Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Barking & Dagenham Community Mental Health Services for an experienced and motivated Band 8a Occupational Therapist to join the service in a senior leadership role.
The successful candidate will be a key member of a supportive and forward-thinking management team, providing professional leadership, clinical oversight, and strategic direction for Occupational Therapy staff across the directorate. You will play a central role in the development, delivery, and promotion of high-quality Occupational Therapy services for adults with serious and enduring mental health needs.
This post requires substantial experience of working within community mental health services and a strong understanding of recovery-focused, person-centred care. You will be expected to demonstrate effective leadership skills, the ability to support and develop staff, and a commitment to service improvement within a multidisciplinary environment.
The role offers an excellent opportunity to further develop senior leadership and management skills while contributing to service transformation and innovation. You will be supported by a strong local infrastructure and benefit from collaborative working across the wider health and social care system.
We welcome applications from enthusiastic, skilled Occupational Therapists who are passionate about improving outcomes for people with complex mental health needs and who are committed to upholding NHS values.
The post holder will report directly to the Head of Adult Mental Health Services for Barking & Dagenham, with professional supervision provided by the Trust Professional Lead for Allied Health Professions (AHP).
Responsibilities
* As a key member of the senior management team, contribute to the delivery of operational and strategic objectives across the directorate.
* Provide professional leadership for Occupational Therapy staff, including supervision, professional development, workforce planning, and supporting effective recruitment and retention.
* Provide specialist Occupational Therapy advice and guidance to Integrated Care Directors, Associate Directors, and team managers, and contribute to Trust-wide Professional Lead Occupational Therapy and Allied Health Professional groups to support professional standards and service development.
* Lead on Social Inclusion, Recovery, and Wellbeing agendas and manage NELFT ISA (Barking & Dagenham)–funded specialist mental health community placements, ensuring effective placement reviews, value for money, positive clinical outcomes, and appropriate throughput.
* Contribute to borough, directorate, Mental Health Services, and Trust-wide projects as required, and ensure appropriate supervision and development of STR, Peer Support Workers, and other designated staff.
Qualifications and requirements
* Substantial experience of working within community mental health services and a strong understanding of recovery-focused, person-centred care.
* Demonstrated effective leadership skills and the ability to support and develop staff within a multidisciplinary environment.
* Experience in service improvement, workforce planning, and professional development within Occupational Therapy.
* Ability to provide professional leadership and direction for Occupational Therapy staff across the directorate.
* Report line: reports to the Head of Adult Mental Health Services for Barking & Dagenham; professional supervision by the Trust Professional Lead for Allied Health Professions (AHP).
Additional information
* The post holder will lead on Social Inclusion, Recovery, and Wellbeing agendas and manage funded specialist placements, with oversight of placement reviews and outcomes.
* Will contribute to borough, directorate, Mental Health Services, and Trust-wide projects as required, including supervision and development of STR, Peer Support Workers, and other designated staff.
* Probationary period applicable.
* High Cost Area Supplement - Outer London: 15% of basic salary (minimum £4,714 and maximum £5,941 per annum, pro rata for part time).
* Use of AI: Please see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.
* References: Provide references from your most recent employer, including a direct Line Manager or Supervisor; professional emails required; gaps in employment should be clearly indicated.
* Certificates of Sponsorship: We are a registered sponsor but sponsorship is not offered for all roles; check eligibility under the UKVI points-based system.
* Salary and entitlements: Basic salary plus HCAS (High-Cost Area Supplement) considerations described above.
* This advert closes on Wednesday 25 Mar 2026.
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