We are looking to recruit Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) for the Bethlem Adolescent Unit.
To deliver the high quality of care we believe our young people deserve, we have a Multi‑Disciplinary Team comprising nursing staff, doctors, clinical psychologists, systemic family therapists, occupational therapists, social workers and education staff to engage with young people and their families and provide a broad range of interventions that meet individual needs. OTAs must be able to communicate and engage young people, occupying them with meaningful activity at all stages of their illness and working closely with the OT team to devise, plan and facilitate patient‑centred therapeutic groups and one‑to‑one sessions. The focus is on recovery and risk reduction, enabling the young person to develop independent living skills to return to the community.
You must have experience working in an acute mental health setting or a youth setting, delivering activities individually or in groups to young people. In return you will be supported by an experienced nursing team and senior occupational therapist, with opportunities for further development and training.
Bring specialised technical and creative skills to coordinate, develop and facilitate a flexible, client‑centred programme of therapeutic activities for individuals and groups. This will include the unit therapeutic programme, developed under the supervision of the ward manager and OT with input from other multidisciplinary staff. The post involves shift work, including weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and bank holidays, so you must be able to work these hours.
SLaM provides the largest and most specialised CAMHS services in the country. Our general adolescent inpatient services – Bethlem Adolescent Unit and Tyson East 2 – are based in the beautiful grounds of Bethlem Royal Hospital in Beckenham. We also run a CAMHS PICU with capacity for seven beds. We seek staff with a deep understanding of young people’s needs, able to innovate and contribute to our growing services. Join our dynamic, supportive, and highly skilled team.
Clinical
* Work autonomously to deliver clinical interventions using highly skilled technical, creative and specialised abilities to engage young people in therapeutic activities.
* Provide a flexible inclusive therapeutic programme covering days, evenings and weekends (Saturday and Sunday) as well as school holidays.
* Instruct and guide young people to support them in achieving identified goals.
* Facilitate and manage planned group work and individual activities, continuously assessing and adjusting interventions in response to changing needs.
* Deliver and report on delegated OT assessments.
* Design therapeutic programmes using specialised skills in designated areas.
* Participate in the Care Programme Approach, assisting in the development of care plans.
* Manage an agreed caseload autonomously.
* Assist in designing, implementing, evaluating and modifying OT and team interventions.
* Apply occupational therapy principles to individual and group sessions.
* Assess and manage risk effectively in clinical and community settings.
* Use specialised technical/creative/physical exercise skills and interventions to plan and deliver activities that promote independence and wellbeing.
* Employ a variety of teaching techniques with individuals and groups.
* Undertake delegated tasks contributing to the safe and smooth running of the service.
* Apply risk assessment and management principles to all clinical work alongside the MDT.
Communication
* Form professional relationships with young people, carers, team members, colleagues and external agencies.
* Communicate effectively and appropriately with team members on clinical matters and share outcomes of interventions.
* Use a range of communication skills to instruct and guide individuals/groups and keep the ward updated on available local resources.
* Engage and motivate young people from diverse backgrounds.
* Contribute to the MDT’s decision making.
Documentation
* Maintain up‑to‑date written and electronic records and activity data in line with Professional and Trust standards.
* Correspond with external agencies on clinical matters under senior staff direction.
* Write OT assessments and reports in consultation with staff according to local standards.
* Produce and implement relevant policies and procedures related to responsibility, such as safe practice guidelines.
Leadership, Supervision and Appraisal
* Review and reflect on own practice through regular participation in clinical and professional supervision and appraisal.
* Provide day‑to‑day support and guidance to staff, ensuring effective delivery of services.
* Lead and support junior staff.
Professional Ethics and Development
* Comply with national, local procedures and guidelines and the relevant professional code of conduct.
* Respect individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of clients and contribute to culturally sensitive service provision.
* Demonstrate ongoing personal development through training identified in supervision and appraisal.
Service Development and Delivery
* Participate in planning, reviewing and developing services within the clinical area.
* Ensure safe environment by maintaining, caring for tools, materials and equipment.
* Stay current on issues within the OT strategy, business plan and other local service reviews.
Clinical Governance and Quality Standards
* Participate in clinical governance and quality improvement projects as appropriate.
Line Management, Staff and Budgets
* Exercise good time management, punctuality and reliable attendance.
* Handle petty cash, stock control and equipment usage where appropriate.
* Assist the Senior OT in leading the ward group therapeutic programme.
Research and Practice Development
* Keep up to date with relevant techniques and methods of practice and apply them day‑to‑day.
* Participate in OT/Team audit and evaluation activities and projects as agreed with supervisor.
* Undertake small audit or research projects where appropriate.
This advert closes on Thursday 28 May 2026.
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