Job Overview

We are looking for a Lead Occupational Therapist to provide professional and clinical leadership across our Acute and Inpatient Mental Health Services. This is a senior role with real influence over how care is experienced on our wards, from admission through to post discharge.

Our inpatient services support people at some of the most challenging points in their lives. The quality of what happens on the ward; how people spend their time, how they are supported to recover, and how they move forward, has a lasting impact.

Occupational Therapy should be central to that. This role is about making that a reality.

You will lead Occupational Therapy across acute wards, working closely with ward managers, matrons, and the wider multidisciplinary team to strengthen therapeutic environments and embed occupation-focused care.

Alongside leading the OT workforce, you will influence how inpatient care is delivered, ensuring it is recovery-focused, purposeful, and supports timely and effective discharge

Main duties of the job

Providing professional and operational leadership for Occupational Therapy across inpatient services
Supporting and developing OTs and support staff working on acute wards
Strengthening the quality and consistency of therapeutic activity and engagement
Embedding occupation-focused approaches within MDT practice and care planning
Contributing to service priorities such as flow, discharge planning, and reducing length of stay
Supporting improvements in patient experience and reducing restrictive practices
Ensuring the OT contribution is visible, valued, and evidence-based

What We Are Looking For

You will need to be an experienced OT who understands the realities of acute inpatient care, and wants to improve it.

You’ll Bring

Strong clinical credibility in mental health, ideally with inpatient experience
Experience of leading or developing staff and services
The ability to influence within fast-paced, high-pressure environments
A clear belief in the value of occupation in recovery
Resilience, curiosity, and a drive to improve how care is delivered

You don’t need to have all the answers, but you do need the confidence to lead change.

AHP in Mental Health

NELFT is committed to strengthening the role of Allied Health Professionals and improving the quality of care across mental health services. Our inpatient services are a key focus, with clear ambition to enhance therapeutic engagement, patient experience, and outcomes.

If you want a role where you can make a tangible difference to how inpatient care is delivered, including:

Shaping the inpatient experience
Leading in a complex environment
Developing a skilled OT workforce
Working at the heart of MDT decision-making

Then we’d like to hear from you.

Starting with NELFT

NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).

High Cost Area Supplement Outer London (B&D, Redbridge, Havering and Waltham Forest, CEME)

This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £4,714 to a maximum of £5,941 p.a. pro rata for part time).

Working for Us

Joining #TeamNELFT means you’ll become part of a welcoming and supportive working environment. We’re CQC rated Good, and we want you to join us on the journey towards an Outstanding rating. NELFT has sites across North East London and Essex. We provide community and mental healthcare services to adults and children within these areas.

The Trust has award-winning equality and diversity initiatives, along with staff health and wellbeing activities. We invest significantly in your development because when you feel valued and supported, we can deliver the highest quality care to our patients. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, have been recognised in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for five consecutive years, and hold a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Through our staff networks and training opportunities, we strive to foster a just and compassionate culture at NELFT.

NELFT NHS Foundation Trust

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