Job overview

Job Summary – CAMHS Occupational Therapist (Tier 4 Inpatient Crisis Service)

We are seeking a motivated, dynamic, and compassionate Band 5 Occupational Therapist to join our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Tier 4 Crisis inpatient team. Based within a specialist unit caring for up to 15 young people experiencing acute mental health crises, you will play a pivotal role in supporting their recovery and rehabilitation.

Working as part of a skilled multidisciplinary team, you will deliver evidence-based occupational therapy interventions that promote emotional wellbeing, functional independence, and engagement in meaningful activities. You will assess each young person’s individual needs, plan and deliver tailored therapeutic programmes, and contribute to discharge planning to ensure smooth transitions back into the community.

This role is ideal for an adaptable, creative practitioner who can build trusting therapeutic relationships, manage the challenges of an intensive inpatient environment, and bring fresh ideas to service development. You will be supported by experienced colleagues, have opportunities for professional development, and make a tangible difference in the lives of young people and their families during a crucial stage of their recovery journey.

Main duties of the job

• Undertake comprehensive 1:1 specialist occupational therapy assessments to identify strengths, challenges, sensory needs, and functional skills.

• Collaborate with young people, families, and the multidisciplinary team to set personalised, recovery-focused goals.

• Review and adapt goals regularly in response to progress and changing needs.

• Deliver tailored 1:1 therapeutic interventions to promote emotional regulation, daily living skills, social engagement, and independence.

• Plan and facilitate a structured group therapeutic programme to support skill development, peer interaction, and meaningful activity engagement.

• Use evidence-based, creative approaches including sensory strategies, activity scheduling, and graded exposure to support recovery.

• Work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and education staff to ensure integrated care.

• Contribute actively to ward rounds, care planning meetings, and discharge planning discussions.

• Maintain accurate, timely clinical records in line with HCPC and organisational standards.
• Engage in supervision, training, and continuing professional development to enhance clinical skills.

Working for our organisation

Starting with Us

NELFT places great importance on new starters being properly welcomed into the Trust.  All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks, including mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment.  As part of the process, new starters will also have the opportunity to meet the executive team, senior managers, and attend several drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing, and key processes.  The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probationary Period 

This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).

High Cost Area Supplement - Outer London

This post also 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).

Use of AI

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.