At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support the Mental Health Autism Team in delivering compassionate care.
- Company: Join West London NHS Trust, a diverse and reputable healthcare provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive of health benefits and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and service development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic individuals within mental health services.
- Qualifications: Experience in occupational therapy and a passion for mental health and autism.
The predicted salary is between 66274 - 73496 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Occupational Therapist within the Mental Health Autism Team. Over the past 2 years, the service has expanded from inpatient and crisis services only, to cover a defined cohort of autistic service users within community mental health services, who are at increased risk of readmissions to inpatient mental health services or frequently utilise unplanned care.
The post spans acute and community mental health services across Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham and Hounslow. The post will be based across both Hammersmith and Fulham and Lakeside Mental Health Units, but will involve outreach provision and therefore travel across all three boroughs.
As a senior clinician, the post holder would have a clinical leadership role, supporting in the clinical governance of the Mental Health Autism Team. The post holder will use therapeutic approaches to engage autistic individuals and to facilitate communication that will support the diagnostic pathway and the care of autistic people within mental health services. The role will also include drawing on profession-specific skills relevant to the client group and setting. The post holder will be actively involved in shaping the development of the service, care pathways and interfaces with other services.
This secondment/fixed-term role offers an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and experienced Principal Occupational Therapist looking to specialise in mental health and Autism within a clinical leadership role. The successful candidate will offer a thorough, compassionate and evidence-based service to adults with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of Autism within inpatient, crisis and community mental health services, with the community focus being on people at risk of readmission to inpatient mental health services or who frequently utilise unplanned care.
They will also be involved in co-producing and co-delivering training to staff, and in the establishment and facilitation of an autism consultation provision for community mental health services.
As a senior clinician, the post holder would have an integral role in the development and delivery of a safe and effective service, both through direct clinical work and provision of supervision and leadership. The post holder will have knowledge and understanding of taking a strengths-based approach to working with autistic people, supporting the individual and teams to identify and meet unmet needs, and tailoring care to the needs of the individual. They will draw on profession-specific skills relevant to the client group and setting.
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.
The Trust is rated as ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as ‘Outstanding’. The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Principal Occupational Therapist | West London NHS Trust employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Occupational Therapist | West London NHS Trust
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Occupational Therapist | West London NHS Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Allscreens Nationwide Ltd:Take some time to research Allscreens Nationwide Ltd and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Allscreens Nationwide Ltd's values and approach.
