Occupational Therapy jobs

Occupational therapists help people with mental health conditions rebuild routines, skills, work and independence. That makes them central to recovery-focused care in community teams, inpatient and rehabilitation wards, forensic and secure hospitals, CAMHS, early intervention, older adult services and vocational schemes.

Browse OT, specialist OT, lead OT and OT assistant or technical instructor roles with NHS trusts, independent hospitals, charities and local authorities. Many OTs also work as care coordinators or train as AMHPs, so check the Mental Health Practitioners and Social Work categories too.

What you need: HCPC registration as an occupational therapist, following an approved BSc, MSc or degree apprenticeship. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) is the professional body. Support roles (OT assistant, technical instructor) usually need relevant experience rather than registration.

Typical pay (NHS): newly qualified OTs usually start at Band 5 (£32,073 to £39,043), specialist OTs at Band 6, and lead or advanced OTs at Band 7 and above.

Pay last updated: April 2026 (NHS Agenda for Change, England).