Lead Occupational Therapist

Join to apply for the Lead Occupational Therapist role at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. We’re looking for an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our vibrant team at Park Royal – this is your chance to shape services, lead exciting projects and make a real difference for service users while developing your own career. Job Overview We’re looking for an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our vibrant team at Park Royal – and this isn’t just any OT role. This is your chance to shape services, lead exciting projects, and make a real difference for service users while developing your own career. Why this role is different Develop and Diversify OT Provision – You’ll have the freedom to expand activity and OT services across our acute wards and PICU, supported by an open‑minded senior management team that values fresh thinking. Leadership Opportunities – This role is perfect for an experienced Band 6 (with line management, leadership experience) or Band 7 OT ready to step up. You’ll lead projects, supervise a dynamic team, and gain exposure to service development. Transitional Care Project – Help us bridge the gap between acute and community care by piloting a model where acute OTs support service users into community spaces. New Coffee Bar Project – Be part of a creative vocational enablement initiative where service users help run a coffee bar, building real‑world skills and linking to employment opportunities. Main duties of the job Guide the professional and day‑to‑day clinical leadership of the Tamarind Team and drive service development across four acute wards and one PICU. About The Team You will oversee the Tamarind team, consisting of: 5 OTs, 1 OT apprentice, 4 Activity Coordinators, 2 Fitness Instructors, and 1 Peer Support Worker. Who We Are Looking For A motivated OT ready to develop leadership and service development skills. Someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and enjoys working with multiple stakeholders. A creative thinker who sees change as an opportunity. Committed to CPD for themselves and their team. Working for our organisation A supportive team of OTs, activity coordinators, fitness instructors, and peer support workers. Regular supervision and mentorship from HOT. Opportunities to lead on OT projects and QI initiatives. Access to specialist OT forums, CPD sessions, and research networks. A workplace that values creativity, inclusion, and professional growth. Opportunity for specialist training such as Sensory Integration Practitioner. Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities Provide professional and day‑to‑day clinical leadership and expertise to the Tamarind Team. Work effectively in partnership and collaboration with a range of agencies and professionals that support service users in their recovery. Ensure that all interventions amplify an individual’s self‑management skills in line with the principles and ethos of recovery and social inclusion. Be involved with the development and implementation of the Ward Group Programmes. Manage a defined complex occupational therapy caseload using evidence‑based and person‑centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate specialist OT treatment. Work in conjunction with the Borough Head OT and other Lead OTs in the Trust to support the development of and promote evidence‑based OT within the acute roles. Work in conjunction with senior staff in the MDT and our acute service to support the development of OT and Activity services at Park Royal Centre for Mental Health. Provide training and education to occupational therapists and other professionals with regard to how occupation may assist the recovery of service users. Jointly work with other Lead OTs in acute services in CNWL to develop services including specific projects, audit and research. Act as an educator to students on practice placement. Act as mentor for OT apprenticeships as required. Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy. HCPC registered Occupational Therapist. Practice Placement Educator’s Course. Mental health specific workshops and short courses. Desirable criteria Post graduate training specific to clinical specialty. Management & Leadership training. PSI Training. RCOT membership. Experience Essential criteria Significant post‑qualification experience working in mental health services. Experience in participating in audit / research projects. Experience in leading and/or developing a service/component of a service. Experience in using a range of standardised OT assessments including MOHO assessments. Experience of supervising and appraising staff / unqualified staff; recruitment and workforce planning. Experience in managing resources e.g. financial, stock, equipment etc. Experience of effective partnership working, with external providers, in promoting socially inclusive opportunities for service users. Experience in completing Risk Assessment Tools. Experience in partnership working with external agencies. Desirable criteria Experience in community mental health. Experience in Inpatient mental health. Experience in completing PSI investigations. Experience in managing complex HR issues with staff (e.g., management of performance / long‑term sickness). Skills, Knowledge & Abilities Essential criteria Individual and group work assessment and intervention skills. Ability to deal with sensitivities and complexities, using interpersonal skills. Effective leadership skills through the management of designated projects, audits and research. Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, listening, and proficient use of up‑to‑date systems of communication such as IT systems, e‑mail, fax, telephone). Skills in producing timely, accurate and informative reports and notes. Knowledge of personal recovery principles and their application to service delivery. Clear concept of Occupational Therapy and models of practice. Ability to work autonomously, on own initiative and under pressure to meet deadlines; and to make and action decisions independently within agreed time frames. Ability to deputise in the absence of the Head OT. Ability to prioritise workload, delegate effectively and support junior staff to do so. Ability to regularly identify and undertake appropriate learning and development opportunities as part of ongoing CPD. Ability to ensure the application of risk assessment and risk management strategies which facilitate a service user’s recovery. Desirable criteria Research & development experience at postgraduate level. Delivery of formal presentations and teaching sessions. Membership of BAOT and Specialist Sections. Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level; Employment type: Full‑time; Job function: Health Care Provider; Industries: Hospitals and Health Care. #J-18808-Ljbffr