Occupational Therapist
The closing date is 19 January 2026
Come and join us and be one of the friendly and supportive 300 Occupational Therapists (OTs) in CNWL. We work in many different teams in both physical and mental health, as well as a number of specialist areas. You could have a career for life with us and maintain your dual skills.
OT in CNWL is very fortunate in having an established professional structure and this includes an AHP director, Trust-wide Professional Head of OT, borough and specialist Head OTs. This has the vast benefit of ensuring representation of our profession at all levels - both strategically and operationally.
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 BAME OT group.
Main duties of the job
If you are an OT who strives for excellence and wants to develop to your full potential then we would welcome your application.
This post is a pure OT role with some generic responsibilities. This role is ideal for anyone looking to gain experience in an older adult mental health setting, working alongside a supportive and experienced team of senior and specialist OT staff. You will develop skills in OT specific assessments, sensory assessments and interventions, trauma informed approaches, individual and group work and have the opportunity to learn from a varied of skills within our MDT, including nursing, psychology and the medical team.
About us
CNWL (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) has almost 7,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond. We involve service users, carers, the public, staff and partner organisations in the way that we are run.
Our catchment area spans diverse communities, with over 100 first languages spoken. It contains areas of great affluence as well as areas of much deprivation. We are committed to providing services that meet the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference. We’re proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME and people with disabilities to promote good relations and understanding between our staff. We are recognised locally, nationally and internationally for providing high quality, innovative healthcare. We aim to employ only the best people, and our experts are frequently called upon to contribute to national health strategy and policy, and many models of our care have been adapted for use in other countries.
Become part of our team. We care for you as much as you care for others.
Job responsibilities
To provide the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in the CMHT with an enhanced occupational therapy service and expertise. This will include individual (and possibly group) work, assessment, intervention and evaluation in accordance with the Royal College of Occupational Therapy Code of Practice.
To utilise standardised assessments such as MOHO and dementia-related evidence based assessment tools in order to establish a baseline functional assessment from which recommendations can determine further ongoing care and treatment in order to enable optimum engagement and well‑being.
To integrate evidence based practice and skilful use of assessments and interventions with person‑centred care principles in order to improve the service user’s quality of life and to support them to do the things they want to do and live meaningful lives.
To apply a high level of understanding of the effects of mental illness, dementia and physical conditions on functioning; providing training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to service users social and physical environment. This will include undertaking assessments and making recommendations with regards to the provision of equipment/aids and adaptations.
Person Specification
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
* Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
* Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) registered Occupational Therapist.
* Member of RCOT.
* Mental health / Dementia - specific workshops and short courses.
* Post graduate training specific to clinical specialty.
* Practice Placement Educator's Course.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
* Experience of working with older people.
* Experience of working with individuals with dementia.
* Experience of assessing for/ providing / offering training in use of adaptive equipment.
* Experience of using a range of standardised OT assessments.
* Experience of working in a multi‐disciplinary team.
* Experience of working in a multi‑cultural environment.
* Experience of drafting group protocols and setting up / facilitating groups / group programme.
* Supervision of OT students / non qualified staff.
* Experience of partnership working in promoting socially inclusive opportunities for patients.
* Experience of completing the HONOS screening clustering tool / Risk Assessment Tools.
* OT work with older people.
* OT work with people with dementia.
* Experience of participating in audit / research projects.
* 'Lived experience' of either using mental health services or supporting someone who uses services.
* Experience of working with carers.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES
* Individual and group‑work assessment and intervention skills.
* Skills in producing timely, accurate and informative reports and notes.
* Effective communication skills - verbal and written.
* Good organisational skills and an ability to delegate effectively.
* Clear concept of Occupational Therapy and models of practice.
* Knowledge of the application of risk assessment and risk management strategies which facilitates a service user’s engagement.
* Knowledge of person‑centred care principles and their application to service delivery.
* Knowledge about dementia and its impact on individuals and carers.
* Knowledge about the physiological and psychological effects of ageing.
* Ability to work autonomously, as well as part of an MDT.
* Ability to manage conflict constructively.
* Ability to prioritise workload and use initiative.
* Ability to work creatively to engage service users.
* Ability to regularly identify and undertake appropriate learning and development opportunities as part of ongoing CPD.
* Ability to adopt a culturally sensitive approach that considers the needs of the whole person.
* Ability to determine the impact of mental and physical conditions on a service user’s functional ability and undertake assessment/make recommendations with regards to the provision of equipment/aids and adaptations.
* Ability to work in a team setting i.e. collaborating/facilitating/directing and understanding diversity.
* Knowledge of the theory underpinning the Model of Human Occupation.
* Knowledge of Claudia Allen's Cognitive Disability Model.
* Knowledge of Vona du Troit's Model of Creative Ability.
* Research and development at graduate level.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
* High level of personal motivation.
* Flexibility and creativity in approach.
* Awareness of self in relation to others with the ability to set and manage boundaries.
* Commitment to continuous learning and development.
* Interpersonal skills which enable constructive relationships to be built.
* Commitment to treating service users with respect and dignity at all times.
* Commitment to enhancing the well‑being of individuals with dementia.
* Commitment to promoting the recovery of older people with mental health issues.
OTHER
* The post holder must have the ability to understand and implement National Policies, Equal Opportunities and the Code of Ethics at a level appropriate to the job.
* Membership of BAOT and Specialist Sections.
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
#J-18808-Ljbffr