Job summary
The post holder will complete advanced occupational therapy assessments and deliver occupational therapy interventions on an individual and group basis to service users who have diverse presentations, complex physical and psychological conditions. The post holder will also develop personalised care plans. The post holder will use evidence based practice, judgement and clinical reasoning within their occupational therapy role in community settings and apply patient centred principles to deliver safe interventions based on robust risk assessment. The post holder will receive regular formal and informal supervision and guidance, and over time, the post holder will provide leadership to others through supervision and appraisal.

Main duties of the job

• Provide high quality Occupational Therapy clinical expertise and service.
• Responsible for the delivery of a range of evidence-based interventions which promote recovery, social inclusion and normalisation for service users.
• Ensure continuous responsibility for coordinating the care of an identified group of service users as part of a team, under the current Care Programme Approach (CPA).
• Manage challenging clinical situations and plan interventions whilst ensuring regular evaluation of the service users care plan.
• Critically evaluate effectiveness of therapy interventions, in collaboration with service users, carers and other professionals.
• Provide specialist clinical advice and contribute to clinical information on service users progress by attending meetings and ward rounds.
• Work in partnership with a range of other services to provide support and treatment to service users to facilitate the safe management of their needs.
• Work within the safeguarding adults and children frameworks across the Trust, including taking on the role of enquiry officer when a safeguarding concern is allocated.
• Take responsibility for an evidence-based clinical audit.

About us
NELFT NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health and community services for over 4.9 million people living in the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and across Essex. We work to ensure our patients, their friends and family, feel confident that their health needs are well met. With an excellent reputation for research and development, our skilled health professionals are at the cutting edge of evidence-based innovation, opening up the possibilities for better ways of working and delivery of care.

Details
Date posted: 02 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: NDD-002227
Closing date: 13 November 2026

Job overview
An opportunity has arisen to recruit a highly motivated and enthusiastic Band 5 Occupational Therapist to join our Community Mental Health Team working with Older Adults in Waltham Forest. Our team is based in Red Oak Lodge which is close to Leytonstone High Street and a number of major transport links (Central Line, Overground and bus routes).

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Qualified Occupational Therapist with current HCPC registration.
• Demonstrated ability to work calmly and effectively in complex and challenging situations.
• Experience of working in a community setting, with strong communication and organisational skills.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a team making a meaningful impact in the local community.
• Access to training opportunities and regular supervision to support your professional growth.
• Work within an organisation committed to inclusivity, career progression, and staff wellbeing.

High Cost Area Supplement
This post 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).

Certificates of Sponsorship
Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, we are unable to offer sponsorship for all job roles. Please check your eligibility under the UKVI points-based system.

Use of AI
We value applications that genuinely reflect each candidate’s own skills, experience and motivations. We therefore strongly discourage the use of AI-generated content in applications. Applications should be written in your own words and accurately represent your knowledge, skills and experience.

Contact
For an informal chat or to arrange a visit, please contact: Shamara Williams, Operational Lead, 0300 555 1270, shamara.williams1@nhs.net

The Trust has award-winning equality and diversity initiatives. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure and Barring Service check.