Occupational Therapist – HMP High Down: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

Are you a passionate and experienced Band 7 Occupational Therapist seeking a fresh and rewarding challenge? Or perhaps you’re a Band 6 OT ready to take the next step in your career? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our multi-disciplinary team within a Psychologically Informed Planned Environment (PIPE) at HMP High Down.

This role is ideal for a practitioner who is passionate about delivering trauma-informed care in a prison setting and is committed to supporting individuals with complex psychological needs and learning difficulties. You will work closely with service users and staff to create a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment that fosters personal growth, rehabilitation, and relational security.

You’ll be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team where reflective practice, relational working, and psychological safety are central to our approach.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a supportive and innovative environment, while developing your clinical and leadership skills.

Main duties of the job

Work as an independent OT practitioner with men presenting with complex & challenging needs who reside on the Psychologically Informed Planned Environment units, engaging in the PIPE Outreach service & those where referral to OPD services may be considered.

Working within the MDT to provide a comprehensive service to men with learning disabilities and personality disorder resident on the PIPE unit& to contribute to ensuring the PIPE is a successful environment. Working as part of a team supporting men on normal location in High Down, through the OPD Outreach service.

Lead on the planning & delivery of enrichment activities & a therapeutic social setting & to an Enabling Environment as defined by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The Progression PIPE is working towards the Enabling Environment award currently, and this role is key in developing the environment to achieve the award.

Work with the wider OPD Pathway to integrate careful selection of assessment tools & interventions with personal recovery principles which will engage individuals in activities & occupation.

Apply a high level of understanding of the impact of mental & physical health conditions; providing training & advice on lifestyle changes & adaptations.

Work with the Clinical Lead to continue to develop & deliver a comprehensive OT Service within a learning disability progression PIPE, including assessment, intervention & evaluation which is underpinned by an evidence base & personal recovery principles.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential

• HPCP Registered Practitioner Occupational Therapist
• Mentorship or supervisor qualification
• Evidence of professional development since registration

Desirable

• Post registration qualification that enhances clinical work: CBT, DBT, Dual Diagnosis, etc.

Previous Experience

Essential

• Relevant post registration experience
• Experience of working as part of a multi- disciplinary team
• Experience of working with complex clients
• Experience of running a group program
• Experience of leading and /or developing a service/ component of a service

Desirable

• Experience of working in a Prison or forensic environment

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Risk assessment and management skills
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of CPA, Mental Health Act, MAPPA, legislation and policies relevant to prison mental health.

Other

Essential

• To conduct self in accordance with relevant code of conduct and practice for registration
• Full clearance via the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), and ability to achieve enhanced Prison Clearance (vetting).

Attitudes, aptitudes, personal characteristics

Essential

• Motivated to maintain the highest standards possible in the service.
• Able to accept constructive feedback.
• Able to ask for support where required.
• Compassionate & non-judgmental approach
• Flexible

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Expert in engaging with people with mental health problems, assessing their needs, designing and delivering appropriate interventions and evaluating the effectiveness of the process
• Excellent IT skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently as appropriate.
• To use supervision positively and effectively.
• Proven ability to work with patients to increase their level of self-determination and resilience.
• Effective time management.
• Knowledge of the needs and rights of patients.
• Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks
• Problem solving, stress management & conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to engage in evidence based practice, with an understanding of care quality (clinical governance).
• Knowledge of current challenges / developments in Prison health

Closing Date: 28 August 2026