Job summary Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust is a Top Employer Award Winner and works in partnership to provide responsive and dependable primary care, mental health, intellectual disability and substance misuse services to the diverse and culturally rich communities we serve. In our quest to deliver patient-focused quality care we are looking to recruit a highly motivated, innovative and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our forward thinking, friendly and expanding Health & Justice team at HMP High Down. By joining our Prisons Health Care Team, you will not only look after the healthcare needs of our patients residing in secure environments, but who also have the opportunity to have a real impact on promoting health and well-being. Our healthcare services work to a 7 day week working model, to ensure our patient's healthcare is managed and maintained to the highest of standards at all times. Our motto is "Caring NOT Judging" so by working in partnership with the criminal justice system and other agencies, we provide responsive, dependable and high-quality primary care and mental health services to those who may have offended and those at risk of offending in the communities we serve, to improve their health status and to encourage social inclusion. Why not see what our staff say about working within our award winning teams: https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/health-and-justice/find-out-what-its-work-health-and-justice Main duties of the job The post holder will deliver high-quality occupational therapy services within the Mental Health In-Reach Team at HMP High Down. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will provide therapeutic interventions to individuals with complex mental health needs, including those with challenging behaviours. This exciting role involves assessing, planning, and delivering both individual and group sessions, focusing on improving residents' functional engagement and activities of daily living. You will also contribute to the Neurodiversity pathway, providing support around functional engagement for individual's presenting with Neurodiversity needs. About us Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust offers its staff ongoing career progression through: Monthly supervision Annual personal development plans/appraisals Access to exciting internal and external training opportunities. Excellent progression through various career pathway opportunities such as but not limited to: Preceptorship Programme Support and guidance with Revalidation Hidden Gem and annual award ceremonies Excellent staff benefits, our benefit packages are amongst the best in London and include: Health and wellbeing services Season ticket loans Cycle to work scheme Relocation package The trust alsovalues its staff and you are entitled to become a member of MyTrustBenefits. MyTrustBenefits is an online portal for all CNWL staff, as well as their family and friends. It offers over 1400 discounts at hundreds of retailers nationwide. Save money on your weekly food shops, toiletries, cosmetics, cinema, meals out, holidays, travel and entertainment. You can also access free online courses on a variety of topics, professional and personal, ranging from business management, languages, law and teaching. All of our sites in Surrey offer free use of the onsite leisure facilities and free parking for staff. As an NHS Trust we strongly encourage and support vaccination as this remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course patients and service users when working on our healthcare settings. Date posted 30 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £34,521 to £41,956 a year per annum inc. Outer HCAS Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 333-D-HJ-1772 Job locations HMP High Down Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PJ Job description Job responsibilities 1. Clinical Responsibilities To provide comprehensive occupational therapy assessments for an allocated caseload, identifying functional needs and developing appropriate treatment plans. To plan and deliver individual and group therapy sessions to support residents in achieving functional independence, using a variety of therapeutic interventions. To carry out standardised and non-standardised assessments and provide detailed feedback to the multidisciplinary team about clients abilities, information about future plans and requirements or recommendations for progress. To undertake joint treatment planning with clients. To communicate treatment plans and clinical reasoning for interventions to other members of the multidisciplinary team and to work in collaboration with other disciplines and staff in clinical work. To plan, run and evaluate treatment sessions on a group or individual basis, using graded activities to achieve treatment aims. To maintain a flexible approach to sessions, modifying activities according to the fluctuating clinical presentation of individual clients and the needs of the service. To engage with clients with challenging behaviours, contributing to team discussion regarding the clinical approach to individuals and communicating this clearly to all therapy staff working with the client. To work in collaboration with other members of the multidisciplinary team to provide a coordinated care package. To actively contribute to the multidisciplinary teams risk assessment process and discuss with the team before engaging clients in activities that may require therapeutic risk-taking. To regularly review each clients progress in order to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions and modify treatment plans accordingly. Ensure therapy interventions align with best practice and evidence-based guidelines, including through critical appraisal of literature and research, professional guidelines, outcome measures and clinical audit. 2. Communication and Information Management Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in line with confidentiality protocols and service requirements. Provide clear, written reports following assessments, and communicate clinical reasoning and treatment plans effectively to the MDT. Develop strong working relationships with colleagues across the prison healthcare system and external partner agencies (e.g., social services, voluntary organisations). The post-holder will have access to sensitive multi-agency information and must be aware of potential public and media interest that this may generate, and handle these issues in line with Trust policies. 3. Service Development Contribute ideas and feedback to the development and improvement of service delivery, with a focus on efficiency and effectiveness. Participate in the appraisal and review of both personal and team clinical practice to enhance service delivery. Promote best practice in mental health and challenging behaviour care through participation in team discussions, training, and audits. 4. Knowledge and Education Provide training and educational sessions to multidisciplinary staff, helping to raise awareness and understanding of occupational therapy within the prison setting. Attend regular supervision sessions, mandatory training, and relevant external courses to enhance professional skills and knowledge. 5. Governance and Performance Participate in clinical supervision, performance reviews, and objective setting. Monitor and review the clinical performance and governance of the service, contributing to quality improvements. Provide clinical cover in the absence of colleagues, ensuring continuity of care. Report all sickness, absence, accidents or incidents promptly in line with Trust procedures. Adhere to Trust policies and procedures and effectively manage time and resources to ensure high-quality care. 6. Professional Responsibilities Pursue continuous professional development (CPD) and maintain a portfolio documenting skills, knowledge, and learning. To participate in internal and external training, in keeping with personal development plan to develop relevant skills and knowledge. To be a reflective practitioner, evaluating the effectiveness of own work and learning from experience, including proactive use of supervision and appraisal process. To regularly update own clinical knowledge through training, clinical discussion, guidelines and literature reviews. To work in accordance with professional guidelines set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), NICE, and by the Royal College of Occupational Therapy. To promote a positive and professional identity for Occupational Therapy within the field of prison healthcare and Forensic Psychiatry. Engage in research opportunities, with support from the Lead Occupational Therapist, and contribute to evidence-based practice in the field. Ensure continued professional registration with the HCPC and remain up-to-date with relevant legislation and clinical developments. 7. Effort, Mental and Environment Maintain professionalism and resilience in challenging, high-stress environments, including when working with individuals with complex behaviours. Sustain focus and mental effort in a demanding and often unpredictable environment. Safeguard both personal wellbeing and professional boundaries when dealing with challenging situations. Job description Job responsibilities 1. Clinical Responsibilities To provide comprehensive occupational therapy assessments for an allocated caseload, identifying functional needs and developing appropriate treatment plans. To plan and deliver individual and group therapy sessions to support residents in achieving functional independence, using a variety of therapeutic interventions. To carry out standardised and non-standardised assessments and provide detailed feedback to the multidisciplinary team about clients abilities, information about future plans and requirements or recommendations for progress. To undertake joint treatment planning with clients. To communicate treatment plans and clinical reasoning for interventions to other members of the multidisciplinary team and to work in collaboration with other disciplines and staff in clinical work. To plan, run and evaluate treatment sessions on a group or individual basis, using graded activities to achieve treatment aims. To maintain a flexible approach to sessions, modifying activities according to the fluctuating clinical presentation of individual clients and the needs of the service. To engage with clients with challenging behaviours, contributing to team discussion regarding the clinical approach to individuals and communicating this clearly to all therapy staff working with the client. To work in collaboration with other members of the multidisciplinary team to provide a coordinated care package. To actively contribute to the multidisciplinary teams risk assessment process and discuss with the team before engaging clients in activities that may require therapeutic risk-taking. To regularly review each clients progress in order to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions and modify treatment plans accordingly. Ensure therapy interventions align with best practice and evidence-based guidelines, including through critical appraisal of literature and research, professional guidelines, outcome measures and clinical audit. 2. Communication and Information Management Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in line with confidentiality protocols and service requirements. Provide clear, written reports following assessments, and communicate clinical reasoning and treatment plans effectively to the MDT. Develop strong working relationships with colleagues across the prison healthcare system and external partner agencies (e.g., social services, voluntary organisations). The post-holder will have access to sensitive multi-agency information and must be aware of potential public and media interest that this may generate, and handle these issues in line with Trust policies. 3. Service Development Contribute ideas and feedback to the development and improvement of service delivery, with a focus on efficiency and effectiveness. Participate in the appraisal and review of both personal and team clinical practice to enhance service delivery. Promote best practice in mental health and challenging behaviour care through participation in team discussions, training, and audits. 4. Knowledge and Education Provide training and educational sessions to multidisciplinary staff, helping to raise awareness and understanding of occupational therapy within the prison setting. Attend regular supervision sessions, mandatory training, and relevant external courses to enhance professional skills and knowledge. 5. Governance and Performance Participate in clinical supervision, performance reviews, and objective setting. Monitor and review the clinical performance and governance of the service, contributing to quality improvements. Provide clinical cover in the absence of colleagues, ensuring continuity of care. Report all sickness, absence, accidents or incidents promptly in line with Trust procedures. Adhere to Trust policies and procedures and effectively manage time and resources to ensure high-quality care. 6. Professional Responsibilities Pursue continuous professional development (CPD) and maintain a portfolio documenting skills, knowledge, and learning. To participate in internal and external training, in keeping with personal development plan to develop relevant skills and knowledge. To be a reflective practitioner, evaluating the effectiveness of own work and learning from experience, including proactive use of supervision and appraisal process. To regularly update own clinical knowledge through training, clinical discussion, guidelines and literature reviews. To work in accordance with professional guidelines set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), NICE, and by the Royal College of Occupational Therapy. To promote a positive and professional identity for Occupational Therapy within the field of prison healthcare and Forensic Psychiatry. Engage in research opportunities, with support from the Lead Occupational Therapist, and contribute to evidence-based practice in the field. Ensure continued professional registration with the HCPC and remain up-to-date with relevant legislation and clinical developments. 7. Effort, Mental and Environment Maintain professionalism and resilience in challenging, high-stress environments, including when working with individuals with complex behaviours. Sustain focus and mental effort in a demanding and often unpredictable environment. Safeguard both personal wellbeing and professional boundaries when dealing with challenging situations. Person Specification EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS Essential Degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy HPCP Registered Practitioner Occupational Therapist Evidence of Continuous Professional Development Completion of or willingness to engage in preceptorship Desirable Qualifications in specific activities relevant to post EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE Essential Relevant experience working with individuals with complex needs. Experience of groupwork Experience of working in an MDT Experience of using standardised assessments E.g. MOHOST and outcome measures Knowledge of Mental Health conditions Knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation Knowledge of the Recovery Model Desirable Experience of working in a in a secure environment Experience of carrying out functional assessments Experience of contributing to MDT care planning and risk assessments Up to date knowledge of developments effecting OT practice Knowledge of factors leading to offending behaviour in young people SKILLS AND ABILITIES Essential Working knowledge of the occupational therapy process Excellent written and verbal communication skills Effective time management skills Ability to laterally think and problem solve Ability to apply and develop core OT Skills Ability to act on constructive criticism Good IT skills Desirable Able to be pro-active in contributing towards service development PERSONAL QUALITIES Essential Ability to sustain demands of working with potentially challenging client group Ability to promote self and profession Ability to work independently Aware of own limitations and seeks advice appropriately Demonstrates willingness to learn Professional manner towards clients and colleagues Ability to be flexible within own work and demands of the team Commitment to work as a proactive team member Desirable Ability to relate to people from varied social backgrounds Other Essential Ability to promote anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practices Ability to promote and work in line with the working model of a 7 day a week service Person Specification EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS Essential Degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy HPCP Registered Practitioner Occupational Therapist Evidence of Continuous Professional Development Completion of or willingness to engage in preceptorship Desirable Qualifications in specific activities relevant to post EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE Essential Relevant experience working with individuals with complex needs. Experience of groupwork Experience of working in an MDT Experience of using standardised assessments E.g. MOHOST and outcome measures Knowledge of Mental Health conditions Knowledge of the Model of Human Occupation Knowledge of the Recovery Model Desirable Experience of working in a in a secure environment Experience of carrying out functional assessments Experience of contributing to MDT care planning and risk assessments Up to date knowledge of developments effecting OT practice Knowledge of factors leading to offending behaviour in young people SKILLS AND ABILITIES Essential Working knowledge of the occupational therapy process Excellent written and verbal communication skills Effective time management skills Ability to laterally think and problem solve Ability to apply and develop core OT Skills Ability to act on constructive criticism Good IT skills Desirable Able to be pro-active in contributing towards service development PERSONAL QUALITIES Essential Ability to sustain demands of working with potentially challenging client group Ability to promote self and profession Ability to work independently Aware of own limitations and seeks advice appropriately Demonstrates willingness to learn Professional manner towards clients and colleagues Ability to be flexible within own work and demands of the team Commitment to work as a proactive team member Desirable Ability to relate to people from varied social backgrounds Other Essential Ability to promote anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practices Ability to promote and work in line with the working model of a 7 day a week service 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust Address HMP High Down Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PJ Employer's website https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/work (Opens in a new tab)