SEHSCT Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist, Children and Young People, Band 8A

Job details

• Branch: Trustwide (SEHSCT)
• Location: LPCCC
• Salary: Band 8a (£55,690 - £62,682 )
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 19/05/26
• Closes: Tue, 02 June 2026 @ 5:30 PM
• Interview Dates: TBC

Notes

If you are submitting a manual application, please post it to: Recruitment Shared Services, Rosewood Villa, Longstone Hospital Site, 73 Loughgall Road, Armagh, BT61 7PR. Applications received after the advertised closing date/time cannot be considered, so please allow enough time for postage. “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

Clinical Lead for Children & Young People – Occupational Therapy

BAND

8A

DIRECTORATE

Nursing, Primary Care & Elderly

INITIAL LOCATION

LPCCC

REPORTS TO

Occupational Therapy Professional Lead

ACCOUNTABLE TO

AHP- Assistant Director

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder, in conjunction with the Occupational Therapy Professional Lead, will be responsible for the development and delivery of a high quality Occupational Therapy service for Children and Young People (CYP) within the South Eastern Trust. They will assist in the strategic planning of this service and ensure delivery of effective multidisciplinary working, effective financial management and the most efficient use of all resources. The post holder will provide clear leadership and represent the Occupational Therapy service within the children’s directorate.

The post holder will be responsible for the development, modernisation and delivery of a high quality, evidence based Occupational Therapy service for CYP and their families, ensuring effective service user engagement, multi-agency working and outcome based accountability.

The post holder will be responsible for developing and maintaining links with relevant Children’s Disability Services, specialist teams such as CAMHS, Looked after Children, Youth Justice, Children’s residential homes, Trust estates services, housing services, the Education Authority and the Public Health Agency.

KEY DUTIES / MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical / Professional / Specific Managerial Responsibilities

To assist in the review of Occupational Therapy Services and make recommendations for the reform, modernisation and further development of this service, in line with evidence based practice. To participate in and manage the implementation of the reform and modernisation agenda within their area, which will include providing leadership for the introduction of changes in clinical practice.

Lead Occupational Therapy teams within their clinical area, to oversee the co-ordination of all processes to ensure the delivery of high quality, effective, efficient and flexible Occupational Therapy Services.

Contribute to the on-going development and delivery of the community equipment service, with specific management responsibilities relevant to CYPOT.

Assist the Occupational Therapy Professional Lead to ensure the successful implementation of all DHSSPS, HSSA and commissioning priorities and targets for patients with a particular emphasis on those relating to the provision of therapy services within their area. These services will have a clear enablement ethos and an aim to maximise independent living and occupational performance. Support the Occupational Therapy Professional Lead to achieve all relevant targets and ensure the delivery of the Trust Emergency and Elective Access agendas.

Develop close links with other organisations including Education Authority and Housing Organisations and attend meeting to represent the service.

Participate in ensuring that a high quality Occupational Therapy Service is developed that can respond effectively and flexibly to the CYP’s needs to secure an appropriate balance between school, hospital and community based services, achieving an integrated approach in reducing inappropriate hospital admissions or escalation of care within a 24/7 context.

Ensure clear care pathways are developed and implemented for VYP and their families within their area.

Ensure standardized service provision across the Trust resulting in equity of service to all CYP and their families.

Ensure active engagement with CYP, user groups and those who commission services in the design and delivery of services in their area in order to inform service improvement.

Assist the Occupational Therapy Professional Lead to ensure high quality Occupational Therapy Services are provided in a consistent way across the South Eastern Trust by ensuring processes are put in place to monitor the quality of the service provided and change the service where needed. In doing so, contributing to the standard operating procedures, audit and improvement process.

Ensure that effective, efficient and consistent processes are put in place to roster the work force appropriately and facilitate staff rotations as required within their area.

Ensure that appropriate people and professional management systems are developed across their area including active supervision, team meetings and the further development of staff development and performance reviews/appraisals.

Participate in the development of a training strategy to ensure that the Occupational Therapy Service workforce is supported in carrying out continuing professional development, address and develop succession and workforce planning and is fit for purpose and able to meet the challenge of external regulation.

Ensure that the needs of patients and their carers are at the core of how the Trust delivers its Occupational Therapy Service and are in accordance with DHSSPS Quality Standards, relevant professional standards, guidelines, legislative requirements and Trust directives.

Liaise with the AHP Governance Lead to ensure robust arrangements are in place to meet controls assurance standards, the assessment and management of risk and the implementation of the DHSSPS’s Safety First framework and International Standards of Organisations (ISO).

Support the Occupational Therapy Professional Lead with the implementation of effective performance management arrangements.

Ensure the processing and management of complaints comply with DHSSPS and Trust complaints procedures and are underpinned by transparency and a culture of continuous improvement.

Support staff through organisational change and challenging service demands.

Support the Occupational Therapy Professional Lead with the implementation of quality initiatives such as Investors in People and Charter Standards.

Ensure all relevant professional standards and guidelines are implemented within their clinical area.

Ensure Occupational Therapy Services within their clinical area meet quality standards and that systems for ensuring compliance are adhered to.

Ensure all recommendations from the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), RQIA and other regulatory bodies are implemented within requisite timescales.

Have systems in place to ensure all Occupational Therapy staff are registered with the HCPC, in line with Trust policy and procedure.

Put in place procedures to ensure all Occupational Therapy staff are aware of and adhere to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Professional Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

Demonstrate in-depth and current knowledge of Northern Ireland legislation, National and Local Policies and Procedures, Service Frameworks and Guidelines relevant to the clinical specialty area across Health and Social care.

Have in-depth knowledge of Professional Standards of Practice and the Professional Code of Practice.

Have responsibility for supporting and liaison with the staff regarding fieldwork education placements for Occupational Therapy students in areas of responsibility.

To develop a culture of outcome based accountability and evidence based practice within the scope of service.

To develop a culture of research within the scope of service undertaking/supporting staff to undertake research as appropriate.

Generic managerial responsibilities both within an operational and strategic context.

Represent the Occupational Therapy service as appropriate to Senior Management within the clinical service group; develop strong sustaining relationships and partnerships with other Statutory and Voluntary Agencies promoting collaborative working arrangements in consultation with the Occupational therapy Professional Lead.

Promote innovation and change to underpin the reform and modernisation of services to CYP.

Support the Occupational Therapy Professional Lead with service planning and development initiatives. This will include liaising closely with senior planning/performance staff in order to implement the objectives of the Trust’s Delivery Plan and local commissioning priorities.

Represent the Service Group in Trust project teams as appropriate.

Support the Occupational Therapy Professional Lead in the management of the Occupational Therapy Services budget and the meeting of all financial targets in respect of accurate payroll and invoicing.

Have involvement/participation/lead (as appropriate) in regional and national networks and strategic planning for Occupational Therapy services through professional networks and committees.

Have lead duties/projects for the whole Occupational Therapy service as delegated by the Occupational Therapy Professional Lead.

Assist in ensuring the effective implementation of all Trust financial policies and procedures within teams to include ensuring the safe custody of clients’ property and accounts and the use of endowments, gifts and charitable funds.

Ensure the effective management, use and maintenance of all physical assets within their area.

Provide clear leadership to staff within their area and ensure teams have a highly skilled, flexible and motivated workforce. While identifying leadership development opportunities for the CYPOT staff group.

Assist the Occupational Therapy Professional Lead and work closely with senior human resources staff to take forward the development and implementation of workforce planning and modernisation initiatives.

Ensure the effective implementation of all Trust people management policies within their team and the achievement of all relevant targets such as those relating to staff performance and development reviews, the management of sickness and absenteeism, turnover, disciplinary and capability proceedings.

Ensure the effective management of staff health and safety and support within their team

Ensure the effective implementation of all Trust information management policies and procedures in their team.

Ensure systems and procedures for the management and storage of information in their team meet internal and external reporting requirements. Work with Trust colleagues to continually modernise and evaluate the data collection and analysis to inform service development.

Develop and maintain high quality working relationships with other senior colleagues to ensure the achievement of service group and corporate objectives.

Establish collaborative relationships and networks with external stakeholders in the public, private and voluntary sectors to ensure the Trust effectively discharges its functions.

Contribute to the service group’s overall governance processes to ensure the development of an integrated governance framework that assures safe and effective care for patients and clients and complies with public sector values and codes of conduct, operations and accountability.

Ensure the Trust’s and service group’s objectives and decisions are effectively communicated.

Lead by example in practising the highest standards of conduct in accordance with the Code of Conduct for DHSSPS Managers.

Participate in the Trust’s Staff Development and Performance Review Scheme. Review individually on a regular basis the performance of immediately subordinate staff. Provide guidance on personal development requirements and advise on and initiate, where appropriate, further training.

Ensure that the review of performance identified above is performed for all levels of staff within the Trust in accordance with the Trust Board’s policy.

Maintain good staff relationships and morale amongst the staff reporting to him/her.

Where appropriate, review the organisational plan and establishment levels, ensure that each is consistent with achieving objectives, and recommend change where appropriate.

Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to the level of staff within his/her control consistent with effective decision making whilst retaining responsibility and accountability for results.

Participate as required in the selection and appointment of staff reporting to him/her in accordance with procedures laid down by the Trust.

Take such action as may be necessary in disciplinary matters in accordance with procedures laid down by the Trust.

Promote the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity through his/her own actions and ensure that this policy is adhered to by staff for whom he/she has responsibility.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trust supports and promotes a culture of collective leadership where those who have responsibility for managing other staff:

Establish and promote a supportive, fair and open culture that encourages and enables all parts of the team to have clearly aligned goals and objectives, to meet the required performance standards and to achieve continuous improvement in the services they deliver.

Ensure access to skills and personal development through appropriate training and support.

Promote a culture of openness and honesty to enable shared learning.

Encourage and empower others in their team to achieve their goals and reach their full potential through regular supportive conversation and shared decision making

Adhere to and promote Trust policy and procedure in all staffing matters, participating as appropriate in a way which underpins Trust values.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will 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 the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust’s Raising Concerns Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

The post holder will, in the event of a concern being raised with them, ensure it is managed correctly under the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust’s Raising Concerns Policy and ensure that feedback/learning is communicated at individual, team and organisational level regarding the concerns raised, and how they were resolved.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The post holder will be required to

Ensure the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.

Co-operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.

Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example

Smoke Free policy

IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct

standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour

Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.

Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.

All employees of the South Eastern HSC Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the South Eastern HSC Trust including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the South Eastern HSC Trust’s policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.

Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.

Represent the Trust’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.

This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within the Trust's area, as needs of the service demand.

eHealth

The South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust has invested in eHealth to deliver better, faster, safer care to our community and is committed to supporting staff to utilise associated information systems that directly and indirectly inform care. Trust staff are therefore required to commit sufficient time to ensure that they acquire and/or retain the core technology skills required to support their role.

Personal and Public Involvement (PPI)

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 and Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information. PPI_leaflet.pdf (hscni.net)

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE AND BAND

Clinical Lead for Children & Young People

Occupational Therapy

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE

Primary Care and Older People Service

SALARY

Band 8a

HOURS

18.75 hours

Ref No: 55574878

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 Trust 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

Experience Qualifications

Registration

BSc (Hons) or Dip COT in Occupational Therapy OR related Degree with post graduate qualification in Occupational Therapy

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration.

Have a minimum of seven years’ postgraduate experience as an Occupational Therapist, at least three of which should be as a team lead or supervisor Band 7 (or equivalent) or above with a highly specialist level of clinical knowledge and management expertise within Children and young People’s Occupational Therapy services.

Delivered against challenging performance management programmes, for a minimum of two years meeting a full range of key targets and making significant* improvements.

Worked with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internal and external to the organization, to achieve successful outcomes.

A proven track record of people management, governance, leadership, and organizational skills.

Have post-graduate management and leadership training or evidence of successful completion of specialist/management short courses relevant to the post to Master’s Degree level or equivalent or be willing to undertake such courses.

The following additional clarification is provided: * “Significant” is defined as contributing directly to key corporate objectives of the organisation

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities

The applicant must demonstrate

Experience in successfully managing contentious or potentially contentious scenarios to include complaint management and resolution.

A high level of interpersonal and communication skills with experience of successful conflict resolution

Specialist knowledge and application of Occupational Therapy assessment, clinical reasoning, option appraisal and interventions relevant to the children and Young People’s services.

Evidence of Leadership qualities as outlined in the Healthcare Leadership model.

Interview / Test

Knowledge

The applicant must demonstrate

Knowledge of and experience working within the legislative framework supporting Housing Adaptations, and/or Special Education Needs

Knowledge of relevant Occupational Therapy governance arrangements to support the safe and effective delivery of services.

Interview / Test

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

Experience in data collation and analysis to inform service provision.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications

Evidence of post graduate training and qualification relevant to the service area.

Shortlisting by Application Form

INCLUDE FOR SENIOR POSTS (Band 8a or above) IF RELEVANT

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role. The competencies concerned are set out in the NHS Healthcare Leadership Model, details of which can be found at http://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/resources/healthcare-leadership-model. Particular attention will be given to the following dimensions:

Inspiring shared purpose

Leading with care

Evaluating information

Connecting our service

Sharing the vision

Engaging the team

Holding to account

Developing capability

Influencing for results.

As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for the Trust to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.

To access a copy of the Access NI Code of Practice, please Click here

The South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust has guidance on the Recruitment of People with Criminal Convictions. To access a copy of this guidance, please Click Here

Protecting and using your information

To access a copy of the Trust’s Data Protection Policy Statement,

Click Here

THE TRUST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

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. Request for recognition of previous service with non-direct NHS/HSC organisations towards starting salary and incremental credit must be made via the Retained Recruitment team within 3 months from commencement of employment. Requests made after 3 months will not be considered. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply.

are able to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times