Job summary The MHST works with Young people with mild to moderate mental health presentations attending school/education settings in the Harrow area. The purpose of the team is to Provide evidence-based interventions for mild to moderate mental health issues. Support the senior mental health lead in each education setting to introduce or develop their whole school or college approach. Give timely advice to school and college staff, and liaising with external specialist services, to help children and young people to get the right support and stay in education. The MHST will manage referrals, deal with queries, undertake clinical telephone triage and face to face assessment, give advice and signpost young people where appropriate. This is a role within the Green Paper for Transforming children and young people's mental health programme. The post holder will work within a Mental Health Support Team providing short-term evidence-based interventions to children and young people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression and/or behavioural difficulties and their parent(s)/carer(s). The successful applicant may have contact with patients or service users. 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. Main duties of the job The post holder will work with children, young people and parents with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equal opportunities. Delivering evidence-based intervention for children and young people,with mild to moderate mental health problems, in an education setting. Helping children and young people within these settings who present with more severe problems to rapidly access more specialist service. Supporting and facilitating staff in education settings to identify, and where appropriate, manage issues related to mental health and wellbeing. Working with and within educational environments to afford better access to CYP mental health services. Support schools in developing their Whole School Approach to mental health. Delivering OT group work within education settings and other community settings where appropriate. Delivering OT intervention to young people, children and parents within education settings and other community settings where appropriate. Supervising OT Assistants delivering group work and individual work. Delivering training workshops to education staff. Delivering psycho-education workshops to parent(s) / carer(s). Conducting risk assessments and referring on to other services where necessary. About us Central and North West London NHS Trust expects all staff to act in a way which shows you understand our core values and are willing to put them into practice with young people, their friends, family and carers and also other staff members. We expect you to show COMPASSION, contribute to a caring and kind environment and recognise that what you do and say helps can make the lives of others better We expect you to RESPECT everyone and acknowledge and welcome people's differences rather than ignore them or see them as problematic. We expect you to EMPOWER others and continually try to provide information, resources and support to help others make their own decisions and meet their own needs. To find out more about working in CAMHSCLICK HEREfor our video. Date posted 13 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £42,939 to £50,697 a year per annum incl. HCAS Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number 333-G-CA-1526 Job locations Ash Tree Clinic Northolt Road Harrow HA28EQ Job description Job responsibilities The key roles and responsibilities of the Senior Occupational Therapist will include: Forming strong working relations with a variety of stakeholders Working in partnership with schools/colleges and other educational settings. Provide training to team members and other professionals/trainees Providing consultations to education colleagues and support education settings to embed a whole school approach to wellbeing Developing and delivering evidence-based individual and group time limited interventions to young people within education settings in accordance with Occupational Therapy principles and Children and Young People's IAPT principles Supporting with the development of an OT pathway within the Harrow MHST Managing a selected caseload of children/ young people who have identified mild-moderate mental health difficulties with occupational performance and participation needs; using specialist skills and client centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate defined care packages and brief interventions Completion of thorough generic and OT assessments, risk assessments, care planning and reviews. To apply specialist clinical knowledge and skills to carry out evidence based, culturally appropriate occupational therapy interventions, both individual and in groups, which are underpinned by relevant evidence based/ theoretical approaches. To plan, implement and review individually tailored programmes of intervention using individual and group work approaches. Improve mental health and coping skills by providing interventions which promote occupational and social participation in a range of areas including education/ vocation, self-care and leisure. Occupational therapists may also provide psycho-educational programmes to assist children/ young people to develop healthy routines and balanced, meaningful life-styles which support their mental health. Promote physical health and well-being by providing healthy living courses including physical activity promotion, healthy eating programmes, self-care and sleep hygiene. Provide self-management/specific symptom management skills training linked to occupational and recovery goals e.g., stress and mood management, communication skills, relaxation training etc. Use occupation focused interventions to assist children/ young people to connect with their peer groups and communities and engage positively within them To support children, young people, their families/ carers and education staff to ensure that care plans are developed in partnership with the individual, understood by all and that they reflect SMART goals. These should be strengths-based and oriented towards reinforcing a positive identity and developing valued social roles. To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions against clear aims, objectives and outcome measures in line with evidence-based practice and in conjunction with the child/ young person, their families/ carers and other professionals. To identify opportunities and needs for group work in education settings and to plan, implement, facilitate and evaluate groups which promote positive mental wellbeing. Ensuring that there is accurate documentation, and that Routine Outcome Measures are completed. Evidencing the outcomes of the MHST service, particularly in relation to OT intervention. Providing clinical supervision and day to day clinical support to OT Assistants. Contributing to group supervision spaces within the team. Working as part of a senior team, supporting the Senior Clinical Supervisors and Service Development Leads to establish the service within the Harrow area. Supporting and developing the interventions that can be delivered as part of the MHST within the education setting, including SEN settings. To take a holistic approach, applying a specialist level of understanding of the effects of mental illness, cognitive impairment, learning disability, neurodisability and physical conditions; providing training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to the child/ young persons social, educational and physical environment within the education setting. Appropriately raise safeguarding concerns where identified and to support colleagues with this process. To act as fieldwork educator to students on practice placement. To provide occupational therapy consultation to other professionals within the team Patient Safety Safeguarding people by recognising and responding when an adult or child might be at risk from abuse but also recognising their own limits and asking for help and escalate concerns when necessary Escalating safety concerns and by doing so acting as effective advocates for those who use our services Being open and transparent about your own practice Identifying areas where improvements in safety or quality can be made. Report to the Team Manager any areas of concern, which may affect the safe delivery of care and/or the safe working of other members of the team. Working closely with others to improve services Maintaining accurate, legible, comprehensive records Maintaining compliance with your mandatory and core training requirements Be aware of and understand ones responsibilities in relation to the Policies and Procedures regarding: Fire Lone Working Health & Safety Absence management Report any accidents / incidents as per the reporting procedures of the service. Central and North West London NHS Trust is committed to providing safe, effective services and providing young people and families with a positive experience. Professional Ethics To apply expert skills and knowledge to demonstrate professional competence and fitness to practice as an occupational therapist; as required by the Health and Care Professions Council. (HCPC). To comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, HCPC Professional Standards and CNWL Mental Health Trust Policies. To maintain an awareness and working knowledge of other professionals ethical guidelines within the Team to enable ethical inter-professional working. To maintain knowledge of national and international legislation that effects clinical practice such as the Human Rights Act, Childrens Act, Care in the Community Act, Carers Act etc. Job description Job responsibilities The key roles and responsibilities of the Senior Occupational Therapist will include: Forming strong working relations with a variety of stakeholders Working in partnership with schools/colleges and other educational settings. Provide training to team members and other professionals/trainees Providing consultations to education colleagues and support education settings to embed a whole school approach to wellbeing Developing and delivering evidence-based individual and group time limited interventions to young people within education settings in accordance with Occupational Therapy principles and Children and Young People's IAPT principles Supporting with the development of an OT pathway within the Harrow MHST Managing a selected caseload of children/ young people who have identified mild-moderate mental health difficulties with occupational performance and participation needs; using specialist skills and client centred principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate defined care packages and brief interventions Completion of thorough generic and OT assessments, risk assessments, care planning and reviews. To apply specialist clinical knowledge and skills to carry out evidence based, culturally appropriate occupational therapy interventions, both individual and in groups, which are underpinned by relevant evidence based/ theoretical approaches. To plan, implement and review individually tailored programmes of intervention using individual and group work approaches. Improve mental health and coping skills by providing interventions which promote occupational and social participation in a range of areas including education/ vocation, self-care and leisure. Occupational therapists may also provide psycho-educational programmes to assist children/ young people to develop healthy routines and balanced, meaningful life-styles which support their mental health. Promote physical health and well-being by providing healthy living courses including physical activity promotion, healthy eating programmes, self-care and sleep hygiene. Provide self-management/specific symptom management skills training linked to occupational and recovery goals e.g., stress and mood management, communication skills, relaxation training etc. Use occupation focused interventions to assist children/ young people to connect with their peer groups and communities and engage positively within them To support children, young people, their families/ carers and education staff to ensure that care plans are developed in partnership with the individual, understood by all and that they reflect SMART goals. These should be strengths-based and oriented towards reinforcing a positive identity and developing valued social roles. To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions against clear aims, objectives and outcome measures in line with evidence-based practice and in conjunction with the child/ young person, their families/ carers and other professionals. To identify opportunities and needs for group work in education settings and to plan, implement, facilitate and evaluate groups which promote positive mental wellbeing. Ensuring that there is accurate documentation, and that Routine Outcome Measures are completed. Evidencing the outcomes of the MHST service, particularly in relation to OT intervention. Providing clinical supervision and day to day clinical support to OT Assistants. Contributing to group supervision spaces within the team. Working as part of a senior team, supporting the Senior Clinical Supervisors and Service Development Leads to establish the service within the Harrow area. Supporting and developing the interventions that can be delivered as part of the MHST within the education setting, including SEN settings. To take a holistic approach, applying a specialist level of understanding of the effects of mental illness, cognitive impairment, learning disability, neurodisability and physical conditions; providing training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to the child/ young persons social, educational and physical environment within the education setting. Appropriately raise safeguarding concerns where identified and to support colleagues with this process. To act as fieldwork educator to students on practice placement. To provide occupational therapy consultation to other professionals within the team Patient Safety Safeguarding people by recognising and responding when an adult or child might be at risk from abuse but also recognising their own limits and asking for help and escalate concerns when necessary Escalating safety concerns and by doing so acting as effective advocates for those who use our services Being open and transparent about your own practice Identifying areas where improvements in safety or quality can be made. Report to the Team Manager any areas of concern, which may affect the safe delivery of care and/or the safe working of other members of the team. Working closely with others to improve services Maintaining accurate, legible, comprehensive records Maintaining compliance with your mandatory and core training requirements Be aware of and understand ones responsibilities in relation to the Policies and Procedures regarding: Fire Lone Working Health & Safety Absence management Report any accidents / incidents as per the reporting procedures of the service. Central and North West London NHS Trust is committed to providing safe, effective services and providing young people and families with a positive experience. Professional Ethics To apply expert skills and knowledge to demonstrate professional competence and fitness to practice as an occupational therapist; as required by the Health and Care Professions Council. (HCPC). To comply with the RCOT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, HCPC Professional Standards and CNWL Mental Health Trust Policies. To maintain an awareness and working knowledge of other professionals ethical guidelines within the Team to enable ethical inter-professional working. To maintain knowledge of national and international legislation that effects clinical practice such as the Human Rights Act, Childrens Act, Care in the Community Act, Carers Act etc. Person Specification Education and Qualifications Essential Relevant professional qualification in Occupational Therapy. Additional qualifications or training in child and adolescent mental health gained through study and in-house training programmes. Registered with HCPC and BAOT Desirable Formal CBT training Accredited courses / workshops in CYP-IAPT principles Previous Experience and knowledge Essential Substantial consolidated experience working as an occupational therapist in paediatrics or mental health. Experience of delivering evidenced based occupational therapy interventions for mild to moderate mental health issues such as anxiety, low mood and behavioural problems Experience running therapy groups and/or training events Experience either working as a member of a multidisciplinary team or multi-agency working Good understanding of the range of child and adolescent mental health services Knowledge of legislation in relation to children and adolescents and safeguarding procedures and policies Desirable Substantial consolidated experience working in child and adolescent mental health. Knowledge and experience in mental health promotion work Experience of delivering evidenced-based occupational therapy interventions for mental health issues to CYP both individually, to parent(s)/carer(s) and in groups. Experience of working with schools to support CYP emotional wellbeing needs Communication and Administrative Skills /Competencies Essential Excellent oral and written communication skills Able to communicate effectively with the team, through face to face, video call, telephone and email communication. This includes discussing case work, taking note of actions, updating others in the team and use team meetings effectively. Maintaining accurate, timely, concise and legible clinical records both electronic and handwritten which adhere to the CNWL policies Able to talk to people about sensitive issues in a supportive manner but also challenge others assertively where necessary Excellent communication, assessment, planning and recording skills. Ability to deliver interventions which address the assessed needs. Ability to work co-operatively with other disciplines. Knowledge of risk management and ability to monitor and assess risk and act accordingly to ensure safety. Able to maintain electronic patient records Use Microsoft products including Word for letter and report writing, PowerPoint for presentations and workshop delivery and Excel for service monitoring and evaluation Desirable Ability to use IT systems for evaluation of interventions and practice for service improvement. Person Specification Education and Qualifications Essential Relevant professional qualification in Occupational Therapy. Additional qualifications or training in child and adolescent mental health gained through study and in-house training programmes. Registered with HCPC and BAOT Desirable Formal CBT training Accredited courses / workshops in CYP-IAPT principles Previous Experience and knowledge Essential Substantial consolidated experience working as an occupational therapist in paediatrics or mental health. Experience of delivering evidenced based occupational therapy interventions for mild to moderate mental health issues such as anxiety, low mood and behavioural problems Experience running therapy groups and/or training events Experience either working as a member of a multidisciplinary team or multi-agency working Good understanding of the range of child and adolescent mental health services Knowledge of legislation in relation to children and adolescents and safeguarding procedures and policies Desirable Substantial consolidated experience working in child and adolescent mental health. Knowledge and experience in mental health promotion work Experience of delivering evidenced-based occupational therapy interventions for mental health issues to CYP both individually, to parent(s)/carer(s) and in groups. Experience of working with schools to support CYP emotional wellbeing needs Communication and Administrative Skills /Competencies Essential Excellent oral and written communication skills Able to communicate effectively with the team, through face to face, video call, telephone and email communication. This includes discussing case work, taking note of actions, updating others in the team and use team meetings effectively. Maintaining accurate, timely, concise and legible clinical records both electronic and handwritten which adhere to the CNWL policies Able to talk to people about sensitive issues in a supportive manner but also challenge others assertively where necessary Excellent communication, assessment, planning and recording skills. Ability to deliver interventions which address the assessed needs. Ability to work co-operatively with other disciplines. Knowledge of risk management and ability to monitor and assess risk and act accordingly to ensure safety. Able to maintain electronic patient records Use Microsoft products including Word for letter and report writing, PowerPoint for presentations and workshop delivery and Excel for service monitoring and evaluation Desirable Ability to use IT systems for evaluation of interventions and practice for service improvement. 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 Ash Tree Clinic Northolt Road Harrow HA28EQ Employer's website https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/work (Opens in a new tab)