Job Description

Are you an experienced occupational therapist who is curious and creative, looking for new learning opportunities and ways to implement this into practice?



We have a Band 6 Senior Occupational Therapist vacancy in our central therapies team at the Hellingly Centre. This is a newly created role to develop our current vocational and education provision.



Forensic mental healthcare is unique and fascinating which provides both challenge and opportunity in abundance.



The Hellingly Centre is a secure mental health hospital where we specialise in the assessment and treatment of people with complex and enduring mental health needs, who may have had contact with the criminal justice system.



Service users regularly experience stigma for mental health and / or offending history and our role is to develop trusting and safe relationships which balance being compassionate, collaborative and supportive with sound risk assessment and management skills.



We are introducing a new Senior Occupational Therapist role into our central therapies team. With a focus on vocation and education, you will play a pivotal role in supporting service users to enhance their health and wellbeing, develop valuable life skills and prepare for the next steps in their recovery.

You will:

Lead the Hellingly Centre's vocation and education service, supported by the Clinical specialist OT. This includes an on site shop and a shop, cafe and allotment in the grounds of the Hellingly Centre.

Develop the vocation and education pathway, aiding service users' recovery and journey through secure services.

Have the opportunity to work alongside colleagues within SPFT forensic healthcare services, and the provider collaborative as well as external agencies.



The Hellingly Centre is a modern purpose built medium secure unit specialising in the assessment and treatment of people with complex and enduring mental health needs, who may have had contact with the criminal justice system.



There are 4 specialist wards, each with a strong multi-disciplinary team.



We have a range of therapy facilities within the centre including: a gym, shop, music, woodwork and art rooms and Badger's Cafe and allotment space on-site.



The centre is situated within the beautiful Hellingly Country Park and the Cuckoo Trail is also very close by. The local town, Hailsham is under 10 minutes away by car. There is a direct bus link to Eastbourne.



There is a small gym on-site which is available for staff to use. Badger's Cafe is on site and sells a good selection of hot drinks, meals and snacks. There is a large car park and parking is free.



Previous experience of working with people with mental health difficulties is essential. Previous experience of working in Forensic Healthcare Service is desirable as are relevant qualifications that may support with the delivery of vocation and education interventions. There will be access to regular supervision, reflective practice and training and development opportunities, including attendance to communities of practice.



This role is full time (37.5 hours), typically across Monday - Friday. Flexible working requests will be considered.



Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details of the role and requirements.



Please apply using the link in this advert. For any further information, to arrange a visit or if you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Amy Boot, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, at Amy.boot@nhs.net