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Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

About

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) is one of the largest trusts in the UK, caring for people with a wide range of physical and mental health needs. We have approximately 7,000 staff who provide healthcare to a third of London's population and across wider geographical areas, including Milton Keynes, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire.

As a Foundation Trust we involve service users, carers, the public, staff and partner organisations in the way that we are run and our future development. If you are interested in becoming a member of our Foundation Trust please visit: www.cnwl.nhs.uk

(source: Central and North West London NHS Foundation NHS Trust website)

Contact

Address: 350 Euston Road; Regent's Place; London; London; NW1 3AX
Contact Number: 02032145700

Find out more

Jobs Website

Open

Ref: 333-D-HJ-2060 Vacancy ID: 8167438

Occupational Therapist - HMP High Down

Accepting applications until: 28-Aug-2026 23:59

Vacancy status: Open

Accepting applications until: 28-Aug-2026 23:59

Location

Site: HMP High Down
Address: Highdown Lane
Town: Sutton, Surrey
Postcode: SM2 5PJ
Major / Minor Region: London

Contract type & working pattern

Contract: Permanent: Occupational Therapist (B7 or B6 as a Preceptorship)
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week

Salary

Salary: £45,953 - £62,652 per annum inc HCAS (pro rata if P/T)
Salary period: Yearly
Grade: (NHS AfC: Band 7)

Specialty

Main area: Health and Justice Services

Interview date: 08/09/2026

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. For more information on these and other benefits of working for us, see our Benefits, Reward and Wellbeing page

Become part of our team. We care for you as much as you care for others.

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached JD&PS for full details of duties and responsibilities.

Clinical

To provide specialist, culturally appropriate, evidence based occupational therapy assessments for individuals within the prison setting in order to establish and meet their occupational needs.
To select and use validated standardised assessment tools routinely and in practice, exhibiting clinical reasoning skills; to include the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) assessments.
To apply clinical knowledge and skills to carry out evidence based occupational therapy interventions, both individual and in groups, which are underpinned by relevant theoretical approaches.
To plan, implement and review individually tailored programmes of intervention using individual and group work approaches with prisoners within the PIPE unit
To support service users and colleagues to ensure that care plans are developed in partnership with the individual and that they reflect ‘recovery goals’. These should be strengths-based and oriented towards reinforcing a positive identity and developing valued social roles.
To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions against clear aims, objectives and outcome measures in line with evidence based practice and in conjunction with service users, carers and other professionals.
To work collaboratively with all professionals within the PIPE unit in developing care plans and risk assessments for prisoners.
To support individuals to develop skills and knowledge; and engage with community partner agencies, to facilitate successful transitions from the prison environment to the community.
To proactively undertake and ensure rigorous risk assessment & risk management strategies are applied. To ensure maximum ‘risk tolerance’ facilitates the individual’s recovery, in line with risk policies and local guidelines

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI can be used as a support tool, not a replacement for the applicant’s own work. Applications must remain personal, accurate, and reflective of the candidate’s real experience. AI-generated content must not misrepresent skills, qualifications, or experience. Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.

We monitor applications for any behaviour that could create an unfair advantage, and we check all references carefully. You are likely to be tested on your experience at interview, so be honest and make sure all the information in your application is correct. Please note that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is prohibited during the interview process.

Vaccination

The successful applicant may have contact with patients or service users. As an NHS Trust we strongly encourage and support vaccination as this remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course patients and service users when working on our healthcare settings.

Due to the high response levels we receive for some vacancies, we may expire any of them prior to the advertised closing date and advise you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Before submitting your application and to avoid disappointment please check that you are eligible under the UKVI points based system
Our Agenda for Change employment contracts are subject to a contractual 13 week probationary period.
If you are offered a job, information will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.

Applicant requirements

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.

Person specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential criteria

• HPCP Registered Practitioner Occupational Therapist
• Mentorship or supervisor qualification
• Evidence of professional development since registration

Desirable criteria

• Post registration qualification that enhances clinical work: CBT, DBT, Dual Diagnosis, etc.

Previous Experience

Essential criteria

• Relevant post registration experience
• Experience of working as part of a multi- disciplinary team
• Experience of working with complex clients
• Experience of running a group program
• Experience of leading and /or developing a service/ component of a service

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in a Prison or forensic environment

Skills and Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Risk assessment and management skills
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of CPA, Mental Health Act, MAPPA, legislation and policies relevant to prison mental health.

Other

Essential criteria

• To conduct self in accordance with relevant code of conduct and practice for registration
• Full clearance via the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), and ability to achieve enhanced Prison Clearance (vetting).

Attitudes, aptitudes, personal characteristics

Essential criteria

• Motivated to maintain the highest standards possible in the service.
• Able to accept constructive feedback.
• Able to ask for support where required.
• Compassionate & non-judgmental approach
• Flexible

Skills and Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Expert in engaging with people with mental health problems, assessing their needs, designing and delivering appropriate interventions and evaluating the effectiveness of the process
• Excellent IT skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently as appropriate.
• To use supervision positively and effectively.
• Proven ability to work with patients to increase their level of self-determination and resilience.
• Effective time management.
• Knowledge of the needs and rights of patients.
• Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks
• Problem solving, stress management & conflict resolution skills.
Ability to engage in evidence based practice, with an understanding of care quality (clinical governance).
Knowledge of current challenges / developments in Prison health

Documents

Further details / informal visits contact

Name: Caoimhe McAnena
Job title: PIPE Clinical Lead
Email address: [email protected]
Telephone number: 020 7147 6338
Additional information: This is a fantastic opportunity for a Band 7 looking for a rewarding post with scope for onward development. We would also welcome applicants looking to develop for a Band 6 to band 7. We are able to consider development preceptorship programmes, with progression upon the completion of agreed objectives. Please do get in touch if this is something that you would like to consider. If you would be interested in this opportunity but would like to find out more then please contact [email protected]