Occupational Health Lead Therapist

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Occupational Health Lead Therapist

The closing date is 20 March 2026

The post holder will be part of the Occupational Health service and will provide high intensity interventions - primarily cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The post holder will work with patients who have a range of complex anxiety and depression related problems for which CBT is demonstrated to be clinically effective.

In addition to delivering high intensity cognitive behavioural therapy, the Lead Therapist will be responsible for the clinical leadership of a team of therapists within the Occupational Health department. The post holder will oversee the allocation and coordination of caseloads, provide guidance on complex clinical presentations, and ensure the highest standards of therapeutic care and evidence-based practice are maintained across the service. They will contribute to service development, working closely with management to implement best practice protocols, facilitate professional development among team members, and foster a supportive, collaborative environment that prioritises employee mental health and wellbeing.

Main duties of the job

• Deliver high-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions to employees presenting with complex anxiety, depression, and other work related mental health concerns, ensuring the use of evidence based approaches tailored to individual needs.
• Provide clinical leadership and supervision to a multidisciplinary team of therapists within the Occupational Health department, supporting their professional development and facilitating a high standard of therapeutic practice across the service.
• Oversee allocation and coordination of clinical caseloads, monitor workflow, and ensure effective management of service demand within the team.
• Offer specialist guidance and consultation on complex clinical presentations, acting as a point of escalation for challenging cases and contributing to clinical decision making processes.

About us

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is situated on the west coast of Lancashire, and offers a full range of district hospital services and community health services to a population of 1.6 million in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology services across the wider region.

We employ more than 6,500 staff, with a turnover in excess of £370m in 2014/2015 and have approximately 900 beds.

Job responsibilities

• Contribute to the ongoing development and evaluation of Occupational Health services, assisting in the implementation of best practice protocols, and fostering innovation in service delivery.
• Work collaboratively with management and other stakeholders to promote a culture of wellbeing, proactively identifying opportunities for service improvement and staff engagement initiatives.
• Maintain up to date, accurate, and confidential records of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with clinical governance standards and data protection regulations.
• Function autonomously in clinical practice, demonstrating a commitment to professional ethics, accountability, and adherence to relevant codes of conduct.
• Participate in the coordination of counselling provision with external agencies and contribute to long term planning for the development of new therapeutic initiatives within the service.
• Engage in continuous professional development, staying abreast of advances in CBT and occupational health, and sharing expertise with colleagues through training and mentorship.
• Support system wide working across the Lancashire & South Cumbria regions as part of the NHS Collaborative.

Person Specification Education and Qualification

• Post Graduate Diploma in Psychological Therapies Practice (High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or equivalent
• Registration with the appropriate professional body (e.g., NMC, HCPC BABCP).
• Significant experience working as a psychological therapy practitioner and demonstrating the competencies required
• Additional qualifications or training in specific area (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy, advanced nursing practice).

Experience

• Proven experience in a similar role within the NHS or a healthcare setting.
• Experience in specific area relevant to the job (e.g., mental health, community care).
• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Experience in research or quality improvement projects

Knowledge & Skills

• In depth knowledge of NHS policies and procedures.
• Understanding of relevant legislation and guidelines (e.g., safeguarding, data protection).
• Ability to make judgements involving complex facts or situations, ability to exercise judgement in identifying and assessing complicated events or problem
• Ability to meet agreed/specified service targets by management of own caseload and time
• Knowledge of current trends and developments in specific field .
• Understanding of the local healthcare landscape and community resources.
• Demonstrates high standards in written communication i.e. able to write clear reports and patient notes
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in using healthcare related software and technology.
• Advanced skills in specific area (e.g., clinical assessment, therapeutic interventions).
• Ability to develop and deliver training or educational sessions.

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Innovative and proactive approach to problem solving.
• Strong commitment to patient centred care and service improvement.

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.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust