Professional development is a priority, with access to supervision, mentoring, leadership programmes, quality improvement training, research opportunities, clinical networks and specialist forums. Many of Brent's senior clinical and operational leaders started their careers in local roles and progressed through development opportunities within the borough.

Brent is one of the UK's most diverse boroughs, and we are proud of our inclusive workforce and the communities we serve. We are committed to creating an environment where staff feel valued, supported and able to thrive.

At CNWL, our values of Compassion, Respect, Empowerment and Partnership underpin everything we do, helping us deliver innovative, recovery-focused care while creating a positive and rewarding place to work.

Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities

The post holder will provide professional leadership, supervision and support to Occupational Therapy staff working within Brent Community Mental Health Hubs, promoting high standards of professional practice and occupationally focused care.

They will lead the ongoing development of Occupational Therapy services across Brent CMHH, identifying opportunities for innovation, quality improvement and service redesign. The post holder will support the implementation of new initiatives and work collaboratively with service users, carers, staff and partner organisations to improve outcomes and experiences.

The successful candidate will provide expert professional advice within multidisciplinary teams, promoting evidence-based occupational therapy and ensuring interventions support recovery, independence, meaningful occupation and social inclusion.

The role includes responsibility for professional supervision, workforce development, student education, recruitment and supporting the development of future Occupational Therapy leaders. The post holder will champion continuous learning, reflective practice and quality improvement methodologies.

Working alongside senior managers and clinical leaders, the post holder will contribute to strategic planning, service transformation and borough-wide developments. They will represent Occupational Therapy at local and Trust-wide forums and support the development of partnerships that strengthen opportunities for service users within their communities.

We are looking for a compassionate and inspiring leader who fosters positive team cultures, values collaboration and partnership, and can motivate others through periods of change. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring Brent CMHH continues to provide innovative, inclusive and high-quality mental health services that reflect the diverse communities we serve and the CNWL values of Compassion, Respect, Empowerment and Partnership.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
• HCPC registered Occupational Therapist
• Practice Placement Educator’s Course
• Mental health specific workshops and short courses

Desirable Criteria

• Post graduate training specific to clinical specialty
• Management & Leadership Diploma.
• PSIRF trained

Previous Experience

Essential Criteria

• Significant post qualification experience working in mental health services.
• Experience in participating in audit / research projects.
• Experience in leading and/or developing a service/component of a service
• Experience in using a range of standardised OT assessments
• Experience of supervising and appraising staff / unqualified staff; recruitment and workforce planning
• Experience of effective partnership working, with external providers, in promoting socially inclusive opportunities for service users.
• Experience working in trauma informed service
• Experience in completing Risk Assessment Tools
• Experience in managing a complex caseload

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in community mental health
• Experience in managing complex HR issues with staff e.g. the management of performance / long term sickness.
• Experience in completing Root Cause Analysis investigations.
• Experience in supporting young people in CAMHS or paediatric services

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

Essential Criteria

• Ability to deal with sensitivities and complexities, using interpersonal skills
• Effective leadership skills through the management of designated projects, audits and research.
• Presentation 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.
• 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 promote a culture of sound OT practice amongst staff
• Ability to recognise and articulate own values and principles, understanding how these may be different from those of others

Desirable Criteria

• R&D experience at post graduate level.
• Delivery of formal presentations and teaching sessions.
• Chairing of senior meetings.
• Training in psychological therapies e.g. DBT, CBT
• Membership of RCOT and Specialist Sections.

Attitudes, Aptitudes Personal Characteristics

Essential Criteria

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