Important Visa Information
This vacancy offers a certificate of sponsorship for qualified international candidates. However, applicants must verify their eligibility for UK work authorization directly with the employer before applying. The NHS welcomes skilled healthcare professionals from around the world to join our teams.
Job Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Occupational Therapist to join the Trafford North Community Mental Health Team. This is a permanent, full-time position based at Crossgate House in Sale, Greater Manchester. The successful candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, psychology staff, and psychiatrists.
The post holder will provide assessment and intervention to individuals experiencing complex mental health needs in a community setting. You will carry out evidence-based occupational and employment assessments, write high-quality reports, and deliver therapeutic intervention plans including OT recovery groups.
About Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7,000 members of staff who deliver services from more than 122 locations. We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford, and Wigan, offering a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester and beyond.
As one of the largest mental health trusts in the UK, we are committed to providing excellent care to our service users while offering outstanding career development opportunities for our staff. Our teams are diverse, inclusive, and dedicated to making a real difference to people’s lives.
Location and Working Environment
This position is based at Crossgate House, Cross Street, Sale, M33 7FT. The Trafford area offers excellent transport links with easy access to Manchester city center and surrounding areas. The workplace is modern, well-equipped, and supportive, with dedicated teams working collaboratively to deliver high-quality care.
Greater Manchester is one of the world’s most innovative and exciting places to live and work. From beautiful countryside to vibrant city centers with excellent shopping, entertainment, and dining options, there’s something for everyone. The region is known for its friendly, welcoming residents and strong sense of community.
Compensation and Benefits
This Band 6 position offers a competitive salary of £38,682 to £46,580 per annum under the Agenda for Change pay scheme. In addition to your salary, we offer an excellent benefits package including:
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
- Exceptional pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Comprehensive wellbeing program
- Blue Light Card Discounts
- FuelGenie Fuel Cards for applicable roles
Contract Details
This is a permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week. The post holder will be expected to participate in the duty rota and out-of-hours rota operated by the Community Mental Health Team, as required.
The role is ideal for occupational therapists looking to develop their skills in a community mental health setting. You will receive regular supervision and support from the team manager, senior practitioners, and the clinical specialist OT.
Key Responsibilities
The main duties of this role include:
- Managing a defined caseload of service users with complex mental health and physical needs in the community
- Developing and providing evidence-based OT recovery groups for complex service users
- Carrying out occupational and employment assessments and writing high-quality reports
- Defining and delivering therapeutic intervention plans aimed at improving participation and recovery
- Providing OT professional advice for the multidisciplinary team and support staff
- Participating in the planning, development, and evaluation of the OT CMHT service
- Regularly supervising OT students on fieldwork placement
- Making recommendations to access support from appropriate professionals and agencies
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this position, you must hold a qualification in Occupational Therapy. This is an essential requirement for the role. The post requires current UK professional registration, which must be maintained throughout employment.
Additionally, evidence of relevant postgraduate study in mental health would be desirable. This demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional development and enhancing your expertise in the field.
Essential Experience
Applicants must have post-registration experience in a mental health field. This hands-on experience is crucial for effectively supporting individuals with complex mental health needs in a community setting.
Experience of working in a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) or community mental health setting would be highly desirable. This familiarity with the working environment and service user groups will help you quickly integrate into the team and make a positive impact from day one.
Certificate of Sponsorship Information
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT welcomes applications from international candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK. We are able to offer a Certificate of Sponsorship for qualified candidates who meet all the role requirements.
Please note that from 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided in continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more during the past 10 years. Adult dependants are also subject to this requirement.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to check for any previous criminal convictions. This is a standard requirement for all NHS positions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our service users.
The DBS check must be completed before employment can commence. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the satisfactory completion of this check.
How to Apply for This Position
To apply for this Senior Occupational Therapist position with certificate of sponsorship, please follow these steps:
- Visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number 437-7594965-A
- Create an account or log in if you already have one
- Upload your CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications
- Submit your application before the closing date of 04 January 2026
li>Complete the online application form, ensuring you provide all required information
International Applicant Guidance
If you are an international applicant, we recommend the following before applying:
-
li>Verify your eligibility to work in the UK with the UK Visas and Immigration website
>Check that your professional qualifications are recognized in the UK
li>Prepare to provide criminal record certificates from any countries where you have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
li>Gather documentation of your professional qualifications and work experience
li>Contact the employer with any questions about the sponsorship process
Contact Information
For questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact:
Amy Lea (AHP Lead Community Care Group)
Email: amy.lea@gmmh.nhs.uk
Phone: +44 1204 483057
Please note that Amy is unable to provide immigration advice. For sponsorship-specific inquiries, you may need to speak with the trust’s HR department.
Why Relocate to the UK for This Position?
The United Kingdom offers excellent career opportunities for healthcare professionals, with competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a strong commitment to professional development. The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world and is renowned for its high standards of care.
For international staff, the UK provides a welcoming environment with support for cultural integration. The healthcare system values diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching patient care and team dynamics.
Living in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester offers an exceptional quality of life with excellent transport links, diverse cultural attractions, and beautiful green spaces. From the bustling city center of Manchester to the peaceful countryside of Cheshire and the Peak District National Park on the doorstep, there’s something for everyone.
The region has a thriving international community, with excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and amenities. Manchester is a major European city with world-class sports facilities, theaters, museums, and shopping destinations.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 04 January 2026. Early applications are encouraged as this position may be filled before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, which may be conducted in person or via video conference for international applicants. The selection process will assess both your clinical skills and your ability to work effectively within our multidisciplinary team.
Next Steps
If you are a qualified Occupational Therapist with experience in mental health seeking an opportunity to work in the UK, we encourage you to apply for this position. Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all staff can thrive and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our service users.
We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to our team. For more information about our trust and the services we provide, please visit our website at https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/.