About Nightingale Hospital

Nightingale Hospital is the only private mental health hospital in Central London, with over 30 years of experience in delivering specialised, evidence-based treatments in outpatient, day patient, and inpatient settings.

We are owned by the international medical group emeis, delivering the full spectrum of psychiatric care, and high-quality care home and rehabilitation services across the globe.

The main purpose of the job

As an occupational therapist, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals experiencing acute mental health crises. You will work with patients to assess and enhance their ability to perform daily activities and engage meaningfully in life, focusing on improving their functional skills, social interactions, and overall psychological well-being. Using therapeutic interventions tailored to each patient's needs, you will help them regain confidence, develop coping strategies, and build a foundation for recovery and independence.

This role involves close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, psychologists and nurses, to provide holistic, patient-centred care. You will lead both individual and group sessions, incorporating activities that foster life skills, emotional resilience, and social engagement. You will also play a key role in discharge planning, supporting patients as they prepare to transition back into the community with the tools and resources, they need for continued recovery.

As a member of the team, you may supervise and mentor junior staff and students, contribute to service development, and engage in quality improvement initiatives to enhance therapeutic offerings within the unit. This position is ideal for a compassionate, dynamic, and proactive occupational therapist with a strong commitment to mental health recovery.

The duties will include:

* To conduct comprehensive, patient-centred assessments of occupational performance areas, including self-care, productivity, and leisure. Develop tailored intervention plans that address both the mental health and functional needs of patients.

* Plan and lead therapeutic groups and individual sessions aimed at enhancing patients' life skills, coping mechanisms, and social engagement.

* To assess and manage clinical risks in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, ensuring patient and staff safety.

* Actively participate in discharge planning, collaborating with the patient, family members, and external agencies to support a smooth transition back to the community.

* To provide occupational therapy in settings most appropriate to the patient/activity e.g. ward, therapy area, community (working flexible hours if required).

* To assume professional accountability and responsibility for specific aspects of service delivery.

* Maintain up-to-date, accurate, and comprehensive clinical documentation in line with hospital policy and professional standards

* Provide clinical supervision, mentorship, and guidance to Band 5 and 6 Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, and students, fostering professional growth within the team.

* To monitor, evaluate and modify treatment using outcome measurement tools to ensure effectiveness

* To establish links with local resources that will sustain patient's recovery and assist in facilitating their timely discharge

* Actively contribute to the development, evaluation, and implementation of therapeutic services and programs within the inpatient unit.

* Participate in service improvement initiatives and audits, contributing to evidence-based practice and the enhancement of service quality.

* Participate in regular reflective supervision and appraisal processes to support personal and professional growth.

* Engage in ongoing professional development, attending relevant training, workshops, and conferences to maintain advanced knowledge and skills in mental health occupational therapy.

* Incorporate current research and best practices into clinical work and support the team in implementing evidence-based approaches to mental health care.

Requirements

The following skills and qualifications are essential:

Degree: bachelor's or master's degree in occupational therapy.

Registration: Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of post-qualification experience, including significant experience in mental health, preferably within an inpatient setting.

Skills: Proficient in mental health assessment, risk management, and developing recovery-focused intervention plans. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Knowledge: Knowledge of relevant legislation and standards (e.g., Mental Health Act, Care Programme Approach), as well as an understanding of professional standards of care for mental health.

Main benefits

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

* Competitive salaries + an additional London allowance of £4,000 per annum added to all permanent posts (pro-rata for part-time roles)

* Negotiable relocation allowance

* 25 days' annual leave pro-rata (increasing up to 30 with long service), plus bank holidays

* Employee Referral Program, designed to reward you for helping us find talented individuals who would be a great fit for our team

* Generous pension scheme via the government autoenrollment scheme in addition to eligibility to enrol into the company's group pension scheme

* Access to an interest free season ticket loan to support with your everyday travel expenses

* Discretionary annual bonus and salary review schemes

* Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Pay

* Enhanced company sick pay

* Access to free Eyecare and contribution towards the cost of glasses for DSE Users

* Life Assurance Cover (Death in Service)

* Professional membership fees contribution

* Available opportunities for continued professional development (CPD)

* Heavily subsidised staff meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner with freshly soured ingredients and a new menu each week, it's not one to be missed

*Subject to T&Cs