The closing date is 26 May 2026.
The Forensic Intensive Recovery Support Team (FIRST) is seeking a dynamic Occupational Therapist to deliver a high‑quality, recovery‑focused occupational therapy service that supports safe, person‑centred, and timely transitions into and out of secure forensic mental health care. The postholder will work collaboratively across inpatient and community settings to facilitate therapeutic discharge planning, reduce risk, and promote reintegration into the community.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide specialist, high‑quality, recovery‑focused occupational therapy interventions within the FIRST service for adults with complex and enduring mental health needs. Working autonomously, the post holder will manage a complex and high‑risk caseload, undertake advanced occupational therapy assessments, develop collaborative care plans, and deliver evidence‑based interventions that promote functional independence, wellbeing, and meaningful occupation. The role requires advanced clinical reasoning, leadership in risk assessment and positive risk‑taking, and active involvement in discharge planning and care coordination. The post holder will work closely with multidisciplinary colleagues, carers, and partner agencies to ensure integrated, person‑centred care; provide clinical leadership, supervision and support to junior staff and students; contribute to service development and quality improvement; uphold clinical governance standards; and ensure documentation complies with professional, legal, and organisational requirements. This is a full‑time post with an opportunity to work in a hybrid way, with some home working offering a work/life balance. A driving licence and access to a car are required.
Qualifications & Training
* Dip COT or degree in Occupational Therapy
* HCPC Registered
* Training in relevant assessment tools (e.g., MOHOST, OCAIRS)
Experience
* Experience working in mental health settings
* Experience in inpatient mental health or crisis services or forensic / criminal justice setting
* Experience of working with challenging behaviour and/or in secure settings
* Experience with complex discharge coordination
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
* Ability to work with clients with complex needs
* Strong enhanced communication, organisational, and risk assessment skills
* Post qualification courses in occupational therapy
* Evidence of delivering Occupational Therapy interventions through group and individual work in a variety of settings (e.g., community ward and patients' home)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Address
St George's Hospital (FIRST geographical area)
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