Senior Occupational Therapist

Job responsibilities

As a Regional Occupational Therapist, you will lead and support a team of therapists across your region to deliver exceptional therapy services.

You will oversee complex cases, providing specialist assessments, clinical diagnoses and interventions to help individuals overcome challenges with everyday activities. Working closely with the Regional Director of Operations, you will develop therapy services across the region, focusing on clinical governance, quality assurance and team development.

You will support adults living with complex needs arising from brain injuries, dementia, mental health conditions, neuro-disabilities and physical disabilities.

• Manage a clinical caseload of complex cases independently and professionally.
• Undertake comprehensive occupational therapy assessments.
• Apply clinical reasoning to determine appropriate treatment plans.
• Develop and deliver person-centred occupational therapy interventions.
• Promote independence through interventions focused on self-care, leisure and productivity.
• Ensure therapy services comply with HCPC and RCOT professional standards.
• Work collaboratively with GPs, Consultants, NHS services, social services and other agencies.
• Deliver evidence-based occupational therapy interventions.
• Obtain informed consent and work within relevant legal frameworks where capacity is impaired.
• Support the investigation and management of therapy-related complaints.
• Promote meaningful activity and support activities teams.
• Communicate effectively with individuals who may have communication barriers using verbal, non-verbal and written methods.
• Maintain accurate clinical records in accordance with professional standards.
• Monitor outcomes, evaluate progress and update care plans accordingly.
• Ensure safe use of specialist equipment and provide training where required.
• Adhere to health and safety, infection prevention and control procedures.
• Identify service issues and recommend improvements to optimise therapy provision.

• Provide induction, support, training, supervision and mentorship to Junior and Senior Therapists and Therapy Assistants.
• Lead and clinically supervise therapy teams across the region.
• Delegate and coordinate workloads effectively.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Support service development projects and initiatives.
• Assess regional therapy demand and support recruitment planning.
• Work collaboratively with Therapy Leads and regional colleagues to expand and enhance therapy services.
• Maintain effective communication across services and teams.
• Produce professional reports and correspondence as required.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, residents, families, professionals and external agencies.

• Maintain HCPC registration and professional competence through CPD.
• Develop specialist knowledge in rehabilitation, assessment and treatment approaches.
• Complete mandatory and statutory training requirements.
• Participate in audits, service reviews, clinical research and quality improvement projects.
• Maintain personal wellbeing and resilience to support safe and effective practice.
• Participate in performance development reviews.
• Promote therapy services through blogs, case studies, social media content and marketing initiatives where appropriate.

• BSc or MSc in Occupational Therapy.
• Current HCPC registration.
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C or above or equivalent).
• Full UK driving licence.
• Access to a fully insured vehicle for travel between services.
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development.
• Experience working across a variety of occupational therapy settings.
• Minimum of five years' post-graduate experience.
• Experience managing complex neurological and/or mental health cases.
• Experience supervising and leading teams.
• Experience contributing to service development.
• Understanding of quality and regulatory requirements within care services.

• Experience within neurology, neuro-rehabilitation or mental health services.

• Strong clinical assessment and reasoning skills.
• Detailed understanding of occupational therapy best practice.
• Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise workload effectively.
• Good IT and digital skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in challenging situations.

We are looking for someone who:

• Leads by example and demonstrates professionalism at all times.
• Can motivate, coach and develop others.
• Has strong leadership capabilities.
• Treats people with dignity and respect.
• Is adaptable and flexible.
• Has a positive, can-do attitude.
• Is committed to continuous learning and development.
• Is self-motivated, dynamic and conscientious.
• Has a strong focus on delivering outstanding outcomes for service users.

You will receive a comprehensive induction covering:

• Mandatory and statutory training.
• Moving and handling.
• Safeguarding.
• Person-centred care.
• Infection prevention and control.
• Positive Behaviour Support.