The Role and Importance of a Band 6 Senior Occupational Therapist in the NHS
A Band 6 Senior Occupational Therapist (OT) plays a pivotal role in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), acting as both a clinical expert and a team leader. This position involves assessing patients’ physical and psychological needs, developing personalised intervention plans, and supporting rehabilitation and independence across diverse settings—hospitals, community teams, and specialist clinics. A Band 6 OT also supports junior colleagues, contributes to service development, and liaises with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless care delivery.
The salary for an NHS Band 6 Occupational Therapist typically ranges between £35,392 and £42,618 per year (as per the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales), depending on experience and location. Beyond pay, the role offers career progression opportunities and the fulfilment of directly improving patient lives.
Top 20 Interview Questions and Winning Answers for a Band 6 Senior Occupational Therapist Role
Can you describe your experience with complex caseloads?
Answer: In my previous Band 5 role, I managed a varied caseload that included post-operative orthopaedic patients and individuals with long-term neurological conditions. I prioritised based on risk, complexity, and discharge goals, often using clinical reasoning to adapt care plans dynamically.
How do you ensure effective communication within a multidisciplinary team?
Answer: I use SBAR communication, attend daily board rounds, and provide concise written updates. I also ensure active listening and mutual respect across professions, which supports cohesive decision-making.
Tell us about a time you had to manage a conflict within your team.
Answer: I once mediated a disagreement between a junior OT and a physiotherapist regarding a shared patient. I facilitated a joint meeting, encouraged open dialogue, and refocused the discussion on patient outcomes, which resolved the issue collaboratively.
How do you assess risk in community settings?
Answer: I use structured tools such as the Falls Risk Assessment and environmental home assessments. I balance patient autonomy with safety, often involving family and social services when necessary.
How would you support a junior staff member struggling with prioritisation?
Answer: I would offer supervision sessions to reflect on their challenges, provide a prioritisation framework like the RAG system, and shadow them for live feedback, encouraging growth through mentorship.
Describe your approach to service improvement.
Answer: I recently led a project to streamline discharge paperwork by introducing a standardised template, reducing errors and improving communication between inpatient and community teams.
What outcome measures do you routinely use?
Answer: I frequently use the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Barthel Index, and MOHOST depending on patient needs and service setting, ensuring evidence-based evaluations.
How do you ensure person-centred care?
Answer: I start with a thorough occupational history to understand the patient’s goals, preferences, and life roles. This guides all intervention planning and fosters better engagement.
How do you manage time effectively in a high-demand service?
Answer: I plan each day with buffer slots for urgent referrals, use electronic caseload tools to prioritise, and delegate tasks where appropriate to maximise productivity without compromising care quality.
What experience do you have with discharge planning?
Answer: I work closely with patients, families, and the MDT to identify needs, complete timely referrals, and arrange community services. I’ve also facilitated home visits and rapid discharge for medically fit patients.
How do you handle ethical dilemmas in practice?
Answer: I refer to the RCOT Code of Ethics and liaise with my supervisor and the safeguarding team when necessary. For example, with a cognitively impaired patient refusing equipment, I explored their reasoning and involved their family and best interest discussions before deciding.
Can you give an example of when you used evidence-based practice?
Answer: I introduced graded activity engagement for stroke rehab based on current NICE guidelines and demonstrated improved functional outcomes during re-assessment.
How do you contribute to staff training or CPD?
Answer: I deliver monthly in-service training sessions on manual handling and recently ran a workshop on cognitive assessments for new grads. I also engage in CPD through e-learning, journals, and peer supervision.
How would you manage a safeguarding concern?
Answer: I would document the concern clearly, follow local safeguarding protocols, inform the safeguarding lead, and ensure the patient is safe while maintaining confidentiality.
How do you handle service user feedback?
Answer: I encourage feedback through surveys and one-on-one reviews, and I actively reflect on both positive and critical responses to improve care. I once adapted my communication approach after feedback from a hearing-impaired patient.
How would you support the transition of a patient with complex needs into the community?
Answer: I develop a graded reablement plan, liaise with social care and community OTs, and ensure equipment and support are in place before discharge, including family education.
What strategies do you use for cognitive rehabilitation?
Answer: I apply errorless learning, visual cues, and routine structuring techniques, and work closely with neuropsychologists when necessary. I also use standardised tools like the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test.
How do you adapt interventions for diverse cultural backgrounds?
Answer: I conduct culturally sensitive assessments, involve interpreters, and respect religious and dietary preferences when planning interventions. I also collaborate with community organisations for culturally relevant support.
How do you stay updated with legislation relevant to OT practice?
Answer: I subscribe to RCOT updates, attend regional CPD events, and engage in reflective discussions during team meetings to stay compliant and current.
Why are you the right fit for this Band 6 role?
Answer: My clinical experience, leadership in service development, and passion for holistic, evidence-based care align closely with the values and vision of your trust. I bring initiative, compassion, and the readiness to mentor others while continuing to learn and grow.
Interview Tips and Final Encouragement
Preparation is key. Study the trust’s values, understand the Band 6 responsibilities, and practice your answers aloud. Reflect deeply on past experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and always align your responses with NHS core values: compassion, respect, and excellence.
Bring a portfolio with evidence of CPD, audits, or case studies if possible. Ask thoughtful questions at the end, and remember: your passion, empathy, and professionalism are just as important as your clinical knowledge.
Good luck—you’ve got this!
