Senior Occupational Therapist

• being responsiblefor a clinical caseload
• working alongside the people we support, their loved ones and professionals to develop and deliver person-centred occupational therapy interventions
• collaborating closely with the Therapy Team (Physiotherapist, Therapy Assistant and Activities Coordinators)
• being responsible for a clinical caseload
• carrying out assessments
• maintaining accurate records for people receiving occupational therapies
• promoting choice, dignity and independence.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Regular clinical supervision.
• Performance development reviews.
• Continuing professional development opportunities.
• Career progression and specialist training.

• Dementia
• Brain injuries
• Huntington's disease
• Mental health conditions
• Physical disabilities
• Learning disabilities

• Comply with Health and Safety at Work legislation.
• Follow safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Understand and work within the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and DoLS framework.
• Maintain professional boundaries and standards of conduct.
• Comply with Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR requirements.
• Respect confidentiality and ensure information is shared appropriately and lawfully.

Essential

• Qualifications
• Essential
• BSc or MSc in Occupational Therapy.
• Current HCPC registration.
• GCSE English and Maths Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
• Full UK driving licence.
• Access to a fully insured vehicle for travel between care homes.

Essential

• Essential Skills
• Ability to work independently and use own initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to overcome communication barriers and manage challenging situations.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Strong clinical assessment and reasoning skills.
• Essential Personal Attributes
• Demonstrates Exemplar Health Care values.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work.
• Positive, can-do attitude.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Strong service-user focus.
• Calm, conscientious and professional approach.
• Self-motivated and able to work autonomously.
• Dynamic and proactive.
• Able to build positive relationships with colleagues, residents, families and external professionals.

Essential

• Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD).
• Experience working across a variety of clinical settings as an Occupational Therapist.
• Minimum of five years' post-graduate experience, ideally within neurology or mental health services.
• Experience managing complex neurological and/or mental health cases.
• Experience supervising, leading and developing clinical teams.
• Experience developing and improving therapy services.
• Understanding of quality, compliance and regulatory requirements within health and social care settings.