Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 7 Lead Occupational Therapist to join the Kent and Medway Adolescent Hospital (KMAH), part of the North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT). KMAH is a 14-bed general adolescent inpatient unit, including three eating disorder pathway beds, set in a modern hospital within beautiful grounds. The role offers the chance to work in an experienced multidisciplinary team (MDT) delivering evidence-based, person-centred care to young people and families, supporting recovery and smooth transitions back to the community.
The successful applicant will provide clinical leadership within the MDT, reporting to the Clinical Lead and Matron. They will supervise a Band 6 OT and several OT Assistants, ensuring delivery of consistent, evidence-based interventions. Key duties include maintaining and enhancing the existing ward OT programme, delivering sensory assessments, and creating individualised therapeutic plans. Collaboration with the Intensive Home Treatment Team (IHTT) will also provide opportunities for community-based interventions.
KMAH works closely with NELFT’s locality teams, eating disorder and neurodevelopmental services, and provides a Section 136 health-based place of safety. Staff benefit from strong training, CPD, and research opportunities, including CYP-IAPT and leadership development. This role offers the chance to shape and enhance OT practice across a dynamic adolescent mental health service.
The role will require the successful candidate to work as part of the team based in the inpatient setting but with interface with other NELFT services and external stakeholders to ensure service delivery is of a high quality and provided 365 days per year.
Responsibilities
* Lead clinical OT within the MDT and supervise a Band 6 OT and several OT Assistants to deliver consistent, evidence-based interventions.
* Maintain and enhance the ward OT programme, deliver sensory assessments, and create individualised therapeutic plans.
* Collaborate with the Intensive Home Treatment Team (IHTT) to provide opportunities for community-based interventions.
* Provide clinical leadership within the MDT and report to the Clinical Lead and Matron.
* Coordinate with NELFT locality teams, eating disorder and neurodevelopmental services, and other related services to ensure integrated care.
* Contribute to maintaining a Section 136 health-based place of safety as part of the service.
* Support training, CPD, and research opportunities for staff, including CYP-IAPT and leadership development.
* Shape and enhance OT practice across the adolescent mental health service in collaboration with the MDT.
Requirements / Qualifications
* Band 7 Occupational Therapist with relevant clinical leadership experience in adolescent mental health.
* Excellent communication skills and strong knowledge of current OT best practice.
* Ability to work effectively as part of a multi-professional team across the inpatient and community services.
* Commitment to evidence-based, person-centred care and to supporting recovery and transitions to the community.
* Willingness to work 365 days per year in a hospital setting with interfaces to other services and external stakeholders.
* Probationary period applies (internal applicants may be exempt under certain conditions).
Starting with NELFT
NELFT places a great deal of importance on a proper welcome and induction. All new starters join on the first Monday of each month for a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks, including mandatory training, systems training, and equipment allocation. New starters will have opportunities to meet the executive team, senior managers, and attend drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing, and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.
Use of AI
Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer closely to this when completing your application. We welcome your application even if you do not meet all the criteria listed in the person specification. Any development needs to help you succeed in the role can be discussed at the interview stage.
Certificates of Sponsorship
Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points-based system. When calculating the basic salary for sponsorship, HCAS (High-Cost Area Supplement) is not included to ensure fairness and consistency within our Trust.
Use of AI (Recruitment)
Please see attached document regarding acceptable use of AI during the recruitment process.
This advert closes on Friday 13 Feb 2026
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