Closing date: 20 July 2026
Job summaryJoin a high-impact Assertive Outreach Service making a real difference across Southwark. This is a standout opportunity to be part of a dynamic service, supporting people with serious and enduring mental illness through focused, intensive, and creative interventions. Working across community hubs borough-wide, the role offers flexibility in location and approach, shaped around caseload needs. A strengths-based, responsive model sits at the heart of the service--adapting to each individual's perspective, interests, and changing priorities. As an Occupational Therapist in a Care Coordinator role, specialist skills are central: delivering innovative OT assessments and interventions that actively support recovery. The role includes recovery-focused care coordination and co-facilitation of a varied group programme grounded in an occupational perspective--recognising the vital relationship between person, environment, and meaningful activity. Professional development is a priority, with regular clinical supervision from a Senior OT and strong integration within the Southwark Community OT network. Monthly forums provide space to share best practice, reflect, and drive ongoing CPD. NB:
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Main duties of the job- To be a key member of a Focussed Support service offering short to medium term interventions to adults with SMI in the Borough of Southwark, using the Care Programme Approach (currently changing to the DIALOG+ model).
- To provide intensive support for patients with complex mental health needs in the Southwark community.
- To work collaboratively with placement providers and allied services to coordinate a service which focuses on the individual's strengths and to support wellbeing in a holistic way.
- To support patients through their recovery journey in the community by identifying and responding to early warning signals so that patients have less barriers to living a more meaningful life.
About usSouth London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provide the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK as well as substance misuse services for people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. We work closely with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London and are part of King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre. There are very few organisations in the world that have such wide-ranging capabilities working with mental illness. Our scope is unique because it is built on three major foundations: care and treatment, science and research, and training.
SLaM employ around 5000 staff and serve a local population of 1.1 million people. We have more than 230 services including inpatient wards, outpatient and community services. Currently, provide inpatient care for approximately 5,300 people each year and treat more than 45,000 patients in the community in Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark; as well as substance misuse services for residents of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich.
Job responsibilities- To provide care co-ordination and case management to a defined caseload of service users within the framework of the Care Programme Approach (CPA). The ongoing caseload will consist of service users with complex care needs including substance misuse or addiction issues. The interventions that are provided will focus on engagement, recovery, rehabilitation and integration with the community.
- To carry out MDT activities, such as assessments and duty responsibilities
- To be community focussed, agile, and adaptable.
- To be adept at building a rapport with clients, whilst maintaining firm boundaries.
- To co-ordinate a first-class service that includes assessment and monitoring of physical health, working collaboratively with the individual, and maintaining a safe and therapeutic working environment and accurate records.
- To maintain a close interface with a variety of SLaM services, other statutory organisations, social care and voluntary sector.
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- Relevant professional qualification with affiliated professional registration - RMN with NMC registration or Occupational Therapist or Social Worker with HCPC registration.
ExperienceEssential- Skills in clinical assessment / baseline mental health assessment.
- Skills in risk assessment and management.
- Skills in crisis management
- Skilled in the use of ICT, particularly Microsoft Office.
- Knowledge of the issues around social inclusion for mental health services users.
- Knowledge of race and gender issues as they pertain to people with serious mental health problems
Desirable- Experience of care coordination / case management. (A/I)
- Experience of undertaking a service improvement/evaluation project
- Experience of providing guidance to students and/or junior colleagues
- Experience of using psycho-social interventions
- Experience of working with people experiencing psychosis.
Skills & KnowledgeEssential- Skills in clinical assessment / baseline mental health assessment
- Skills in risk assessment and management
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Skilled in the use of ICT, particularly Microsoft Office
- Knowledge of the Recovery Approach and an understanding of its application in community practice
Desirable- Completed Practice Educator Training
- Understanding of wider NHS Agenda and its application to the local context (10 year plan)
- Knowledge of and skills in psycho-social interventions
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 SponsorshipApplications 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
