Senior Occupational Therapist

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust Senior Occupational Therapist The closing date is 19 December 2025 An exciting opportunity has opened up for a senior Occupational Therapist to join our Hillingdon Mental Health Inpatient Service. The role covers both the treatment wards (2x18-bedded male and female wards) and the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (8-bedded male PICU). We are looking for people who are passionate about OT and want the opportunity to focus on their clinical OT skills, and who have ideas to grow and develop the OT provision within inpatient services. We recognise that Band 6's are often the backbone of our clinical teams. As such, we are committed to supporting your professional development both clinically and in building your leadership skills. You will have opportunities to: Supervise junior staff and students Act as a Practice Educator Access a wide range of internal and external training opportunities Build your leadership skills as part of your progression toward Band 7 roles within CNWL If you are passionate about mental health, committed to person-centred care, and ready to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you. Main duties of the job Occupational therapists hold a key role within the Inpatient Team providing occupational therapy service and expertise; which will include individual and group work, assessment, intervention and evaluation in accordance with the Royal College of Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics. You will be using MOHO and other evidence-based assessment tools in order to establish a baseline functional assessment from which recommendations can determine further on‑going care and treatment to enable optimum functioning. The role requires integrated evidence-based practice and skilful use of assessments & interventions with personal recovery principles, in order to improve the service users' quality of life and to support them to do the things they want to do and live the life they want to lead. You would need to be committed to working within recovery principles. The successful applicant will be self‑motivated with a desire to work in mental health, and willing to learn and grow within the team. This post receives supervision from the Acute Lead OT (Band 7) and in addition there is a great support network working alongside other OTs in the Borough and across the trust. Opportunities for training, reflective practice, case formulation using Trauma Informed Approaches, skill sharing and several other projects are available ongoingly. About us Specialised OT & Mental health training comprehensive offer of OT to OT training sessions, as well as specialised training depending on area of interest such as sensory integration and trauma informed care. Shadow and develop skills in our neighbouring services, allowing you to see the full circle of treatment for our patients. Mentoring and coaching sessions supporting you with your development and growth into the role, including a bespoke 1:1 induction by Head OT tailored to your specific needs. Monthly supervision from the lead OT for Hillingdon Inpatient Services. You will be supported in developing your management and leadership skills through supervising others, supporting students and developing new initiatives for the service. Opportunities to get involved in the established Research and Development structures in OT, including specialist forums and valuable networks. A truly inclusive and diverse workspace. Nationally leading Trust wide staff networks. Staff health and wellbeing schemes. QI training and support to bring your strengths and skills to service development. Job responsibilities OT in CNWL is very fortunate in having a long-established professional structure and this includes an AHP director, Trust wide Professional Head of OT, borough and specialist Head OTs. Personal and professional development is a high priority for the profession and is underpinned by our OT R&D strategy, R&D specialist groups and OT clinical networks. This enables us to invest in the development of our staff by providing excellent internal training as well as commissioning specialised external training and providing quality supervision. This ensures all our OTs reach their full potential at every stage of their career. Our commitment to research, audit and EBP is made possible by our strong links with local universities. We actively support the next generation of OTs through apprenticeships, student placements and the promotion of the profession as a career in schools. We are proud of the diversity in our workforce but have invested time in supporting and developing this further through our Equality Diversity & Belonging OT group. Have a look at this video which provides further information with what to expect when working as an OT with CNWL, and the support which is offered: CNWL Occupational Therapy Recruitment (FINAL) on Vimeo Person Specification Qualifications Degree (or Diploma) in Occupational Therapy Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC) registered Occupational Therapist. Post qualification training in relevant mental health therapeutic skills. Fieldwork Educators accreditation. Experience Significant post qualification experience working in adult mental health settings as an OT Experience of working with SU's presenting with a wide range of complex, severe & enduring mental health conditions Experience in using a range of standardised OT assessments Experience of working both autonomously and in an MDT Experience of drafting group protocols and setting up & facilitating groups Experience of partnership working in promoting socially inclusive opportunities for SU's Experience of comprehensive risk assessment and risk management Experience of audit/ research projects Experience of facilitating training sessions Supervision of qualified OT staff Knowledge and Skills Clear concept of OT and models of practice Good communication skills written, verbal, listening and use of IT communications. Ability to prioritise workload and use initiative Able to work creatively to engage patients and to build constructive relationships with warmth and empathy. Timely reporting and record keeping. Regularly identify and undertake appropriate learning opportunities as part of ongoing CPD. Ability to treat service users with respect and dignity at all times, adopting a culturally sensitive approach that considers the needs of the whole person. Ability to determine the impact of physical conditions on service user's functional ability and undertake assessment/make recommendations with regards to the provision of equipment/aids and adaptations. Good awareness of the principles of safeguarding and how to implement this in practice. Research and development at graduate level. Knowledge and experience of sensory integration. Knowledge of trauma‑informed approaches. Personal Characteristics Professional confidence and willingness to work flexibly as a member of the MDT Good organisational skills and able to delegate effectively Ability to manage conflict constructively To act as a positive role model for junior staff High level of personal motivation. Ability to encourage patient participation and ensure a high delivery of customer service. Demonstrate a willingness to develop knowledge and skills. Other The post holder must have the ability to understand and implement National Policies, Equal Opportunities and the Code of Ethics at level appropriate to the job. Membership of RCoT 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. Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust £44,485 to £52,521 a year per annum inc HCAS (pro rata if P/T) #J-18808-Ljbffr