Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Band 5 Occupational Therapist
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Band 5 CAMHS Inpatient Occupational Therapist – Vacancy at Lavender Walk
Job Overview
Join our dynamic multi-disciplinary team at Lavender Walk, part of Central & North West London (CNWL) Foundation Mental Health Trust. Based in South Kensington and Chelsea Mental Health Centre (1 Nightingale Place, London, SW10 9NG), this 12-bed General Adolescent Unit (GAU) cares for young people aged 13–18 with complex mental health needs and emotional difficulties across six London boroughs: Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Hounslow.
This opportunity is perfect for a motivated, forward-thinking Occupational Therapist (Band 5) looking to make a meaningful difference in Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
About the Role
You will provide individual and group OT interventions, leveraging assessment tools and trauma-informed principles to support recovery. Working closely with the Lead Occupational Therapist, you’ll help innovate therapeutic programmes and may oversee Occupational Therapy students and Activity Coordinators through placements and supervision.
Our team fosters career growth—successful preceptorships can lead to educational roles. With strong links to CNWL’s Allied Health Professionals, you’ll benefit from professional development, clinical networks, and research opportunities.
Work-life benefits include:
- Discounts (10–20%) at local cafes, restaurants, and bars (NHS-affiliated)
- 50% off membership at Better Gym
- A supportive environment with ** restaurant and gym discounts** near Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
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Watch [this video](click here) to learn more about working in CAMHS.
Main Duties
- Deliver Occupational Therapy assessments, interventions, and evaluations using evidence-based practice.
- Play a key role in designing and enhancing the unit’s therapeutic activities.
- Provide supervision to OT students, Activity Coordinators, and placements.
- Develop professional competencies through structured training, preceptorship, and mentorship.
- Collaborate across a diverse team (consultant psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, nursing staff, arts therapists).
- Support recovery-focused care and encourage social inclusion.
Person Specification
Education & Professional Registration
Essential:
- Qualification in Occupational Therapy (degree/diploma)
- HPC registration for Occupational Therapists (or registration-ready)
Desirable:
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Experience
Essential:
- Undergraduate experience in mental health
- Knowledge/experience using standardised OT assessment tools
- Experience working in a multi-disciplinary clinical team
Desirable:
- Prior experience in CAMHS or acute mental health
- Direct experience in working with children and young people
Skills & Qualities
Essential:
- Strong grasp of Occupational Therapy models of practice
- Ability to engage clients creatively in group/therapy sessions
- Exceptional communication skills (verbal, written, digital platforms)
- Culturally sensitive, empathetic approach with a patient-centred mindset
- Understanding of clinical audit, research-based practice, and recovery approaches
- Attention to audiovisual literacy and hypersensitivity to client needs
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Desirable:
- Detailed understanding of child and adolescent development
- Ability to provide physical assessments/interventions
- Participation in undergraduate-level research and development
Attitudes & Personal Characteristics
Essential:
- High personal motivation, flexibility in dynamic settings.
- Emphasis on trusting relationships, identifying risks, and ethical decision-making.
- Responsibility for self-reflection on practice and career advancement.
- Experience in collaborative teamwork and legal considerations in CAMHS.
Desirable:
- Experience in promoting equality/diversity
- Proactive in conflict mediation between staff/patients
Other Requirements
Essential:
- Commitment to implementing National Policies, Equality Standards, and professional Code of Ethics.
- Adaptability in hours to meet patient care optimisation.
Desirable:
- Membership in BAOT (British Association of Occupational Therapy).
The detailed job description and full responsibilities are available upon request.
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