Assertive Outreach Occupational Therapist

Job overview

Hillingdon Adult Community Mental Health Services are seeking a motivated and experienced Band 6 Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our new Assertive Outreach pathway.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about delivering high‑quality care, proactive care. and is committed to supporting people in their mental health recovery.

The successful candidate will join a wider Community Mental Health Hub OT service that prides itself on innovation, excellent service delivery and continued learning.

This post is based at Mill House, but you will be required to visit patients across the Borough depending on service demand.

View this webpage and video for more information about Occupational Therapy in CNWL Occupational Therapy :: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

CNWL Occupational Therapy Recruitment (FINAL) | Videos & Movies on Vimeo

Main duties of the job

The post holder will manage a small, high-intensity caseload, delivering time-limited, occupationally focused interventions through proactive engagement. Practice will be guided by Assertive Outreach principles, with an emphasis on collaborative risk management, sustaining engagement and reducing barriers to recovery.

Working with individuals presenting with complex mental health needs, the post holder will assess the impact of illness on occupational performance, daily functioning and participation. Interventions will be strengths-based and trauma-informed, supporting individuals to develop meaningful routines, increase independence, enhance community participation, and achieve their recovery goals.

The role requires flexible working across a range of settings, including service users’ homes and community environments, to enable assessment and intervention within real-life contexts. The Assertive Outreach Team role is patient-facing, requiring proactive outreach, direct therapeutic intervention and consistent face-to-face engagement. As such, the role is not suitable for remote or hybrid working arrangements.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See attached Job description and Person Specification for further information on the job role requirements.

Key Responsibilities Clinical

• deliver specialist occupational therapy assessment and intervention for individuals with complex mental health needs
• provide assertive outreach interventions, including intensive and time-limited support during periods of risk or disengagement
• use proactive and persistent engagement approaches to maintain contact with individuals who are difficult to engage
• plan and deliver interventions with clear goals, outcome measures and structured transition planning
• contribute to risk assessment and management, balancing positive risk-taking with safety
• manage referrals and hold a small, high-intensity caseload within the multidisciplinary team
• prioritise work load and delegate appropriately to support staff
• apply occupational therapy models (e.g. MOHO) to inform clinical reasoning and interventions
• use outcome measures to evaluate effectiveness and inform care planning
• place service users at the centre of goal setting and involve carers where appropriate
• deliver culturally responsive and inclusive care
• prescribe equipment to support occupational performance in line with Trust policy

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.