Assertive Outreach Occupational Therapist

Job Overview

Hillingdon Adult Community Mental Health Services are seeking a motivated and experienced Band 6 Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our new Assertive Outreach pathway.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about delivering high‑quality care, proactive care. and is committed to supporting people in their mental health recovery.

The successful candidate will join a wider Community Mental Health Hub OT service that prides itself on innovation, excellent service delivery and continued learning.

This post is based at Mill House, but you will be required to visit patients across the Borough depending on service demand.

View this webpage and video for more information about Occupational Therapy in CNWL Occupational Therapy :: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

CNWL Occupational Therapy Recruitment (FINAL) | Videos & Movies on Vimeo

Main duties of the job

The post holder will manage a small, high-intensity caseload, delivering time-limited, occupationally focused interventions through proactive engagement. Practice will be guided by Assertive Outreach principles, with an emphasis on collaborative risk management, sustaining engagement and reducing barriers to recovery.

Working with individuals presenting with complex mental health needs, the post holder will assess the impact of illness on occupational performance, daily functioning and participation. Interventions will be strengths-based and trauma-informed, supporting individuals to develop meaningful routines, increase independence, enhance community participation, and achieve their recovery goals.

The role requires flexible working across a range of settings, including service users’ homes and community environments, to enable assessment and intervention within real-life contexts. The Assertive Outreach Team role is patient-facing, requiring proactive outreach, direct therapeutic intervention and consistent face-to-face engagement. As such, the role is not suitable for remote or hybrid working arrangements.

Working for our organisation

Are you passionate about helping others live meaningful lives? Join us as an Occupational Therapist at CNWL.

We are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive and reflective working environment where people feel valued, listened to and able to do their best work. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team that prioritises recovery-focused, person-centred care and values collaboration, curiosity and compassion.

We recognise that high-quality care depends on staff wellbeing and support this through flexible working, regular supervision and protected reflective space. We are committed to developing our Occupational Therapists, offering role-relevant training, leadership development and opportunities to broaden or specialise practice within community mental health.

As part of CNWL, you will also benefit from a wide range of staff wellbeing resources, award-winning staff networks, and an extensive NHS benefits package designed to support your work–life balance and overall wellbeing.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

See attached Job description and Person Specification for further information on the job role requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical

• deliver specialist occupational therapy assessment and intervention for individuals with complex mental health needs
• provide assertive outreach interventions, including intensive and time-limited support during periods of risk or disengagement
• use proactive and persistent engagement approaches to maintain contact with individuals who are difficult to engage
• plan and deliver interventions with clear goals, outcome measures and structured transition planning
• contribute to risk assessment and management, balancing positive risk-taking with safety
• manage referrals and hold a small, high-intensity caseload within the multidisciplinary team
• prioritise work load and delegate appropriately to support staff
• apply occupational therapy models (e.g. MOHO) to inform clinical reasoning and interventions
• use outcome measures to evaluate effectiveness and inform care planning
• place service users at the centre of goal setting and involve carers where appropriate
• deliver culturally responsive and inclusive care
• prescribe equipment to support occupational performance in line with Trust policy

Person specification

Qualifications & Education

Essential criteria

• Degree/ Diploma or equivalent in OT
• HCPC registered as an OT
• Relevant post-grad training

Desirable criteria

• Practice Educator training
• RCOT membership
• Training in specialist standardised assessments

Previous Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience as an OT in secondary mental health
• Experience of engaging people who find it difficult to access/ sustain contact with services
• Experience of managing a complex caseload, including lone working and autonomous decision-making
• Experience of working collaborative with MDTs, service users and carers to co-produce care

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in assertive outreach or similar intensive community based services
• Experience of trauma-informed practice

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Essential criteria

• Ability to apply OT theory/ models/ assessments to plan & deliver 1:1 and groupwork
• Strong and adaptable communication skills
• Understanding of how mental and physical health impact on occupational performance
• Evidence of culturally inclusive practice

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of research and service development principles
• Knowledge and skills in solution focused or motivational interviewing interventions
• Knowledge of housing, benefits & wider health & social care systems
• Experience of working with people within the criminal justice system

Attitude/ Aptitude & Personal Characteristics

Essential criteria

• motivated to working in an assertive outreach service
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and delegate
• Ability to manage conflict and maintain professional boundaries
• Self-awareness and commitment to ongoing learning & development

Other

Essential criteria

• Ability to travel and undertake home visits
• Willingness to work flexibly (including evenings/weekends if required)