Overview
An exciting opportunity 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 post involves professional leadership, clinical oversight, and strategic direction for Occupational Therapy staff across the directorate, with a focus on developing, delivering and promoting high-quality Occupational Therapy services for adults with serious and enduring mental health needs. The postholder will report to the Head of Adult Mental Health Services for Barking & Dagenham and receive professional supervision from the Trust Professional Lead for Allied Health Professions (AHP).
The role is suitable for someone with substantial experience in community mental health services, a recovery-focused, person-centred approach, and the ability to lead, support and develop staff while driving service improvement within a multidisciplinary environment.
Responsibilities
* Provide professional leadership for Occupational Therapy staff, including supervision, professional development, workforce planning, and support for recruitment and retention.
* Contribute to operational and strategic objectives across the directorate as part of the senior management team.
* Offer specialist Occupational Therapy advice to Integrated Care Directors, Associate Directors, and team managers, and contribute to professional standards and service development within Trust-wide groups.
* 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.
* Participate in borough, directorate, Mental Health Services, and Trust-wide projects as required; supervise and develop STR, Peer Support Workers, and other designated staff.
* Support service transformation and innovation with a strong local infrastructure and collaborative working across the wider health and social care system.
Requirements / Qualifications
* Substantial experience of working within community mental health services.
* Strong understanding of recovery-focused, person-centred care.
* Proven leadership skills and the ability to support, develop and supervise staff.
* Commitment to service improvement within a multidisciplinary environment.
* Willingness to engage in workforce planning and recruitment activities to support effective staffing.
Other information
* Probationary Period: This post will be subject to a probationary period.
* High Cost Area Supplement - Outer London: This post attracts a 15% supplement (minimum £4,714 and maximum £5,941 per annum, pro rata for part time).
* Use of AI: See attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.
* Contact for further details / informal visits: Taiwo Odukoya, Head of Adult Mental Health Services in B&D. Email: Taiwo.odukoya2@nelft.nhs.uk; Tel: 07548161272.
* The post holder will lead on Social Inclusion, Recovery, and Wellbeing agendas and be responsible for managing NELFT ISA (Barking & Dagenham)–funded placements, ensuring effective reviews and positive outcomes.
* Participation in additional borough, directorate, Mental Health Services, and Trust-wide projects as required; supervision and development of STR, Peer Support Workers, and other designated staff.
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