would be desirable)

• You’ll be well versed in child development and good at connecting with young people

• You’re also highly organised and ready to take the initiative

• We genuinely care about our young people (and each other) so honesty and empathy is a must

Interested in joining us?

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong.

As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference- especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we’ll be there every step of the way.

By building a diverse and inclusive team, we’re better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

For a full job description and person specification, please click here .

To view our ex-offenders policy please click here .

To view our Child Protection Policy, please visit the 'Parents and Carers' section of this School/Learning centre. You can find all our Schools here .

Special Education / Careers in Care / Careers in Special Education / Working with Children / SEMH / SEN / ASD

Our clinicians are fulfilled by the idea of affecting even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things.

Get out what you put in

This role is based at The Grange Learning Centre, 2 days per week.

Our clinicians are a crucial part of the most joined-up model in SEND. Across all of our specialist schools and children’s homes, we provide unrivalled levels of clinical support, both in terms of our expertise and breadth of provision. Our young people present with a complexity of need including developmental trauma, neuro-developmental conditions and special educational needs.

As part of a multi-disciplinary clinical team you will be supporting educational and residential colleagues to provide therapeutic living and learning environments and, based on clinical assessment and formulation, offer individualised interventions and engagement to our young people. You’ll also be assessing our young people’s mental health and recommend appropriate interventions in a personalised care plan. Building rapport is key, by doing this you’ll be able to deliver effective counselling and feedback on progress.

What we do for you

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment,
we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the sector. With us, you’ll get to make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

• Training : A full induction and on the job training

• Holiday : You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with 35 days holiday including bank holidays

• Clinical Development : If career growth and professional advancement is your thing, we provide a leading programme of clinical learning and development

• Flexible benefits : meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits here

• Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance

• Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts

• Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schools here

• A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

Bring your whole self to work

This is a great opportunity to change young lives and have a positive impact on their future. Embedded within our living and learning environments you will be offered the support, resource and platform for you to do great things. You’ll benefit from supervision, a clinical development programme and access to a 220+ strong team of multi-disciplinary clinical colleagues who will be with you every step of the way. Here’s a few things we’ll need from you:

• As a qualified professional (or accredited Counsellor), you’ll be eligible for membership of BACP, or a similar professional body (additional mental health or therapeutic intervention qualifications would be desirable)

• You’ll be well versed in child development and good at connecting with young people

• You’re also highly organised and ready to take the initiative

• We genuinely care about our young people (and each other) so honesty and empathy is a must

Interested in joining us?

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong.

As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference- especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we’ll be there every step of the way.

By building a diverse and inclusive team, we’re better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

For a full job description and person specification, please click here.

To view our ex-offenders policy please click here.

To view our Child Protection Policy, please visit the 'Parents and Carers' section of this School/Learning centre. You can find all our Schools here.

Special Education / Careers in Care / Careers in Special Education / Working with Children / SEMH / SEN / ASD