# BHSCT Occupational Therapist - Neurospecialist, Advanced Practitioner Level 1 Band 7 > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/bhsct-occupational-therapist-neurospecialist-advanced-practitioner-level-1-band-7/c0e82ceb-86de-4626-9fef-e9477acc84c3 - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/bhsct-occupational-therapist-neurospecialist-advanced-practitioner-level-1-band-7/c0e82ceb-86de-4626-9fef-e9477acc84c3.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** Belfast Health and Social Care Trust - **Town:** Belfast - **Region:** Belfast - **Country:** Northern Ireland - **Profession:** Occupational Therapist - **Grade:** Band 7 - **Salary:** £47,810 - £54,710 - **Contract type:** Permanent - **Closing date:** 2026-07-08T16:30:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-06-24T11:30:22.904Z - **Source information URL:** https://jobs.hscni.net/Job/47831/bhsct-occupational-therapist--neurospecialist-advanced-practitioner-level-1-band-7 - **Application URL:** https://jobs-app.hscni.net/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PARAM=cG9zdF9pbnN0X2d1aWQ9MDA1MDU2OTNGMzJDMUZFMTlCRjY5Mzk5ODBDNEM3QTgmY2FuZF90eXBlPWU%3d - **Employer website:** https://belfasttrust.hscni.net ## Job Content ### Job details - Branch: Belfast HSCT - Location: MUSGRAVE PARK HOSPITAL - Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710) - Contract Type: Permanent - Opening Date: 24/06/26 - Closes: Wed, 08 July 2026 @ 4:30 PM - Interview Dates: TBC ### Notes There is 1 full time and 1 part time (30hpw) post immediately available We accept online applications only. “A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026”. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.” Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website. ### JOB DESCRIPTION ### JOB TITLE Occupational Therapist - Neurospecialist, Advanced Practitioner Level 1, Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit, MPH ### BAND 7 ### LOCATION Musgrave Park Hospital ### REPORTS TO Regional Clinical Team lead ### PROFESSIONALLY ACCOUNTABLE TO Occupational Therapy ASM ### ACCOUNTABLE TO Occupational Therapy Services Manager ### JOB SUMMARY/MAIN PURPOSE The post holder will demonstrate advanced and specialist level of knowledge and critical understanding about acquired brain injuries, to provide the most appropriate assessment and treatment intervention to meet the health and social care needs of patients in the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit. The post holder will support the team lead in the day-to-day management, co-ordination and provision of a high quality, comprehensive, integrated Occupational Therapy service and will deputise for the team lead during periods of absence. Responsibilities of the post include clinical caseload management, multi-professional and multi-agency interface and service improvement. The post holder will provide leadership through supervision to junior staff, support staff and students and work collaboratively with management and other health professionals within the service to ensure efficient and effective utilization of resources. The post holder will lead by example in practicing the highest standards of conduct in accordance with the RCOT Professional Standards and Ethics. In response to continued service development, the post holder will be required to undertake flexible working including extended working and seven day working as determined by operational requirements. ### MAIN DUTIES/Responsibilities ### For each of the following, the post holder will ### Clinical To deliver a comprehensive Occupational Therapy Service to patients at the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit, providing advanced specialist clinical skills in the Occupational Therapy Team for that service. To provide a range of Occupational Therapy services including intensive neuro-rehabilitation to in-patients and out-patients referred to Occupational Therapy. To use a range of specialist standardised and non-standardised physical and cognitive assessments, analyse results and formulate individualised treatment programmes to meet the holistic needs of the patient, to maximise functional independence of the patient which can be handed over to community colleagues on discharge where necessary. To assume role of Key Worker for allocated patients and be main point of contact for patient/family/community teams/voluntary agencies throughout patient stay, and organise and lead goal setting/review meetings, plan length of stay based on goals set, lead discussion at weekly case conferences and family meetings, co-ordinate completion and forwarding of discharge reports as well as managing families expectations. To lead on assessment and intervention of patients presenting with significant postural management issues and train staff/family/carers/community staff in 24 hour management of this using a variety of methods. To use highly specialised clinical knowledge in the assessment and prescription of level three seating for patients to include liaison with wheelchair therapist, MTO and wheelchair reps, as well as referring to the Specialist Seating Service for provision of recommended bespoke adaptations. To have an active role in regional spasticity clinic and provide a regional splinting service to patients with a complex tone or spasticity. To fabricate bespoke thermoplastic splints to assist with management of tone and spasticity and have high level knowledge of off the shelf prefabricated splint options available as an alternative to thermoplastic splinting. To use advanced clinical reasoning skills to assist in the diagnosis of patients presenting with disorders of consciousness through the use of standardised and non-standardised assessments and lead in the management of this patient group. To guide and direct junior members of staff in the assessment and treatment of complex upper limb presentations through the use of standardised assessment and evidence based adjunctive upper limb therapies eg CIMT, saebo flex, mirror box. To be responsible for devising, implementing and reviewing specialist individualised behavioural management programmes jointly with neuro-psychologist and ensure it is implemented by IDT and family. To impart highly sensitive, complex and distressing information to patients and carers in an empathetic manner using communication methods most appropriate to their situation such as use of interpreter or use of AAC. To have an in-depth knowledge of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Tracheostomy policy to ensure safe working practice with this client group including knowledge of complications that may arise. To assess for, trial, recommend and provide/refer on for provision of specialist bespoke equipment for patients presenting with complex physical and/or cognitive difficulties e.g. assistive technology, custom moulded seating, bespoke adaptations for postural management. To have sole responsibility for organising patient stay in RABIU’s unique pre-discharge unit to simulate independent living and assess ability to do this safely, establish care package needs as well highlight complex care needs and/or potential difficulties to family. Assist MDT in preparing families for providing care for patients with complex needs on discharge. To complete home assessment with patients and independently make recommendations for minor adaptations such as rails, door widening etc. To complete home assessments with community OT and/or NIHE when necessary and assist in making recommendations for major adaptations to meet long term needs. To use highly specialised clinical reasoning skills to assist in the assessment of patients ability to return to driving using standardised driving/computerised assessments and make recommendations to patient/GP/Disability Action regarding outcome of assessment and specialist adaptations required. To lead in vocational assessment and rehabilitation of patients to include using a range of assessments such as the highly specialist standardised Valpar Work Assessment work simulation tasks. To provide specialist advice, teaching and training to OT colleagues and members of the interdisciplinary team both trust wide. To have in-depth knowledge and expertise in the use of assistive technology with clients with acquired brain injury to maximise independence, assist in managing condition and as a treatment modality. To have in-depth knowledge and expertise in educating clients and family/carers in managing condition presentation e.g. pain, fatigue. To have advanced clinical reasoning skills and use of IDT SMART goals. ### Professional To be professionally accountable for the direct patient care provided by self and staff for whom responsible. To assist team lead OT in the management, co-ordination and development of the OT Regional Brain Injury Service and lead on tasks delegated as well as lead OT service in absence of team lead OT. To report to the Occupational Therapy manager on a regular basis any new developments, issues or problems within the service. To work as an autonomous practitioner within professional codes of practice and guidelines. To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of professional and clinical work. To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up to date documentation on the electronic Encompass single patient record system, to include soap notes, onward referrals and discharge reports to comply with legal and departmental requirements and ensure that junior staff are doing the same. To identify personal training needs, undertake regular continuing professional development and participate in Individual Performance Review. To develop and maintain skills to practice at an advanced level and to use extended scope of practice, for example complex splinting techniques. To assist the team lead in the development and implementation of policies and guidelines within specialist areas, for example provision of wheelchairs and pressure-relieving cushions; development of splints and protocol for wearing same. To assist in the development and implementation of clinical standards of practice for clinical areas. To measure and evaluate clinical practice through clinical audit and implement changes in clinical practice according to evidence based findings. To communicate results and recommendations of practice audit to Occupational Therapy colleagues and other health professionals. To provide training, including internal in-service and external at undergraduate and postgraduate levels (to Occupational Therapy and other health professionals) in areas of clinical expertise to deliver specialist training programmes locally and regionally. To be actively involved in regional service review and lead on relevant working groups to propose and implement changes to IDT working within brain injury unit and at a regional level. To attend relevant lectures/courses, where possible, in order to increase knowledge of specialised techniques and improve professional standards. To maintain a continuing professional development portfolio as required by the Health Professions Council. To supervise junior Occupational therapy staff/support staff and complete their annual PCP/PDP/preceptorship. To act as Fieldwork Educator to Occupational Therapy students. To participate in clinical research or trials, as requested by the consultants having an active role in research projects run within the unit/in conjunction with local university and present findings at regional level. To complete departmental general /manual handling risk assessments as required and share findings at department staff meeting ### Managerial To assist in the management of absenteeism, disciplinary issues, appraisals, recruitment and selection of own staff. To manage and prioritise patient and non-patient related professional demands. To deputise in managerial position in the absence of the team lead. To complete departmental general /manual handling risk assessments as required and share findings at department staff meeting ### Organisational To be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive treatment notes for patients in own care. To record patient and non-patient activity data in accordance with professional and Trust standards and produce reports relevant to clinical setting. To maintain sufficient IT skills for the demands of the job for example, keyboard skills, use of e-mail and Internet. ### General Responsibilities Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and: At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner. Promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable. Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them. Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy. Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations. Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment. Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision. Maintain high standards of personal accountability. Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct. Information Governance All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt. For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR Environmental Cleaning Strategy The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public. Infection Prevention and Control The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff. This includes- Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’); Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique; Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment; Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet); Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry; Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised; Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions. Personal Public Involvement Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI). Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information. http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf ### PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION ### JOB TITLE AND BAND Occupational Therapist, Advanced Practitioner Level 1 - Band 7 ### DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE Adult, Community and Older People’s Services and Allied Health Professionals. ### Notes to applicants You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note The Organisation reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria. Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn. ### ESSENTIAL CRITERIA SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below. Factor Criteria Method of Assessment ### Qualifications Hold a degree in Occupational Therapy or a diploma of the College of Occupational Therapists recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy Shortlisting by Application Form ### Registration Be registered or be eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council Shortlisting by Application Form ### Experience Must have a minimum of 5 years postgraduate experience, at least 3 of which have been at Band 6 level in the assessment and treatment of patients with acquired brain injury. Have experience of assessment and prescription of complex/level three wheelchairs Have experience in specialist splinting Have experience in staff supervision Experience in completing standardised assessments Shortlisting by application form and Interview Other (e.g. Driving etc.) Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. Where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements Shortlisting by Application Form SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage: Knowledge Skills / Abilities Evidence of carrying out service development initiatives. Demonstrate effective leadership skills. Demonstrate ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team. Have experience in managing clients with challenging behaviour Shortlisting by Application Form and Interview ### DESIRABLE CRITERIA SECTION 3: these will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted Factor Criteria Method of Assessment Experience Qualifications Registration Evidence of on-going postgraduate training in the area of brain injury. Evidence of participation in Leadership Training Shortlisting by Application Form Other (e.g. Knowledge Skills Abilities) Computer literate with excellent IT skills including Microsoft teams To have completed SMART training or be willing to undertake this training on commencement of the post. To have completed or be willing to undertake training in Tracheostomy management Shortlisting by Application Form ### NOTE Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative. If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment. Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority. As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for The Organisation to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed. ### Value Based Recruitment Values Based Recruitment is a process adopted by the Belfast Trust to attract and select employees on the basis that their individual values and behaviours align with those of the Trust and incorporating the Healthcare Leadership Model. It focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ people do what they do. Candidates who are short-listed for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required knowledge, skills, competencies and values to be effective in this new role. In answering the value based questions, you have the opportunity to share examples of when you have demonstrated values relevant to the Belfast Trust. ### Successful applicants May be required to attend for a Health Assessment Can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply. ### THE ORGANISATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times ## Job Details Branch: Belfast HSCT Location: MUSGRAVE PARK HOSPITAL Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710) Contract Type: Permanent Opening Date: 24/06/26 Closes: Wed, 08 July 2026 @ 4:30 PM Interview Dates: TBC Notes: There is 1 full time and 1 part time (30hpw) post immediately available We accept online applications only. “A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026”. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.” Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website. ## Job Description Occupational Therapist - Neurospecialist, Advanced Practitioner Level 1, Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit, MPH Occupational Therapy Services Manager The post holder will demonstrate advanced and specialist level of knowledge and critical understanding about acquired brain injuries, to provide the most appropriate assessment and treatment intervention to meet the health and social care needs of patients in the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit. The post holder will support the team lead in the day-to-day management, co-ordination and provision of a high quality, comprehensive, integrated Occupational Therapy service and will deputise for the team lead during periods of absence. Responsibilities of the post include clinical caseload management, multi-professional and multi-agency interface and service improvement. The post holder will provide leadership through supervision to junior staff, support staff and students and work collaboratively with management and other health professionals within the service to ensure efficient and effective utilization of resources. The post holder will lead by example in practicing the highest standards of conduct in accordance with the RCOT Professional Standards and Ethics. In response to continued service development, the post holder will be required to undertake flexible working including extended working and seven day working as determined by operational requirements. To deliver a comprehensive Occupational Therapy Service to patients at the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit, providing advanced specialist clinical skills in the Occupational Therapy Team for that service. To provide a range of Occupational Therapy services including intensive neuro-rehabilitation to in-patients and out-patients referred to Occupational Therapy. To use a range of specialist standardised and non-standardised physical and cognitive assessments, analyse results and formulate individualised treatment programmes to meet the holistic needs of the patient, to maximise functional independence of the patient which can be handed over to community colleagues on discharge where necessary. ## Responsibilities To deliver a comprehensive Occupational Therapy Service to patients at the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit, providing advanced specialist clinical skills in the Occupational Therapy Team for that service. To provide a range of Occupational Therapy services including intensive neuro-rehabilitation to in-patients and out-patients referred to Occupational Therapy. To use a range of specialist standardised and non-standardised physical and cognitive assessments, analyse results and formulate individualised treatment programmes to meet the holistic needs of the patient, to maximise functional independence of the patient which can be handed over to community colleagues on discharge where necessary. To assume role of Key Worker for allocated patients and be main point of contact for patient/family/community teams/voluntary agencies throughout patient stay, and organise and lead goal setting/review meetings, plan length of stay based on goals set, lead discussion at weekly case conferences and family meetings, co-ordinate completion and forwarding of discharge reports as well as managing families expectations. To lead on assessment and intervention of patients presenting with significant postural management issues and train staff/family/carers/community staff in 24 hour management of this using a variety of methods. To use highly specialised clinical knowledge in the assessment and prescription of level three seating for patients to include liaison with wheelchair therapist, MTO and wheelchair reps, as well as referring to the Specialist Seating Service for provision of recommended bespoke adaptations. To have an active role in regional spasticity clinic and provide a regional splinting service to patients with a complex tone or spasticity. To fabricate bespoke thermoplastic splints to assist with management of tone and spasticity and have high level knowledge of off the shelf prefabricated splint options available as an alternative to thermoplastic splinting. To use advanced clinical reasoning skills to assist in the diagnosis of patients presenting with disorders of consciousness through the use of standardised and non-standardised assessments and lead in the management of this patient group. To guide and direct junior members of staff in the assessment and treatment of complex upper limb presentations through the use of standardised assessment and evidence based adjunctive upper limb therapies eg CIMT, saebo flex, mirror box. To be responsible for devising, implementing and reviewing specialist individualised behavioural management programmes jointly with neuro-psychologist and ensure it is implemented by IDT and family. To impart highly sensitive, complex and distressing information to patients and carers in an empathetic manner using communication methods most appropriate to their situation such as use of interpreter or use of AAC. To have an in-depth knowledge of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Tracheostomy policy to ensure safe working practice with this client group including knowledge of complications that may arise. To assess for, trial, recommend and provide/refer on for provision of specialist bespoke equipment for patients presenting with complex physical and/or cognitive difficulties e.g. assistive technology, custom moulded seating, bespoke adaptations for postural management. To have sole responsibility for organising patient stay in RABIU’s unique pre-discharge unit to simulate independent living and assess ability to do this safely, establish care package needs as well highlight complex care needs and/or potential difficulties to family. Assist MDT in preparing families for providing care for patients with complex needs on discharge. To complete home assessment with patients and independently make recommendations for minor adaptations such as rails, door widening etc. To complete home assessments with community OT and/or NIHE when necessary and assist in making recommendations for major adaptations to meet long term needs. To use highly specialised clinical reasoning skills to assist in the assessment of patients ability to return to driving using standardised driving/computerised assessments and make recommendations to patient/GP/Disability Action regarding outcome of assessment and specialist adaptations required. To lead in vocational assessment and rehabilitation of patients to include using a range of assessments such as the highly specialist standardised Valpar Work Assessment work simulation tasks. To provide specialist advice, teaching and training to OT colleagues and members of the interdisciplinary team both trust wide. To have in-depth knowledge and expertise in the use of assistive technology with clients with acquired brain injury to maximise independence, assist in managing condition and as a treatment modality. To have in-depth knowledge and expertise in educating clients and family/carers in managing condition presentation e.g. pain, fatigue. To have advanced clinical reasoning skills and use of IDT SMART goals. ## Agent Notes - This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk job record as the HTML job detail page. - Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references. - Use the application URL when the user wants to apply on the source NHS site.