Location
Ashford, England
Salary
£55,524 - £62,652 Per annum incl. HCAS
Profession
Occupational Therapist
Grade
Band 7
Deadline
15 Oct 2026
Contract Type
Permanent
Posted Date
01 Oct 2026
Medical Protection — the side of locally employed doctors from £83

Job requirements

Essential

28 listed

Requirements the employer expects applicants to meet.

  • Qualifications

    Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy.

  • Qualifications

    HCPC registered Occupational Therapist

  • Qualifications

    Practice Placement Educator’s Course

  • Qualifications

    Mental health specific workshops and short courses

  • PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

    Significant post qualification experience working in mental health services.

  • PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

    Experience in participating in audit / research projects.

  • PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

    Experience in leading and/or developing a service/component of a service

  • PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

    Experience in using a range of standardised OT assessments

  • PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

    Experience of supervising and appraising staff / unqualified staff; recruitment and workforce planning

  • PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

    Experience of effective partnership working, with external providers, in promoting socially inclusive opportunities for service users.

  • PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

    Experience working in trauma informed service

  • PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

    Experience in completing Risk Assessment Tools

  • PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

    Experience in managing a complex caseload

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    Ability to deal with sensitivities and complexities, using interpersonal skills

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    Effective leadership skills through the management of designated projects, audits and research.

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    Presentation skills

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    Excellent communication skills i.e. written, verbal, listening and proficient use of up to date systems of communication i.e. IT systems, e -mail, fax, telephone etc.

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    Ability to work autonomously, on own initiative and under pressure to meet deadlines; & to make and action decisions independently within agreed time frames.

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    Ability to maintain effective partnership working with resources both internal and external to the Trust

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    Ability to determine the impact of mental and physical conditions on a service user’s functional ability and undertake assessment/make recommendations with regards to the provision of equipment/aids and adaptations.

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    Ability to promote a culture of sound OT practice amongst staff

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    bility to recognise and articulate own values and principles, understanding how these may be different from those of others

  • ATTITUDES, APTITUDES PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

    Committed to working as part of an MDT

  • ATTITUDES, APTITUDES PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

    Able to work flexibly

  • ATTITUDES, APTITUDES PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

    Able to utilise and provide supervision effectively

  • ATTITUDES, APTITUDES PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

    Demonstrates a commitment to personal development and team development

  • ATTITUDES, APTITUDES PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

    Demonstrates an enthusiasm for the post

  • ATTITUDES, APTITUDES PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

    Ability to work independently and is self motivated

Desirable

12 listed

Additional qualities the employer would prefer.

  • Qualifications

    Post graduate training specific to clinical specialty

  • Qualifications

    Management & Leadership Diploma.

  • Qualifications

    PSIRF trained

  • PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

    Experience in community mental health

  • PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

    Experience in managing complex HR issues with staff e.g. the management of performance / long term sickness.

  • PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

    Experience in completing Root Cause Analysis investigations.

  • PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

    .Experience in supporting young people in CAMHS or paediatric services

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    R&D experience at post graduate level.

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    Delivery of formal presentations and teaching sessions.

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    Chairing of senior meetings.

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    Training in psychological therapies e.g. DBT, CBT

  • SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

    Membership of RCOT and Specialist Sections.

Job overview

The post holder will provide expert clinical leadership, supervision and operational support to Occupational Therapy staff within Brent Community Mental Health Hubs and Early Intervention Services, whilst maintaining a complex clinical caseload.

They will deliver specialist occupational therapy assessments and interventions, modelling high-quality, occupation-centred and recovery-focused practice. The role combines clinical expertise with leadership responsibility, supporting staff development through supervision, coaching and professional guidance.

The successful candidate will lead service development, quality improvement and innovation projects, while providing expert occupational therapy advice within multidisciplinary teams. They will work collaboratively with service users, carers, colleagues and partner organisations to improve outcomes and experiences.

The role includes responsibility for workforce development, student education, recruitment and supporting future Occupational Therapy leaders. Working closely with senior managers and clinical leaders, the post holder will contribute to strategic priorities and service developments, helping to shape the future of Occupational Therapy services across Brent.

Main duties of the job

Provide professional leadership and operational support to Occupational Therapy staff across Brent CMHH and Early Intervention Services. Maintain a specialist clinical caseload, delivering expert assessment and intervention for people with complex mental health needs. Model and promote high-quality, occupation-centred, recovery-focused practice. Lead the development of a skilled OT workforce through supervision, coaching and professional development. Support staff wellbeing, retention, recruitment and succession planning. Lead and contribute to quality improvement, service development and transformation projects. Provide expert occupational therapy advice within multidisciplinary teams. Work collaboratively with service users, carers, community organisations and partner agencies to promote recovery, independence and social inclusion. Develop community partnerships that enhance opportunities and outcomes for service users. Contribute to borough-wide and Trust-wide initiatives, professional networks and strategic developments. Support student education, practice placements and workforce development activities. Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, compassion and partnership, helping to shape the future of Occupational Therapy services in Brent.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will provide professional leadership, supervision and support to Occupational Therapy staff working within Brent Community Mental Health Hubs, promoting high standards of professional practice and occupationally focused care.

They will lead the ongoing development of Occupational Therapy services across Brent CMHH, identifying opportunities for innovation, quality improvement and service redesign. The post holder will support the implementation of new initiatives and work collaboratively with service users, carers, staff and partner organisations to improve outcomes and experiences.

The successful candidate will provide expert professional advice within multidisciplinary teams, promoting evidence-based occupational therapy and ensuring interventions support recovery, independence, meaningful occupation and social inclusion.

The role includes responsibility for professional supervision, workforce development, student education, recruitment and supporting the development of future Occupational Therapy leaders. The post holder will champion continuous learning, reflective practice and quality improvement methodologies.

Working alongside senior managers and clinical leaders, the post holder will contribute to strategic planning, service transformation and borough-wide developments. They will represent Occupational Therapy at local and Trust-wide forums and support the development of partnerships that strengthen opportunities for service users within their communities.

We are looking for a compassionate and inspiring leader who fosters positive team cultures, values collaboration and partnership, and can motivate others through periods of change. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring Brent CMHH continues to provide innovative, inclusive and high-quality mental health services that reflect the diverse communities we serve and the CNWL values of Compassion, Respect, Empowerment and Partnership.

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.

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Applying for this NHS job

This advert is for Lead Occupational Therapist with Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust in Ashford, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Occupational Therapist role. The advertised salary is £55,524 - £62,652 Per annum incl. HCAS. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 15 Oct 2026.

Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (01 Oct 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHSjob search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.

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