Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist

Putting community at the heart of everything we do.

Proud to be a prospective advanced foundation trust, CLCH is one of the largest community healthcare providers in the country, employing more than 4,500 staff and caring for more than four million people across London and Hertfordshire. We believe in working together to give children a better start and adults greater independence. Our diverse team of professionals supports patients at every stage of their lives, from health visiting for newborn babies to community nursing, stroke rehabilitation, and palliative care.

By joining CLCH, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team that values innovation, compassion, and excellence. We offer a range of exciting career opportunities and are committed to your professional development and well-being.

To join us and help make a real difference in the communities we work in, browse our latest jobs and opportunities below.

Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist

Band 7

Main area Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist Grade Band 7 Contract Permanent Hours Part time - 22.5 hours per week Job ref 824-INNER-8238766

Site South Westminster Centre for Health Town London Salary £58,133 - £65,261 per annum, inclusive of HCAS (pro rata) Salary period Yearly Closing 06/10/2026 23:59 Interview date 21/10/2026

Welcome to Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH)

At CLCH, we proudly serve as a beacon of compassionate community healthcare across 14 vibrant London boroughs — Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Merton, Richmond, Wandsworth, Westminster, Hillingdon, Sutton, and Kingston — as well as Hertfordshire. We bring care closer to home, embracing the rich diversity of these communities with dedication and heart.

Recognised as a Good provider by the Care Quality Commission and celebrated among the top NHS employers, we are united by a shared passion: empowering our community health professionals to deliver care that truly makes a difference.

We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where every member of our team feels respected, valued, and inspired—a place where fairness, kindness, and inclusion blossom. Our culture is rooted in the principles of the NHS People Plan, Our NHS People Promise, and our own strategic Equality values and objectives, guiding us to create a truly supportive and inclusive workplace.

Together, we build a caring community where the warmth we show one another shines through in every life we touch.

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Assistive Communication Service (ACS), part of Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH), as a Highly Specialised Occupational Therapist (Band 7).

ACS is recognised by NHS England as one of London's specialised Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) services. The service provides specialist AAC assessment, equipment prescription, set‑up, and initial training for children and adults with complex communication needs across a number of London boroughs.

We are seeking a motivated and committed Occupational Therapist with substantial post-registration experience, typically around three years or more, who is keen to develop specialist skills within this rewarding area of practice. Previous experience of AAC or assistive technology is not essential, as comprehensive training, supported practice and protected CPD time will be provided.

The post holder will join a supportive multidisciplinary team comprising Speech and Language Therapists, Speech and Language Therapy Technicians, a Rehabilitation Engineer and a Clinical Scientist. The role offers excellent professional support, regular supervision and opportunities for ongoing learning and development within a well-established specialist service.

Main duties of the job

• Undertake specialist assessments for children and adults referred to the Assistive Communication Service who have complex communication needs.
• Contribute to the multidisciplinary assessment, recommendation and provision of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems and associated assistive technology.
• Support service users, families, carers and professionals through the implementation, set‑up and initial training of prescribed AAC equipment.
• Work collaboratively with Speech and Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Engineering and Clinical Science colleagues to deliver person‑centred interventions and achieve positive outcomes.
• Provide specialist occupational therapy input, advice and recommendations as part of multidisciplinary care planning.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and reports in accordance with professional, organisational and regulatory standards.
• Participate in service development, clinical audit, quality improvement activities and the ongoing evaluation of clinical outcomes.
• Engage in regular clinical supervision, continuing professional development and training to maintain and develop skills within the specialist field of AAC.
• Contribute to the delivery of a high‑quality, equitable and accessible service for individuals across the boroughs served by ACS.

Working for our organisation

We are proud to be one of the largest community healthcare providers in the country, with more than 4,500 colleagues caring for over four million people across London and Hertfordshire. Every day, our teams bring their skill, compassion, and determination to the people who depend on us.

What inspires us is at the heart of who we are: when we work together, we can help people move forward in ways that truly matter. Our teams support children as they take their first steps in life, and they stand beside adults as they rebuild strength, confidence, and independence. From newborn health visiting to community nursing, stroke rehabilitation, and palliative care, we are there for people through some of life’s most important moments.

Joining Central London Community Healthcare means becoming part of a community that lifts each other up. It means working in an organisation that values compassion, welcomes new ideas, and believes in the potential of every colleague. Your development matters here. Your wellbeing matters. Your voice helps shape the future of the care we provide.

We offer a competitive employment package because the work you do matters. At Central London Community Healthcare, you will join an inclusive organisation that invests in its people, supports development, and helps you thrive while delivering high-quality care.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Applicants are expected to present clear and relevant evidence of the competencies and responsibilities detailed in the attached Job Description and Person Specification, together with a demonstrated commitment to the Trust’s values of Accountability, Inclusion, Compassion, and Empowerment.

Person specification

Education/Qualification

• Diploma/degree in Occupational Therapy
• Current HPC registration
• Evidence of CPD relevant to assessment and treatment of neurological conditions
• Evidence of up-to-date CPD portfolio
• Involvement in Appraisal and KSF Scheme
• MSc in Occupational Therapy
• Member of SSNP or other relevant AAC special interest groups

Experience

• Post-registration experience working at a senior level in neuro/ stroke rehabilitation and long‑term disability management
• Rotations at a Band 5 and Band 6 level in a wide range of clinical areas including neuro‑rehabilitation, musculoskeletal, community
• Experience working within a multi‑disciplinary team
• Experience in supervising and appraising junior therapists and support workers
• Experience in supervising occupational therapy students
• Experience working with Wheelchair and Specialist Seating Services
• Experience working with voluntary organisations

Skills & Knowledge

• Advanced skills in the assessment and treatment of people with neurological conditions complex multi-pathologies
• Ability to apply core occupational therapy skills across a range of clinical conditions within a client centered, goal setting approach
• Knowledge of outcome measures and evidence-based practice associated with children/adults with complex neurological conditions
• Ability to problem solve, prioritise and demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning
• Advanced communication and report writing skills, in both verbal and written format IT skills – Microsoft 365, Power point, Excel, Outlook Knowledge and understanding of Clinical Governance and its application to clinical practice An understanding of the importance of involving service users in their treatment and service development
• Remains up to date with own professional practice and new research
• Experience in MDT assessment of Alternative and Augmentative systems and wheelchair mounting of voice output communication aids

We review all applications carefully to ensure fairness and verify references. At interview, you will be asked about your experience, so be honest and ensure all information is accurate. The use of AI during interviews is not permitted.

CLCH Trust does not recommend relying solely on AI when completing your application.

CLCH Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

CLCH is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for providing exceptional patient care. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining talent from all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident employer, we pledge to:

• Guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role.
• Provide reasonable adjustments to support diverse needs throughout the recruitment and employment process.
• Challenge misconceptions about disability and foster an inclusive culture for everyone.

We are committed to building a workplace where all staff feel valued and have the opportunity to thrive. Simply let us know how we can support you.

Learn more about our equal opportunities policy on our website: Equal opportunities: Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust clch.nhs.uk

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.