CAMHS LIST Specialist Occupational Therapist in Milton Keynes

CNWL (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) has almost 8,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond. We involve service users, carers, the public, staff and partner organisations in the way that we are run. Our catchment area spans diverse communities, with over 100 first languages spoken. It contains areas of great affluence as well as areas of much deprivation. We are committed to providing services that meet the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference. We’re proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME and people with disabilities to promote good relations and understanding between our staff. We are recognised locally, nationally and internationally for providing high quality, innovative healthcare. We aim to employ only the best people, and our experts are frequently called upon to contribute to national health strategy and policy, and many models of our care have been adapted for use in other countries. We offer a generous relocation package (subject to eligibility assessment) and flexible working options, including bank assignments for most roles. CNWL NHS Foundation Trust are committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults.

A compelling opportunity to lead and deliver high-quality crisis mental health care for children and young people. We are offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced Occupational Therapist to join our Liaison and Intensive Support Team (LIST) at Band 7 level. This senior role combines advanced clinical practice with leadership, supervision, and service development responsibilities. Step into a senior role where your occupational therapy expertise directly supports children and young people experiencing acute mental health needs. As a CAMHS LIST Specialist Occupational Therapist, you will play a key role in delivering intensive, recovery-focused interventions, supporting young people to remain safely in the community and reducing hospital admissions. Join a forward-thinking, multidisciplinary team committed to delivering compassionate, responsive and high-quality care within crisis pathways. If you are an experienced clinician ready to lead, innovate and influence service delivery, this is your opportunity to thrive.

Main duties of the job:

• You will work with children and young people presenting with moderate to severe and complex mental health needs, supporting crisis intervention and recovery through a functional, occupation-focused approach.
• Deliver comprehensive occupational therapy assessments, including functional, sensory and environmental needs.
• Develop and implement person-centred, occupation-focused interventions to support recovery and risk reduction.
• Provide short-term, intensive interventions to stabilise mental health and improve daily functioning.
• Support children and young people in maintaining engagement in education, routines, and meaningful activities.
• Work flexibly across community, home, school and acute settings, including liaison with acute hospitals where required.
• Provide clinical leadership in occupational therapy within the MDT, promoting a functionally focused, recovery-oriented approach.
• Contribute to risk assessment and management of complex and high-risk presentations.
• Support safe transitions between inpatient and community settings, promoting continuity of care.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies (education, social care, paediatrics) to support holistic care and prevent escalation.
• Contribute to service development, pathway improvement and quality initiatives within LIST.

Working for our organisation:

At CNWL, our teams are united by a shared commitment to delivering outstanding, patient-centred care. You will be joining an organisation that:

• Invests in your professional and leadership development.
• Supports career progression into advanced clinical or management roles.
• Encourages innovation, service transformation and continuous learning.
• Values diversity and promotes an inclusive working environment.

You will benefit from regular supervision, strong leadership support, and opportunities to contribute to strategic service development.

About Milton Keynes CAMHS:

You will be part of Milton Keynes CAMHS, a growing and innovative service delivering responsive and evidence-based mental health care for children and young people.

Education / Qualifications:

• Diploma/ Degree in Occupational Therapy
• HCPC Registration
• Post graduate training specific to clinical specialty
• RCA Training
• Mental health specific workshops and short courses

Experience:

• Significant post qualification experience working in mental health services
• Experience in participating in audit / research projects
• Experience in leading and/or developing a service/component of a service
• Experience in using a range of standardised OT assessments including MOHO assessments
• Experience of supervising and appraising staff / unqualified staff; recruitment and workforce planning
• Experience of effective partnership working, with external providers, in promoting socially inclusive opportunities for service users
• Experience in a variety of mental health settings
• Experience in Serious incident investigations
• Experience in managing complex HR issues with staff e.g. the management of performance / long term sickness.
• Experience in budget management

Skills:

• Individual and group work assessment and intervention skills
• Ability to deal with sensitivities and complexities, using interpersonal skills
• Effective leadership skills through the management of designated projects, audits and research
• Skills in producing timely, accurate and informative reports and notes
• Excellent communication skills i.e. written, verbal, listening and proficient use of up to date systems of communication i.e. IT systems, e-mail, fax, telephone etc.
• R&D experience at post graduate level
• Delivery of formal presentations and teaching sessions
• Chairing of senior meetings
• Car driver or use of motorised transport
• Training in psychological therapies e.g. DBT, CBT

Knowledge:

• Ability to prioritise workload, delegate effectively and to support junior staff to do so.
• Knowledge of personal recovery principles and their application to service delivery
• Clear concept of Occupational Therapy and models of practice

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.