Job summary
The East London Community Forensic Service (ELCFS) is a multidisciplinary service, developed for service users in the process of and following discharge from forensic inpatient services within East London.

This post is for a Senior Occupational Therapist based in the community forensic team. The post will be permanent and will be working with service users who are discharged to our Newham.

The successful candidate will be expected to hold a referral-based caseload, carry out OT assessments and plan interventions, with a focus on daily skills and engagement in meaningful activities. They will need to work closely with the wider therapy team and participate in the planning and delivery of the group programme. They will also have an important role in consulting with multidisciplinary teams, accommodation providers and partner organisations of ELCFS.

Main duties of the job

• To be a Specialist Occupational Therapist, working as part of a Specialist Community Forensic Multidisciplinary team, responsible for providing a high level of assessments, recovery-focused treatment and interventions with service-users within the forensic directorate.
• To support service-users using a recovery-based model so that they can step-down into increasingly independent, less restrictive and lower-cost placements.
• To work with service-users using a recidivism approach, working collaboratively in developing or reinforcing protective factors which can reduce the likelihood of reoffending and/or relapsing.
• To contribute to effective crisis and risk management plans, reducing likelihood of readmission into secure inpatient settings. To work creatively with service-users with a view of developing their employment skills, budgeting, self-care, participation in meaningful activity and daily living skills.
• To work across a number of boroughs in the East London area and demonstrate flexibility and autonomy.

About us
Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

Date posted: 03 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £44,806 to £53,134 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 363-FOR8108824
Job locations: East London Community Forensic Service, 26 Shore Road, London, E9 7TA, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• To undertake comprehensive assessment of service users with complex and severe mental health and/or Learning Disability needs, using well developed clinical reasoning to select appropriate assessments and assessment techniques.
• To use MOHO based assessment tools and GAS goals to carry out ADL assessment, intervention plans and outcomes
• To complete comprehensive assessments and reports, advising the service-users care team on appropriate level of supported living arrangements that best meets the service-users needs.
• To work with service-users using a Recovery-based approach, implementing a range of interventions to support the service-user in developing independent living skills.
• To work with service-users in building and developing community links and support networks.
• To work with accommodation providers, family and carers where relevant.
• To contribute to Recovery-focused groups and activities where applicable.
• To complete mobility assessments and provide adaptive equipment to support the service-user to live independently.
• To produce timely and accurate records in accordance with Health and Care Professions regulation.
• To have a good understanding of the Mental Health act, taking into account the complexities of working with service-users whom have a Forensic history combined with a Mental Health and/or Learning Disability diagnosis.
• To work with service-users using a Recidivism approach, working with service-users in developing protective factors that can support them from re-offending.
• Using verbal, non-verbal and written communication tools, depending on the communication needs of the service-users so as to ensure service users understanding. To be able to persuade, negotiate, as well and demonstrated empathy and reassurance. The Occupational therapist must adapt their communication techniques according to the needs of the service-user.
• To urgently report and take appropriate action if there are immediate concerns about risk, safeguarding and service-users safety.
• To be able to effectively represent Occupational therapy within the Multidisciplinary team.
• To provide assessment reports, progress reports and outcome reports in a timely and reliable approach according to the patient care-pathway standards.
• To ensure and contribute to effective record-keeping standards that meet over trust compliance standards, ensuring data-protection and governance standards are effectively implemented and maintained.
• To communicate with a range of community based organisations and services where and when appropriate including developing links with local hostels, local charities and third sector organisations.

Person Specification
Education/Qualification/Training
Essential

• Diploma or degree in Occupational Therapy.
• HCPC Registration

Desirable

• Further training in relevant area

Experience
Essential

• Post qualification experience in Mental Health and/or a Forensic setting
• Ability to initiate and follow through projects and demonstrate Leadership skills
• Assertive in clinical and managerial situations
• Excellent demonstrable written verbal and presentation skills
• Experience of co-production
• Clinical practice that is aligned with the principles of Trauma Informed Care

Desirable

• Experience of clinically supervising OT staff and students
• Experience in participating in research or audit

Knowledge and Skills
Essential

• Carry out culturally sensitive Occupational Therapy Assessment and treatment process skills
• Good Interpersonal skills
• Effective time and project management skills
• Evaluate clinical work using formal and informal methods
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi- disciplinary team.
• Ability to present information in a clear, concise manner.
• Models of O.T. and their practical application in the clinical field
• Clinical risk assessment and management
• Psychiatric conditions and treatment available including a range of treatment techniques
• Able to deliver theory driven, occupation focused practice.
• Needs and concerns of clients with mental health problems, broad knowledge base in professional clinical issues related to forensic OT.
• Provide advice and support around clinical issues to other agencies and management as required.
• Ability to assess and prescribe adaptive equipment to support independent living.
• Skills in devising and implementing strategies to improve and monitor quality
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Group work skills
• Ability to apply recovery values and principles in day to day work
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to reflect on own performance
• Ability to implement local policy and procedure
• Ability to manage incidents of verbal and physical aggression

Desirable

• Specialist assessment or intervention skills and training
• Awareness of current legislation affecting Mental Health Services
• Understanding of the Mental Health Act
• Experience of lone working

Other
Essential

• Ability to take responsibility and demonstrate reliability
• Demonstrate appropriate use of initiative
• Able to demonstrate a strong professional identity
• Awareness of level of professional competence
• Self Motivated

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).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer name: East London NHS Foundation Trust
Address: East London Community Forensic Service, 26 Shore Road, London, E9 7TA, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

For questions about the job, contact:
Occupational Therapy Lead
Hannah Kay
hannah.kay8@nhs.net
07825900213