Community occupational therapist jobs

THE CHARITY

Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.

James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.   

James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected.  We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 4,300 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.

In early 2026 we will be opening our fourth centre in Birmingham. Our new centre in Birmingham will be there to support suicidal men living in the West Midlands.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are recruiting for a team of clinicians to deliver our clinical proven intervention at our new James’ Place centre in Birmingham, due to open in early 2026. As a Senior Suicide Prevention Therapist, you will work alongside the Head of Centre to manage and support the clinical team in delivering our unique intervention and co-producing effective safety plans to maintain their safety. You will be an experienced mental health professional or therapist with demonstrable interest in suicide prevention and team management and leadership. You will support men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis and their supporter(s), delivering our unique intervention and co-producing effective safety plans to maintain their safety. Successful applicants will be joining a new team at a pivotal time and will have the opportunity to shape the local culture at James’ Place Birmingham. Training and support will be provided by the Head of Centre in Birmingham and the wider James’ Place team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Senior Clinical Duties

• Work as a duty therapist to triage and assess suitability of James’ Place referrals daily
• Take full clinical responsibility of the men under James’ Place care, as a co-leader of the clinical team and in consultation with Head of Centre
• Lead and support peer support sessions, caseload discussions and reflective practice with the team
• Create an environment in which confidentiality, privacy and dignity are respected and be clear with clients about limits of confidentiality
• Lead on the creation and facilitation of a Peer Support Group once James’ Place Birmingham is well-established
• Deputise for the Head of Centre when required

Clinical

• Conduct initial Welcome Assessments with men in a suicidal crisis, assessing risk and the suitability of the James’ Place intervention and co-producing effective safety plans
• Deliver our therapeutic intervention, building trust and exploring the reasons for crisis
• Use the Lay Your Cards on the Table intervention to encourage men to talk about and explore their feelings, attitudes and behaviours and develop positive coping strategies
• Escalate care to appropriate services when necessary, including emergency services and secondary mental health teams
• Deliver one-off guidance sessions to supporters of men under the James’ Place care
• Work collaboratively with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care
• Undergo clinical supervision with a qualified supervisor to reflect on clinical work and raise any issues or concerns arising from work
• Remain up to date with developments in law, theories and research
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards
• Complete session notes in a timely and effective manner
• Participate in continuous professional development and engage in training provided both internally and externally
• Support the Clinical Administration team as and when necessary

Leadership and Management

• Manage, support and lead Suicide Prevention Therapists, encouraging staff to develop and grow
• Conduct regular probation reviews, monthly 1:1s and annual appraisals with staff
• Conduct therapist case reviews to ensure work is completed safely, effectively and in accordance with James’ Place policies and procedures
• Confidently identify and sensitively communicate areas for development and conduct performance management reviews when necessary
• Demonstrate and promote self-awareness and regularly dedicate time and space, inside and outside of work, to keeping yourself and the team well
• Provide support to access training and other developmental activities
• Support staff wellbeing

Outreach and Engagement

• Work alongside the Head of Centre to actively increase contact with local community organisations able to refer to us or offer move on support for men completing our intervention
• Support the fundraising team to bring potential supporters into our building and showcase our work, including the facilitation of events

Values

• Demonstrate commitment to the James’ Place values of Focus, Bravery, Respect, Compassion, Professionalism, Collaboration and Hope through all aspects of work

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The role requires someone with a relevant qualification who can confidently lead a team and support men experiencing a suicidal crisis. You will need to be able to effectively conduct risk assessments and deliver our clinically proven therapeutic intervention to ensure client safety. Strong therapeutic communication, the ability to work autonomously and teamwork skills are also essential to this role, as well as the ability to build trust and hope.

Essential

Qualification(s)

•  A Core Profession such as Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Social Worker, counselling or practitioner psychologist registered with NMC, HCPC, or Social Work England

or

• Accreditation as a psychological therapist, psychotherapist, or counsellor registered with BACP, UKCP, BABCP or equivalent, or have completed training and awaiting accreditation

You must hold a relevant qualification to be considered for this role.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of leading, supervising and developing a team or others
• Experience of holding supervision, reflective practice and/or case management with colleagues 
• Experience of decision making, when asked by colleagues for advice and support 
• Experience of triaging referrals and demonstrating accountability for decisions made
• Experience of modelling best practice to others and working to address issues of performance and competency when they arise
• Willingness to cover Head of Centre delegated duties when needed (e.g. leave and other absence)
• Commitment to continued professional development and can evidence additional learning since completion of core training
• Demonstrable experience working with adults experiencing acute psychological distress
• Demonstrable knowledge of social and other factors which could lead to suicidal thinking and actions
• Demonstrable knowledge of the factors contributing to male suicide
• Evidence of being able to deliver a therapeutic session and work in a therapeutic environment  
• Effective communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to manage difficult situations
• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions
• An ability to collaborate with clients in the development of a person centred, individual intervention plan
• An ability to engage clients in the intervention plan, overcoming barriers to communication
• Ability to conduct effective risk assessments and collaborative safety plans with men who are presenting with high risk of suicide, or be willing and able to learn how to do so
• Ability to identify if the James’ Place service is not adequate to maintain the person’s safety and facilitate rapid transfer to the most appropriate service
• Ability to maintain boundaries within a time-limited intervention
• Ability to work as an effective team member
• Ability to manage and prioritise own workload, using own initiative and confidence in decision making
• Strong time management
• Ability to maintain up to date client records in line with James’ Place standards
• Ability to maintain own personal safety and the safety of others within the centre
• Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding Procedures

Values

• Commitment to clinical supervision
• Ability to engage with James’ Place values
• Ability to promote people’s equality, diversity and rights
• Ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate commitment to co-production
• Ability to be transparent, honest and show discretion when needed
• Commitment to suicide prevention and working with men in a suicidal crisis

WE OFFER

•  A 7% employer contributory pension scheme
• Family friendly policies
• Death in service insurance scheme
• 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please follow the application instructions on the full job advert. 

This position is being recruited on a rolling basis, so we encourage applicants to submit their applications as early as possible.

Our aim is to recruit clinicians who are representative of the communities of men who will access treatment at James' Place Birmingham. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and those who have experience delivering therapy within culturally diverse communities, particularly in widely spoken languages within those communities.

James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.

If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.

Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.

Lead with compassion. Inspire through purpose. Shape the future of Hospiscare.

Hospiscare has been at the heart of our community for over 40 years, providing outstanding specialist end-of-life care and support to people and their families across Exeter, Mid and East Devon. As we look to the future, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead our charity with vision, empathy and strategic strength.

The opportunity

This is a pivotal leadership role — guiding a much-loved local charity through a period of challenge but also opportunity. You’ll work closely with a dedicated Board of Trustees and an experienced Leadership Teams to shape and deliver our strategic goals, ensuring Hospiscare remains resilient, sustainable, and true to our founding values of care, compassion, and dignity.

You’ll be the public face and voice of Hospiscare — inspiring confidence among our staff, volunteers, supporters, healthcare partners, and the wider community. Your leadership will ensure we continue to deliver the highest standards of specialist palliative care while innovating to meet the changing needs of our patients and our community.

About you

You are an accomplished and compassionate leader, able to inspire and unite people around a shared purpose. With substantial senior leadership experience — ideally gained in the charity or health and social care sectors — you bring a track record of shaping strategy, managing complex budgets, and achieving sustainable results.

You’ll understand the challenges facing healthcare and charitable organisations and bring creative, collaborative solutions. You are confident working with a Board, comfortable in the public eye, and driven by a genuine commitment to making a difference to people’s lives at the most profound of times.

Key strengths you’ll bring

• Strategic vision and proven experience leading organisational change and growth
• Strong understanding of governance, finance, and regulatory environments
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills — connecting easily and authentically with people from all walks of life
• A leadership style that combines compassion, clarity, and courage
• A deep alignment with Hospiscare’s mission and values

Why join Hospiscare?

At Hospiscare, you’ll find a community of extraordinary people — staff and volunteers dedicated to providing the very best care and support when it matters most. This is more than a leadership role; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a vital local charity and the lives of countless people in Devon.

We are working with Charity Recruitment Consultant, Jackie Dawkins of Shine Charity Recruitment,who is supporting our search.  For further details about Hospiscare, please read the Recruitment Pack 

Key Dates:

• Closing Date – 26th January 2026 at 5pm
• First Interview with Jackie Dawkins (via Zoom) – 2nd/3rd February 2026
• Shortlisted candidates informal meeting with Chair – 23rd February 2026
• Interview and Assessment Day at Hospiscare – 24th February 2026

Rape Crisis South London is looking for a skilled, passionate Family Prevention Practitioner to join a growing children and young person’s counselling team.  The successful candidate must be a qualified therapist with significant experience in providing family intervention work from a trauma informed environment. 

The Family Prevention Practitioner will be part of RCSL clinical team which facilitates innovative, responsive, trauma-informed and culturally responsive services for women and girl survivors.   

Our Feminist Commitment
Rape Crisis South London is a proudly feminist organisation. Our work is rooted in the belief that sexual violence is both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We recognise that women and girls experience disproportionate levels of sexual violence, and we are committed to challenging the structures, attitudes, and behaviours that enable this harm.

We centre the voices, rights, and experiences of survivors in everything we do. Our approach is grounded in empowerment, intersectionality, and inclusivity, recognising that women’s experiences are shaped by factors such as race, class, sexuality, disability, migration status, and identity.

By joining our team, you will be part of a movement working to end sexual violence and to create a society where all women and girls live free from oppression, fear, and harm.

EDI Statement
RCSL is an equal opportunities employer, and we are particularly keen to receive applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the violence against women and girls movement. Particularly if you have experience working in diverse background.

We particularly welcome applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the VAWG sector. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Accessibility 

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our People & Culture team to discuss how we can help. 
 

Safeguarding and Confidentiality
RCSL is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, respectful, and trauma-informed environment for all survivors who use our services. We recognise our responsibility to protect adults and young people at risk from harm, abuse, and exploitation, and we understand that safer recruitment is a vital part of safeguarding. We welcome candidates in particular who have experience understanding of issues affecting women and girls.

Safer Recruitment

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safer recruitment practices to ensure the protection and wellbeing of the survivors who access our services. All recruitment decisions are made with safeguarding as a central consideration.
 

Our safer recruitment process includes:

• Conducting thorough interviews that explore values, behaviours, and safeguarding awareness.
• Verifying identity, qualifications, employment history, and references.
• Requiring an Enhanced DBS check (with barred-list checks where applicable).
• Providing safeguarding training and ongoing supervision for all staff and volunteers.
   

We expect all members of our team to share our commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment. Any information disclosed during the recruitment process will be treated confidentially and in line with our safeguarding policies.
 

DBS Requirement

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of survivors. All roles within our organisation involve working with vulnerable adults and may involve contact with young people. As such, employment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced OR Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including checks of the relevant barred lists.

A world free from sexual violence, where survivors are believed, respected, and supported.
 
Mission Statement
Providing specialist support to women and girls who have experienced rape and/or childhood sexual violence and abuse.

Charity Vision 

A world free from sexual violence, where survivors are believed, respected, and supported. 
Interview process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a one stage interview process:

Stage one: Formal interview with Clinical Lead MS Teams

Interview questions
As part of our values-led interview process, we will explore your experience and approach to safeguarding, EDI, wellbeing, feminism, role-specific responsibilities, and trauma-informed practice. For management positions, we will also discuss your people-leadership skills.

While we endeavour to contact all applicants, and we thank everyone who takes the time to apply, we have limited resources.  Therefore if you do not here from us within 1 month of applying, please presume you have been unsuccessful but we welcome future applications.

Learning and Development
As a charity currently going through an exciting period of transformation, we welcome people who are enthusiastic about continuous learning and development.

This post is open to female applicants only, as being female is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.  We are particularly keen to receive applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the violence against women and girls movement.

The position is offered on a permanent (subject to funding) part-time basis with 3 days in the office.  

The post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010. 
 

How to apply
Please apply with an up-to-date CV and cover letter (of up to 1000 words) identifying how you meet the essential and any desirable qualifications, skills and experience.

While we endeavour to contact all applicants, and we thank everyone who takes the time to apply, we have limited resources.  Therefore if you do not here from us within 1 month of applying, please presume you have been unsuccessful but we welcome future applications.

 All positions are located in the UK and require the right to work in the UK.

Interviews will be rolling from week to week.

Closing date: 31 January 2025 with the interviews taking place in February 2026

Women's Refuge Deputy Service Manager (Female Only)

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Please note, due to the nature of the service, it is an occupational requirement that the post holder is female and the post is therefore exempt from the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 in terms of Schedule 9, Part 1, and Paragraph 1 of the Act.  

Job Title: Deputy Service Manager 

Location: West London (This location is hidden due to the sensitive nature of the service) Please note that this service has no step free access.

Salary: £30,000

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday between 09:00 - 17:00. You may be required to work outside these hours dependent on service and resident requirements and you will also be expected to take part in the out of hours on call service.

About the Role

We're hiring a Specialist Women’s Refuge Deputy Service Manager someone who is passionate about supporting women and their children and is committed to their rights and safety. This role offers the opportunity to lead and support a refuge for women and children surviving domestic abuse, many of whom are living with trauma. You'll ensure the team are empowered, with the right tools and resources to deliver a seamless service that supports residents through their healing journey, helping them overcome personal challenges and work towards independence and their goals.

The service spans over 3 buildings and you will help lead a team of support mentors and children and family workers. We’re looking for a solution focused leader who is passionate about the resident group, committed to trauma informed and inclusive practice, and driven to make lasting change. You will ensure full contract and regulatory compliance while leading your team to meet KPIs and service requirements.

Some Key Responsibilities include:

• Line management and leadership, offering guidance and support throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Support the Service Manager in leading the day to day operational delivery of the service.
• Risk Management ownership, ensuring processes and policies are followed.
• Property and housing management, ensuring accommodation standards, timely maintenance and reporting.
• Financial Management, including petty cash and budget management.
• Contract management and Internal auditing, admin, and general other duties as required.
• Striving to ensure excellence and quality in our service delivery.

About You

We're looking for someone who’s driven to provide high quality, person centred support to staff, colleagues, residents and participants, with a passion about supporting women who have faced complex trauma and domestic abuse. You enjoy working as part of a team, communicating well and building professional relationships with people from all backgrounds. You're confident supporting service level enquiries, offering advice on employment matters and resident or participant queries. Most importantly, you're compassionate, supportive and thrive in a fast paced, ever changing environment.

• Due to the nature of the service, it is an occupational requirement that the post holder is female
• Ability to provide high quality support and line management to staff
• Ability to motivate and empower a team to achieve KPI's
• Ability to provide advice, guidance, and support to the team on all aspects of service delivery including resident related queries
• Knowledge of the needs of women experiencing domestic abuse and will have strong leadership and team development skills.
• Understanding and/or experience of working with people of complex backgrounds, ex-offenders, mental health, substance misuse, challenging behaviours
• Willingness and ability to work flexibly to meet service needs
• IT Proficiency, including Microsoft Office, and the ability to navigate and learn new case management systems and other types of organisational software.
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.