Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist/Senior Sports Technician

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in mental health care is seeking an Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist/Senior Sports Technician to deliver exercise programs across inpatient wards. The role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to promote recovery and well-being through tailored exercise plans, ensuring adherence to clinical standards. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications and experience in mental health services, with supervisory responsibilities included.

Qualifications

• Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, or Sports Science required.
• Current registration with HPC or similar needed.
• Experience in mental health services and multidisciplinary teams essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exercise programs across inpatient mental health wards.
• Develop and support exercise pathways for service users.
• Engage in clinical reviews and discharge planning.

Skills

Experience in mental health services

Experience working within multidisciplinary teams

Planning and running assessment and treatment groups

Conducting specialist clinical assessments

Contributing to staff and service user development

Supervisory experience

Education

Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, or Sports Science

Current registration with HPC or similar

Coaching qualification in sports and exercise

Motivational Interview Training

Job description

Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist/Senior Sports Technician

The post-holder will work across inpatient mental health wards to deliver comprehensive exercise programs, utilizing multi-purpose sports hall spaces. They will collaborate with a small team of exercise professionals to develop bespoke exercise plans and support goal attainment. Additionally, they will oversee group exercise programs focusing on healthy lifestyles and well-being.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, the post-holder will conduct person-centered assessments and interventions, promoting recovery and social inclusion to maximize physical activity and lifestyle management. This includes assessments and treatments on the units and in community settings, supporting the exercise pathway. Collaboration with partners such as Arsenal in the Community, GLL, and others is essential for success.

The role requires ensuring practice meets clinical group standards and assessing the needs of service users with complex mental and physical health needs, including activity adaptations and falls risk minimization. Building and maintaining positive relationships with staff characterized by trust, mutual respect, and open communication is vital.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will deliver a comprehensive Sports Hall Service across Highgate East and West, overseeing group and individual sessions, and liaising with external stakeholders to develop exercise pathways.

They will ensure their practice aligns with current evidence-based standards, working with occupational therapists, arts therapists, and technical staff to provide comprehensive treatment programs. Supervisory responsibilities include junior staff and student practitioners in the inpatient services.

The role involves supporting exercise programs emphasizing healthy lifestyles and physical activity, engaging service users in their care planning, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Developing partnerships with third-sector organizations for joint initiatives is also part of the role.

About us

North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is dedicated to improving mental health care across North London, aiming to provide high-quality, accessible services. Our Five-Year Strategy emphasizes delivering care closer to home, ensuring equity of outcomes, fostering a supportive work environment, and pioneering research, quality improvement, and technology.

Flexibility in work locations across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, or Islington may be required to meet organizational needs.

Job responsibilities

The post-holder will deliver exercise programs across inpatient mental health wards, working with a team of exercise professionals. Responsibilities include developing and supporting exercise pathways, engaging service users, contributing to clinical reviews and discharge planning, and adhering to professional standards including the RCOT Code of Ethics and CSP standards. Effective communication, record-keeping, and flexible working hours are essential.

Further details are provided in the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Person Specification

Education

• Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, or Sports Science
• Current registration with HPC or membership of BACPR, CIMSPA, CEP UK, or similar
• Coaching qualification in sports and exercise
• Motivational Interview Training

Skills and abilities

• Experience in mental health services as an Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, or Sports Technician
• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams
• Experience planning, running, and evaluating assessment and treatment groups in mental health settings
• Experience conducting specialist clinical assessments in acute mental health
• Experience contributing to staff and service user development initiatives
• Supervisory experience with junior staff and students

Knowledge

• Application of recovery principles
• Knowledge of health and safety policies and clinical risk management
• Understanding of substance misuse impacts on mental health
• Time management skills and supporting junior staff
• Excellent communication skills and IT proficiency

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role requires a DBS check in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Salary: £44,806 to £53,134 per annum, including Inner HCAS.