About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a compassionate, creative, and proactive Technical Instructor to join our dynamic Inpatient Therapy Team. This role is central to enhancing the therapeutic environment on our acute mental health wards by delivering meaningful, recovery-focused activities that promote engagement, wellbeing, and connection.
You'll work closely with occupational therapists, Art therapists, health and fitness instructor, activity coordinators and technical instructors as well as the wider multidisciplinary team to co-create and facilitate group and individual sessions tailored to the needs of our service users. Activities may include art, music, movement, games, sensory sessions, life skills, and community-focused projects -- all grounded in trauma-informed and inclusive practice.
We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds -- including community work, care, education, creative arts, youth services, and lived experience. You don't need prior mental health experience, but you do need:
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport
Creativity and initiaitve in planning and delivering inclusive activities
Empathy and emotional resilience in working with people in distress
Teamwork and flexiblity in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary setting
Comminment to recovery-focussed care and co-production with service users
Main duties of the job
The main duties of the job include (as guided by the ward OT / supervisor / Therapy lead).
Facilitate a variety of group activities i.e. cooking and creative activities. This can also consist of functional sessions. Facilitate one to one intervention. Contribute to client care by liaising with the MDT. Facilitate functional assessments as guided by the ward OT. Accompany the ward OT on home visits / community access. Have regular supervision & annual appraisal.
About us
North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is committed to improving mental health care across North London to deliver excellent services to our local people.Our Five-Year Strategy:
We will provide consistently high-quality care closer to home.
With our partners in North London and each borough we will ensure equity of outcome for all
We will offer great places to work, providing staff with supportive environment to deliver outstanding care.
We will be more effective as an organisation by pioneering research, quality improvement and technology.
In order to meet the needs of the Trust you may be required from time to time to work at different locations to your normal place of work. This may mean that you are required to work at any location that fall under Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey or Islington. The Trust reserves the right to require staff to work at such other places or locations as it considers reasonable and necessary on a temporary or permanent basis.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please see personal specification for details of required experience and qualifications. The clinical area provides considerable opportunity for personal and professional development.
AI in applications
If you use AI or other tools to assist in writing your job application, make sure you add your own personal touch especially in the supporting information section. AI can make writing easier, but it doesnt fully understand the position youre applying for and might generate false or misleading information. Applications written only by AI often sound generic and may not show your real skills, knowledge, or experience. Its important to write your supporting statement in your own words. We do not recommend relying only on AI, as it could negatively impact on your chance of success in the application process. We carefully check applications to make sure no one has an unfair advantage, and we verify all references. At the interview, youll be asked about your experience, so be honest and ensure everything in your application is accurate. Please remember that using AI during the interview is not allowed.
Person Specification
Previous Experience Essential
- experience of working with people with mental health problems within a health or social care setting oExperience of planning and running therapeutic groups and sessions.
Desirable
oAwareness of OT models eg MOHO
Skills and Aptitudes Essential
oEffective skills in a range of activities Eg. gardening, art, cooking, crafts, reminiscence, exercise, music, relaxation oAbility to plan and lead practical and discussion groups independently.
Knowledge/Awareness/ Understanding Essential
oAn experience of working with health care professionals oknowledge of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, psychosis oAn understanding of risk assessment and risk management
Desirable
oAwareness of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act and its significance for service users and impact on clinical practice
Education Essential
GCSE English and Maths at grade 4+ or A-C NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent relevant experience and/or training
Desirable
Training in the specific activities relevant to client group e.g. Cookery, Art/craft, IT, Health & Fitness, DJing.
Other Essential Factors Essential
oProfessional manner towards clients and colleagues oPhysical ability to participate in breakaway and PMVA training
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name North London NHS Foundation Trust
Address Devon Ward, Chase Farm Hospital
The Ridgeway
Enfield
EN2 8JL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.northlondonmentalhealth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)