Occupational Therapist - Acute & Rehabilitation

NELFT North East London Foundation Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Greater London is seeking an Occupational Therapist for the Acute Mental Health sector. This role involves working within a multidisciplinary team and supporting patients' rehabilitation efforts alongside junior staff. The ideal candidate should possess a Diploma in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration, with post-qualification experience in mental health. This position offers a competitive salary ranging from £38,682 to £46,580 annually, plus a high-cost area supplement, and emphasizes a supportive induction process for new hires.

Qualifications

• Post Qualification Experience in Mental Health Setting.
• Experience of working in a forensic mental health ward/team.
• Understanding of principles of Recovery and Social Inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate Occupational Therapy interventions.
• Support patients' discharge and reintegration into the community.
• Provide supervision and support to junior staff.

Skills

Strong clinical reasoning

Good interpersonal skills

Excellent communication

Education

Diploma in Occupational Therapy

Registered with HCPC

Job description

Occupational Therapist - Acute & Rehabilitation

The closing date is 23 December 2025

An exciting opportunity has arisen to contribute to the Acute Mental Health Occupational Therapy provision at NELFT. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team and in collaboration with Occupational Therapists across the Acute Mental Health Pathway.

The Occupational Therapy profession within NELFT is a highly valued, vibrant group based across a wide range of health services.

Occupational Therapists work as integrated members of multidisciplinary teams, contributing their unique professional skills, supporting service users to increase their independence and achieve their personal goals. All occupational therapists receive professional supervision from a Senior O.T.

If you are a forward‑thinking OT who wants the opportunity to demonstrate your clinical skills, promote high quality practice and improve the patient experience, then NELFT has the following post available:

Band 6 Occupational Therapist - Acute Mental Health; Forensic Low Secure

Main duties of the job

• Have strong clinical reasoning and experience in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating O.T interventions.
• Have a good understanding of Occupational Therapy Models and Process including the evidence base for OT.
• Have the ability to work and liaise with a multi‑disciplinary team utilising good interpersonal skills and excellent communication.
• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate Occupational Therapy interventions for patients on the Low Secure Unit.
• To contribute to and support the discharge process and re‑integration into the community.
• To provide supervision and support to junior staff in the Occupational Therapy and Ward Teams as designated by senior staff.

About us

Our Values 2025 - 2030

Working with our colleagues, patients and carers we have co‑produced three new values that we aim to embed within our culture here at NELFT.

They are:

• We are kind.
• We are respectful.
• We work together with our communities.

These three values help us to strive to provide the best care by the best people.

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period.

Starting with Us

NELFT places great importance on new starters being properly welcomed into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks, including mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process, new starters will also have the opportunity to meet the executive team, senior managers, and attend several drop‑in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing, and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

High Cost Area Supplement - Outer London

This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £4,714 to a maximum of £5,941 p.a. pro rata for part time).

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Diploma in Occupational Therapy
• Registered with HCPC

Experience

• Post Qualification Experience in Mental Health Setting
• Experience of working in a forensic mental health ward/team

Knowledge

• Understanding of principles of Recovery and Social Inclusion

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such 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.

£38,682 to £46,580 a year (plus HCAS) pro‑rata for part‑time