Admission/Discharge Occupational Therapist

Job Overview
The Forensic Intensive Recovery Support Team (FIRST) are seeking a dynamic Occupational Therapist to deliver a high-quality, recovery-focused occupational therapy service that supports safe, person-centred, and timely transitions into and out of secure forensic mental health care. The postholder will work collaboratively across inpatient and community settings to facilitate therapeutic discharge planning, reduce risk, and promote reintegration into the community.
We are seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our expanding team and work within the Forensic Intensive Recovery and Support Team (FIRST). We are looking for an individual who is passionate about making a difference to the lives of people who have experienced forensic inpatient services and is committed to the development and delivery of a high-quality service and discharge pathway. We require someone who is flexible and approachable. Effective communication skills, time management, record keeping, and organisational skills are essential, as is the ability to work well with all members of the multi-disciplinary team.
FIRST work closely with other forensic services in the West Midlands, as part of the REACH OUT partnership, a new provider collaborative. MPUFT’s FIRST support men and women from the northern West Midlands in the process of discharge from forensic inpatient services and work to ensure safe, effective, and successful transitions to the community.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will deliver a high-quality clinical service that supports safe, person-centred, timely therapeutic transitions into and out of secure care, promoting recovery, risk reduction, and reintegration into the community.

• Provide a range of occupational therapy interventions tailored to individuals preparing for discharge, working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to address functional needs, risk, and reintegration goals.
• Deliver therapeutic group programmes that focus on skills for community living, relapse prevention, and meaningful occupation post-discharge.
• Demonstrate leadership and clinical expertise in forensic mental health, contributing to the development and delivery of a modern, recovery-focused occupational therapy service that spans a wide geographical area.
  This is a full-time post with an opportunity to work in a hybrid way with some home working offering a work/life balance. Due to the nature of the work involved in this role, you will require a driving licence and access to a car.
  Working for our organisation
  Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
  We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
  We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
  We are ‘United in our Uniqueness’ and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
  Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.
  Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI, you must state this in your application.
  Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
  Before applying for this rewarding and challenging role, we encourage you to view the full job and person specification.
  Person specification
  Qualifications And Training
  Essential criteria
• Dip COT or degree in Occupational Therapy
• HCPC Registered
• Member of professional body and specialist section.
• PPE Qualification
• Higher degree/relevant post-graduate training
  Desirable criteria
• Leadership qualification, e.g., Leading Empowered Organisations
• Trained in using the OT model of VdT MoCA.
  Experience
  Essential criteria
• Experience working in mental health settings
• Experience of managing and prioritising a clinical caseload
• Ability to manage complexity and conflict
  Desirable criteria
• Experience of working with challenging behaviour and/or in secure settings.
• Evidence of leading clinical audit
• Experience with complex discharge coordination
• Evidence of delivering Occupational Therapy interventions through group and individual work in a variety of settings e.g., community and patients' homes.
  Skills Knowledge And Abilities
  Essential criteria
• Knowledge of discharge planning processes and community resources
• Ability to form clear clinical treatment plans in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team and communicate these to service users, carers, family, and team
• Strong enhanced communication, organisational, and risk assessment skills
• Ability to work with clients with complex needs
• Understanding of developments required to support service change within speciality
  Desirable criteria
• Ability to use IT – PowerPoint, Word, internet searches, database/spreadsheets
• Training in relevant assessment tools (e.g., MOHOST, OCAIRS)
• Experience of working within multidisciplinary/multi-agency teams.