Job Summary
This post is an opportunity for a Band 4 Occupational Therapy Assistant to work in the Medium Secure Forensic Service. This role involves being part of the Recovery-focused Occupational Therapy Team carrying out specialist group and individual work within the inpatient unit working across acute, rehab and specialist wards.
The ideal candidate will have experience of working in mental health and/or a forensic setting. Please contact Sidrah Babar on 020 85102417 for further details.
Main Duties
* Support the OT service in providing specialist OT treatment in inpatient and community settings.
* Implement OT treatment plans through the provision of specialist individual and group treatment programmes.
* Positively contribute to the development of the forensic mental health occupational therapy service.
* Collaborate with the MDT team in its provision of assessment and treatment of service users.
Job Responsibilities
* Under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, implement agreed occupational therapy treatment plans by carrying out practical individual and group activities with service users.
* Collaborate with senior OT staff to review and modify specialist treatment programmes when necessary.
* Assist senior OT staff in the assessment and treatment of service users in a specialist mental health service.
* Work and liaise appropriately with the multi‑disciplinary team, including attendance at service‑user related meetings as directed.
* Effectively maintain records and report observations of service users’ progress and performance verbally and in writing.
* Ensure that all clinical contact incorporates risk assessment and appropriate management of risk.
* Participate in the development of evidence‑based delivery of therapeutic interventions, as directed by qualified staff members.
* Work flexibly in the delivery of treatment.
* Contribute to the Recovery college programme of activities.
Person Specification
Education / Qualification / Training
Essential
* Knowledge of equal opportunities and confidentiality.
* Basic understanding of needs and concerns of service users in a forensic mental health setting.
* Understanding of OT and ability to learn about the OT process.
* Interpersonal skills enabling therapeutic alliances to be developed and maintained with service users who have complex needs.
Desirable
* NVQ and/or B‑tech in care related skills.
* Qualification in relevant practical skills.
* Knowledge of College of OT standards of practice.
Experience
Essential
* Using a range of practical and creative skills.
* Worked with people who have experienced mental health problems.
Desirable
* Worked within a forensic mental health setting.
Knowledge and Skills
* Knowledge of equal opportunities and confidentiality.
* Basic understanding of needs and concerns of service users in a forensic mental health setting.
* Understanding of OT and ability to learn about the OT process.
* Interpersonal skills enabling therapeutic alliances to be developed and maintained with service users who have complex needs.
Other Requirements
* Physical skills required to facilitate a wide range of activities both on a one‑to‑one and group basis, including using equipment as required.
* Mental and emotional effort required to undertake concentration for clinical consultations and interventions on both one‑to‑one and group basis.
* Ability to manage frequent highly distressing clinical interactions with clients who have serious mental health problems.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and 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.
Certificate Spons
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Employer Details
East London NHS Foundation Trust
John Howard Centre
12 Kenworthy Road
Homerton
E9 5TD
https://www.elft.nhs.uk/
Job Details
Date posted: 16 January 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £33,094 to £36,195 a year per annum Inc HCA
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 363-FOR7691363
Job location: John Howard Centre, 12 Kenworthy Road, Homerton, E9 5TD
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