Forensic Occupational Therapist - ReFoCuS Team

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust is a Top Employer Award Winner & works in partnership to provide responsive & dependable primary care, mental health, intellectual disability & substance misuse services to the diverse & culturally rich communities we serve.

In our quest to deliver patient-focused, quality care we are looking to recruit two highly motivated, innovative and enthusiastic Forensic Occupational Therapistto join our forward thinking, friendly and expanding Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster ReFoCuS team .

By joining our Community Forensic Mental Health Team you will have a real impact on promoting health & well-being of those with a forensic/offending history. As an Occupational Therapist you will provide a valued and uniquely contribute to a multi-disciplined approach to care.

Our motto is 'Caring not Judging'. By working in partnership with the criminal justice system & other agencies, we provide effective & responsive care for those who may have a history of offending and may be at risk of reoffending in the future. The opportunity of engagement in custody means we can enable people to improve their wellbeing, supporting better outcomes in the future.

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

To assess, plan and review health and social care needs under the Care Programme Approach (CPA) for a group of service users with a forensic/offending history, providing specialist OT assessments and interventions when required.
The post holder will work as a Care Co-ordinator as part of a multi-disciplinary team, providing OT interventions as required.
This will include participating in an out of hours and on call service to provide support and guidance to service users, carers and other services.

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.

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

19 July 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£42,471 to £50,364 a year per annum plus HCAS (pro rata if P/T)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

333-D-HJ-1635-B

Job locations

Hathaway House

7F Woodfield Road

London

W9 2BA

Job description

Job responsibilities

Overview of Main Responsibilities:

To manage a caseload of clients, in close collaboration with other members of the Multi-disciplinary team, within the CPA framework and to agreed local and national standards.
To provide OT assessments and intervention for clients within the team, applying specialist knowledge of Model of Human Occupation.
To provide training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to the clients social and physical environment
To provide a comprehensive, culturally appropriate, evidence based assessments for clients to establish their occupational needs through standardised and specialist OT assessment tools.
To act as a vocational lead within the team, ensuring that the occupational and employment needs are met.
To ensure that continuity of care is maintained and that appropriate and timely plans are made for the discharge of clients from the inpatient faculties incorporating Section 117 and CPA responsibilities are discharged.
To act as a social supervisor for restricted patients, providing high quality and timely reports to the Ministry of Justice as requested.
To provide facilitation of groups including health promotion, wellbeing and those designed to address the offending needs of service users.
To provide joint assessments and ongoing joint work with generic mental health teams where there is a forensic component to the service users presentation.
Ensure effective and timely review of all placements and out of area treatment packages in line with current performance management requirements,
To ensure that the views and wishes of service users and carers are central to the care planning process and that their participation is maximised.
To ensure that the needs of carers are fully assessed and that information and support is readily available
To ensure that the caseload work of the team is managed in accordance the revised Care Programme Approach (CPA) policy and that reviews are undertaken regularly and within agreed timescales. This will include robust crisis and contingency plans
To work within Child Protection and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policies at all times, promoting the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults and contributing to professional meetings as required
Providing assessment and intervention for service users with substance misuse needs, including close working with other services and treatment agencies
To ensure that robust clinical assessment and management systems are in place and that all documentation including electronic records are up to date
To ensure that the team delivers services which maximises the choice and independence of service users, promotes social inclusion and ensures that individualised budgets and direct payments are fully utilised by service users and carers.
To ensure that effective links are developed with relevant organisational partners including statutory, voluntary and private providers as well as community groups and networks.
To provide specialist forensic assessment and intervention to other Mental Health Teams and Criminal Justice Agencies as requested
To support clients and carers in their contact with the Criminal Justice System including acting as an Appropriate Adult within police custody
To participate in the Forensic Team out of hours and on call rotas providing a service at weekends and on Bank Holidays

Communication:

To demonstrate excellent communication skills and to be able to develop a positive therapeutic relationship with service users and carers who may be at times in crisis or in emotional distress.
To liaise closely with colleagues in other mental health teams, criminal justice agencies, primary care, families and carers, always maintaining high professional standards.
To ensure that information of a confidential nature is used, stored and transported according to Caldicott principles and Trust policy,
To ensure that all written reports and communication is to a high standard and in accordance with professional and Trust guidelines.

Training:

To be responsible for the supervision and written assessment of students on practice placement
To attend all professional and practice forums and as directed by the Team Manager
Participate in special projects, research and audit related to the clinical area and as directed by the Team Manager
Support the development of a learning culture and provide supervision to students, learners and more junior members of staff.
To participate in the Trusts appraisal system in conjunction with the Lead OT, ensuring that training and development needs are identified and met

Policy and/or Service Development:

To use own clinical expertise to contribute to service development in conjunction with other members of the multi-disciplinary team
To contribute to the development and review of clinical systems and care pathways as directed by the Team Manager
To assist with the promotion of the service to service users, carers, CMHTs and external agencies
To participate in the delivery of OT annual objectives and R & D strategy

Management of Resources:

To be responsible for the ordering and management of physical needs resources and adaptations
To utilise all available resources efficiently and being aware of the teams financial and budgetary constraints
To ensure that all activity is recorded on the Trusts information systems in an accurate and timely manner e.g. JADE.
To ensure clinical and operational data is effectively managed as required by CNWL and WPCT
To participate in the teams rota system and co-ordination of clinical work ensuring continuity of care and robust risk management.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Overview of Main Responsibilities:

To manage a caseload of clients, in close collaboration with other members of the Multi-disciplinary team, within the CPA framework and to agreed local and national standards.
To provide OT assessments and intervention for clients within the team, applying specialist knowledge of Model of Human Occupation.
To provide training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to the clients social and physical environment
To provide a comprehensive, culturally appropriate, evidence based assessments for clients to establish their occupational needs through standardised and specialist OT assessment tools.
To act as a vocational lead within the team, ensuring that the occupational and employment needs are met.
To ensure that continuity of care is maintained and that appropriate and timely plans are made for the discharge of clients from the inpatient faculties incorporating Section 117 and CPA responsibilities are discharged.
To act as a social supervisor for restricted patients, providing high quality and timely reports to the Ministry of Justice as requested.
To provide facilitation of groups including health promotion, wellbeing and those designed to address the offending needs of service users.
To provide joint assessments and ongoing joint work with generic mental health teams where there is a forensic component to the service users presentation.
Ensure effective and timely review of all placements and out of area treatment packages in line with current performance management requirements,
To ensure that the views and wishes of service users and carers are central to the care planning process and that their participation is maximised.
To ensure that the needs of carers are fully assessed and that information and support is readily available
To ensure that the caseload work of the team is managed in accordance the revised Care Programme Approach (CPA) policy and that reviews are undertaken regularly and within agreed timescales. This will include robust crisis and contingency plans
To work within Child Protection and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policies at all times, promoting the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults and contributing to professional meetings as required
Providing assessment and intervention for service users with substance misuse needs, including close working with other services and treatment agencies
To ensure that robust clinical assessment and management systems are in place and that all documentation including electronic records are up to date
To ensure that the team delivers services which maximises the choice and independence of service users, promotes social inclusion and ensures that individualised budgets and direct payments are fully utilised by service users and carers.
To ensure that effective links are developed with relevant organisational partners including statutory, voluntary and private providers as well as community groups and networks.
To provide specialist forensic assessment and intervention to other Mental Health Teams and Criminal Justice Agencies as requested
To support clients and carers in their contact with the Criminal Justice System including acting as an Appropriate Adult within police custody
To participate in the Forensic Team out of hours and on call rotas providing a service at weekends and on Bank Holidays

Communication:

To demonstrate excellent communication skills and to be able to develop a positive therapeutic relationship with service users and carers who may be at times in crisis or in emotional distress.
To liaise closely with colleagues in other mental health teams, criminal justice agencies, primary care, families and carers, always maintaining high professional standards.
To ensure that information of a confidential nature is used, stored and transported according to Caldicott principles and Trust policy,
To ensure that all written reports and communication is to a high standard and in accordance with professional and Trust guidelines.

Training:

To be responsible for the supervision and written assessment of students on practice placement
To attend all professional and practice forums and as directed by the Team Manager
Participate in special projects, research and audit related to the clinical area and as directed by the Team Manager
Support the development of a learning culture and provide supervision to students, learners and more junior members of staff.
To participate in the Trusts appraisal system in conjunction with the Lead OT, ensuring that training and development needs are identified and met

Policy and/or Service Development:

To use own clinical expertise to contribute to service development in conjunction with other members of the multi-disciplinary team
To contribute to the development and review of clinical systems and care pathways as directed by the Team Manager
To assist with the promotion of the service to service users, carers, CMHTs and external agencies
To participate in the delivery of OT annual objectives and R & D strategy

Management of Resources:

To be responsible for the ordering and management of physical needs resources and adaptations
To utilise all available resources efficiently and being aware of the teams financial and budgetary constraints
To ensure that all activity is recorded on the Trusts information systems in an accurate and timely manner e.g. JADE.
To ensure clinical and operational data is effectively managed as required by CNWL and WPCT
To participate in the teams rota system and co-ordination of clinical work ensuring continuity of care and robust risk management.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential

Degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy
Registered Occupational Therapist (HCPC)

Desirable

Post graduate training specific to mental health
Qualifications/training in specialist skills eg. therapeutic/sensory interventions
Practice placement educators course

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

Essential

Ability to deal with sensitivities and complexities, using interpersonal skills
Excellent communication skills i.e. written, verbal, listening and proficient use of up to date systems of communication i.e. IT systems, e-mail, fax, telephone etc.
Clear concept of Occupational Therapy and models of practice
Ability to work autonomously, on own initiative and under pressure to meet deadlines; & to make and action decisions independently within agreed time frames
Ability to maintain effective partnership working with resources both internal and external to the Trust
Ability to determine the impact of mental and physical conditions on a service user's functional ability and undertake assessment/make recommendations with regards to the provision of equipment/aids and adaptations
Ability to recognise and articulate own values and principles , understanding how these may different from those of others
Individual and group work assessment and intervention skills.
Fulfilling responsibilities of designated projects, audits or research
Skills in producing timely, accurate and informative reports and notes.
Knowledge of personal recovery principles and their application to service delivery
Ability to promote a culture of sound OT practice amongst staff.

Desirable

Delivery of formal presentations and teaching sessions.

ATTITUDES, APTITUDES PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Essential

Committed to working as part of an MDT
Able to work flexibly
Able to utilise supervision effectively
Demonstrates a commitment to personal development
Demonstrates an enthusiasm for the post
Ability to work independently and is self motivated

Desirable

Keen to develop their role and skills and the role

Previous Experience

Essential

Post qualification experience working in mental health services
Experience in participating in audit / research projects
Experience in developing service activities
Experience in using a range of standardised OT assessments
Experience in managing resources
Experience of effective partnership working, with external providers, in promoting socially inclusive opportunities for service users
Experience in completing Risk Assessment Tools
Experience in delivering CPA and social care assessments

Desirable

Experience in forensic settings
Experience of supervising students/junior staff

Other

Essential

The post holder must have the ability to understand and implement the equal opportunities policy at a level appropriate to the job.
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 & Qualifications

Essential

Degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy
Registered Occupational Therapist (HCPC)

Desirable

Post graduate training specific to mental health
Qualifications/training in specialist skills eg. therapeutic/sensory interventions
Practice placement educators course

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

Essential

Ability to deal with sensitivities and complexities, using interpersonal skills
Excellent communication skills i.e. written, verbal, listening and proficient use of up to date systems of communication i.e. IT systems, e-mail, fax, telephone etc.
Clear concept of Occupational Therapy and models of practice
Ability to work autonomously, on own initiative and under pressure to meet deadlines; & to make and action decisions independently within agreed time frames
Ability to maintain effective partnership working with resources both internal and external to the Trust
Ability to determine the impact of mental and physical conditions on a service user's functional ability and undertake assessment/make recommendations with regards to the provision of equipment/aids and adaptations
Ability to recognise and articulate own values and principles , understanding how these may different from those of others
Individual and group work assessment and intervention skills.
Fulfilling responsibilities of designated projects, audits or research
Skills in producing timely, accurate and informative reports and notes.
Knowledge of personal recovery principles and their application to service delivery
Ability to promote a culture of sound OT practice amongst staff.

Desirable

Delivery of formal presentations and teaching sessions.

ATTITUDES, APTITUDES PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Essential

Committed to working as part of an MDT
Able to work flexibly
Able to utilise supervision effectively
Demonstrates a commitment to personal development
Demonstrates an enthusiasm for the post
Ability to work independently and is self motivated

Desirable

Keen to develop their role and skills and the role

Previous Experience

Essential

Post qualification experience working in mental health services
Experience in participating in audit / research projects
Experience in developing service activities
Experience in using a range of standardised OT assessments
Experience in managing resources
Experience of effective partnership working, with external providers, in promoting socially inclusive opportunities for service users
Experience in completing Risk Assessment Tools
Experience in delivering CPA and social care assessments

Desirable

Experience in forensic settings
Experience of supervising students/junior staff

Other

Essential

The post holder must have the ability to understand and implement the equal opportunities policy at a level appropriate to the job.
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).