Occupational Therapist – HMP Send PIPE: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

Are you a passionate and experiencedBand 7 Occupational Therapistseeking a fresh and rewarding challenge? Or perhaps you’re aBand 6 OTready 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 aPsychologically Informed Planned Environment (PIPE).

This role is ideal for a practitioner who is passionate about delivering trauma-informed care in a Women’s’ prison setting and is committed to supporting individuals with complex psychological needs. 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.

The band 7 post is part time at 0.8wte, whilst the preceptorship (the Band 6 post) can be offered at 1.0 wte initially, returning to 0.8 wte once B7 achieved.

Main duties of the job

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

Working within the MDT to provide a comprehensive service to women with personality disorder resident on the PIPE units & to contribute to ensuring the PIPE is a successful environment. Working as part of a team supporting women in their own location, through the PIPE 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 an established Enabling Environment currently & continues to work towards maintaining its 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, encouraging the development of ‘surviving & thriving’ skills & knowledge.

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 preparation & progression PIPE, including assessment, intervention & evaluation which is underpinned by an evidence base & personal recovery principles.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential

• oHPCP Registered Practitioner Occupational Therapist
• oMentorship or supervisor qualification
• oEvidence of professional development since registration

Desirable

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

Previous Experience

Essential

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

Desirable

• oExperience of working in a Prison or forensic environment

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• oExpert in engaging with people with mental health problems, assessing their needs, designing and delivering appropriate interventions and evaluating the effectiveness of the process.
• oRisk assessment and management skills
• oExcellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• oExcellent IT skills.
• oAbility to work effectively as part of a team and independently as appropriate
• oTo use supervision positively and effectively
• oProven ability to work with patients to increase their level of self-determination and resilience
• oEffective time management
• oKnowledge of the needs and rights of patients.
• oKnowledge of CPA, Mental Health Act, MAPPA, legislation and policies relevant to prison mental health.
• oKnowledge of safeguarding frameworks
• oProblem solving, stress management & conflict resolution skills.
• o Ability to engage in evidence based practice, with an understanding of care quality (clinical governance).
• Knowledge of current challenges / developments in Prison health.

Attitudes, aptitudes, personal characteristics

Essential

• oMotivated to maintain the highest standards possible in the service.
• oAble to accept constructive feedback.
• oAble to ask for support where required.
• oCompassionate & non-judgmental approach
• oFlexible

Other

Essential

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

Closing Date: 25 August 2026