Salma Kasambula

I am an Occupational Therapist working in secure learning disability and autism services, helping people build independence and take part in activities that matter to them. My experience includes complex occupational assessment, MOHO, sensory approaches, risk management, safeguarding and multi-agency discharge planning. Alongside my clinical work, I supervise two Occupational Therapy Assistants, support students and deliver CPD.

I enjoy developing others and contributing to governance and continuous quality improvement, and I am ready to build on these responsibilities in a senior role.

Occupational Therapist at St Andrew's Healthcare (2024-09 – Present)

Secure learning disability and autism services

• Complete holistic occupational therapy assessments across self-care, productivity and leisure, identifying strengths, functional needs, risks and meaningful occupational goals.
• Formulate, deliver and review individualised intervention plans using person-centred, therapeutic and sensory approaches.
• Apply MOHO, SPM-2, Sensory Profile and other standardised and non-standardised assessments to guide clinical reasoning and recommendations.
• Assess sensory needs and design, implement and evaluate sensory-based interventions tailored to individual presentation and function.
• Provide clinical supervision, day-to-day guidance and practice oversight for two Occupational Therapy Assistants.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external agencies on complex discharge planning, supporting safe and appropriate transitions of care.
• Contribute clinical evidence to safeguarding meetings and complete a broad range of risk assessments within a complex mental health setting.
• Work collaboratively with doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and wider healthcare colleagues to deliver coordinated care.
• Produce clear care plans, clinical reports and documentation that communicate assessment findings, progress, risks and recommendations.
• Educate and support patients, families and carers on mental health, coping strategies, occupational needs and available resources.
• Facilitate the hospital Occupational Therapy student support group and promote reflective learning in clinical practice.
• Deliver CPD and contribute to governance and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Mental Health Healthcare Assistant at Primera Healthcare (2021-04 – 2024-03)

Including CAMHS settings

• Delivered person-centred care that promoted safety, comfort and a therapeutic environment.
• Supported activities of daily living and responded appropriately to behavioural challenges and periods of crisis.
• Built strong foundations in therapeutic engagement, observation, risk awareness and multidisciplinary care.

Swedish Credit Controller at Ricoh UK (2018-05 – 2024-09)

• Managed customer accounts, debt reconciliation, credit reviews and collection activity across a complex sales ledger.
• Partnered with Sales, Billing and Service teams, strengthening organisation, prioritisation, communication and problem-solving skills transferable to clinical practice.

Carer at Bethany Homestead (2017-09 – 2018-04)

Domiciliary Carer at NNCA (2015-05 – 2016-09)

Market Research Intern at Aptean (2014-02 – 2014-11)

BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy – University of Northampton (2021-09 – 2024-07)