Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Job summary
You will manage a caseload of older clients with complex, severe and enduring mental health needs (including functional and dementia) in the community. You will provide a specialist assessment to meet the needs of individuals referred to the Older Adults Community Mental Health Team, taking into account risk and clients strengths, in order to protect their rights and promote their inclusion, independence and interests.
The service is co-located with the Westminster City Council mental health team to provide a holistic service to our client group. Additionally, we are part of the CNWL project in the implementation of Open Dialogue, an innovative person centred and recovery orientated model of crisis and continuing mental healthcare.
There is a 0.6 wte OT and 0.4 wte care coordination split, depending on service demands. You will use evidence based and recovery principles to assess, plan, implement and evaluate treatment offering a variety of therapeutic interventions.
You will participate in the duty system along with other members of the MDT, carry out initial assessments and attend all relevant clinical reviews. You will provide support and advice to clients, carers and other professionals on mental health issues relating to older people and work closely with primary care and statutory agencies.
You will supervise students on placement and junior staff in the team as appropriate. They will contribute to the learning and development of themselves and others.
Main duties of the job
MAIN DUTIES
To act as lead professional for individuals in line with mental health transformation agenda as appropriate to CNWL Trust policy, managing a defined clinical caseload of service users with complex mental health problems living in the community.
To carry out holistic mental health assessments, assessing needs and risks of services users, carers and their families following referral to the service.
To conduct holistic and specialist occupational therapy assessments using relevant tools, treating each person as an individual and respecting their views and wishes.
Plan and implement a range of therapeutic interventions and measure the outcome of these.
To work in partnership with the primary care team, local authority, statutory and voluntary agencies to maintain the health and well being of older people with complex mental health problems.
Together with service users and carers plan appropriate interventions and support plans to meet their needs, maintaining independence and making the most of their living environment.
To participate in the duty service of the Older Adults CMHT.
To supervise band 5 occupational therapist in the OA CMHT if required.
To act as practice placement educator for OT students and to participate in the training of students from other disciplines and support staff.
To maintain own continuing professional development in accordance with HCPC guidelines and CNWL policies and procedures.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- OT Diploma/Degree
- Evidence of continued professional development
- Post-registration qualifications
Desirable
- A post registration qualification relevant to the post.
- Trained in Open Dialogue or willingness to train.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in mental health field as a qualified OT.
- Experience of working as member of a Multi -disciplinary team
- Experience of working with older adults
Desirable
- Experience of managing/supervision of staff.
- Experience of working in a community setting
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of risk assessments and risk Management processes.
- Knowledge of a range of appropriate assessment tools.
- Knowledge and understanding of the rights of service users and their carers.
- Knowledge of ethical/legal requirements within mental health care.
- Knowledge and understanding of legislation relating to the care of Older Adults with Mental Health problems in the community
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Effective communication skills both verbally and through written reports.
- Effective leadership skills
- Ability and skills to carry out comprehensive needs assessments.
- Ability to take responsibility for managing a caseload
- Ability to manage complex decision making situations.
- Ability to organize and prioritise own workload.
- Ability to supervise junior staff and students
- Teaching and assessing skills.
- Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
- Ability to work effectively in stressful and emotionally charged situation
- Able to manage personal stress.
- Previous experience of audit and/or research.
Other Requirements
Essential
- IT skills i.e. Microsoft word, Email, Internet
- Motivated and able to motivate others.
- Assertive and enthusiastic.
Closing Date: 8 September 2026
To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.