SEHSCT_Advanced Practitioner / Team lead Adult Community Occupational Therapist

Job details

• Branch: Downpatrick Area (SEHSCT)
• Location: Downpatrick Resource Centre
• Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 07/05/26
• Closes: Thu, 21 May 2026 @ 5:30 PM
• Interview Dates: To be confirmed

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 Advanced Practitioner / Team lead Adult Community Occupational Therapist

BAND: 7

DIRECTORATE Primary Care and Older People

INITIAL LOCATION Downpatrick Resource Centre

REPORTS TO Clinical Lead Adult Community Occupational Therapy Services

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Professional Lead for Occupational Therapy.

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will provide a comprehensive community Occupational Therapy Service for adults with a wide range of physical difficulties within the South Eastern Trust. In addition this post holder will be required to undertake assessment of client’s functional ability within the contexts of their disability and environment to determine their need for occupational therapy interventions. Such interventions may include: environmental adaptations; provision of equipment; provision of specialised postural support; provision of wheelchairs and/or training/advice for service users and their families.

The Team Lead will be professionally and operationally accountable for the delivery of Adult Community Occupational Therapy services within a specified locality.

The post holder will assist the Clinical Lead for Adult Community Occupational Therapy to facilitate the delivery of service against targets making best use of resources and assisting with comprehensive performance management. The post holder will also support in the planning and development of Adult Community Occupational Therapy Services.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical/Professional/Specific Managerial Responsibilities

To provide professional and operational supervision for Occupational Therapy staff within the specified locality.

To provide strong Professional Leadership supported, as appropriate, by the Clinical Lead, Adult Community Occupational Therapy.

To manage a caseload of routine and complex cases requiring specialist occupational therapy assessment and interventions, ensuring interventions provided are fully considered, of the highest standard and evidence–based.

To be responsible for the appropriate prioritisation of referrals and allocation of work to occupational therapists in their Locality.

To advise and support the Clinical Lead with the management of OT waiting lists across the Locality.

To manage Annual Leave of all Community Occupational Therapy staff within their team.

To be responsible for the management of absence within the Community Occupational Therapy staff in the team in accordance with Trust policy.

To undertake regular reviews and quality assure caseloads of Occupational Therapy staff.

To complete an annual appraisal of Occupational Therapy staff within the teams and for the post holder to participate in the appraisal process.

To lead and contribute to the induction process for all Occupational Therapy staff within the team they have responsibility for.

The post holder is professionally accountable for their actions and for the care provided by Occupational Therapy staff within the teams they have responsibility for.

To coordinate and participate in practice/ Student education within the locality team ensuring that staff are adequately trained to support students.

To provide consultation, advice and support to colleagues within their team and where necessary across other Adult Community Occupational Therapy teams.

To promote the continuing professional development of themselves and Occupational Therapy staff within the team they have responsibility for.

To actively participate in internal and external post-registration education, maintaining and developing current knowledge and evidence-based practice.

To contribute to training as required.

To comply with local mandatory training in accordance with South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust policy and professional body requirements.

To participate in regular supervision with Clinical Lead, Adult Community OT.

To contribute to workforce planning in relation to Occupational Therapy staff and assist in the selection and recruitment of staff in accordance with Trust procedures, in collaboration with Clinical Lead and Professional Lead OT.

To participate in disciplinary investigation process as required.

To participate in the investigation and management of incidents, accidents, complaints and grievances in keeping with Trust policies.

To ensure development and delivery of a high quality Occupational Therapy service that can respond effectively and flexibly to patient and service users’ needs through an integrated approach between hospital and community based services.

To contribute to the development of Occupational Therapy policies, procedures and standards and ensure adherence to these.

To contribute to the development of annual governance and audit plans which will promote a culture of quality improvement.

To promote, encourage and participate in evidence based practice / research and audit.

To ensure that all statutory requirements associated with the provision of Occupational Therapy are completed.

To ensure adherence to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and Professional Standards for Occupational Therapy practice.

To maintain accurate comprehensive and timely patient information records and statistical data in accordance with service standards.

Required to participate in clinical network opportunities to maintain clinical and professional links at a local and regional level.

To influence service developments through participation in steering and working groups internal and external to the Trust as required.

To utilise Trust information systems and complete returns as requested.

To contribute to the planning and monitoring of services.

To ensure adherence to the principles of Equality and Human Rights legislation.

To provide Occupational Therapy cover and expertise to other Community teams as required in consultation with Clinical Lead, Adult Community OT.

Communicate effectively with staff and maintain productive working relationships across all care interfaces and promote integrated working.

Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to staff in order to ensure optimum and effective service delivery and decision-making, whilst retaining overall accountability and responsibility for outcomes.

To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own clinical and professional work, including management of clients in your care.

To prioritise and plan own workload to manage conflicting and competing priorities both clinically and professionally, to ensure client care and treatment is carried out in an efficient, effective and timely manner in line with Trust priorities policies and procedures and statuary legislation.

To undertake comprehensive standardised and non-standardised assessments of adults with a range of health and social care needs; use advanced clinical reasoning, analytical and communication skills to determine long term needs and prognosis of condition. This will include an advanced assessment of service user’s physical, cognitive, developmental, psychological and environmental levels of functioning and will require a sound knowledge of occupational performance.

To assess service user’s needs for specialist equipment including postural management and prescribe specialist seating both static and wheelchair provision up to and including complex seating.

To assess service user’s functional ability and determine their need for occupational therapy recommendations in respect of housing adaptations and in facilitating their ability to access their community.

To be competent in the fitting and issue of equipment and to identify and advise when equipment is faulty reporting back to your supervisor and equipment manager. This may include repair or replacement of the identified item.

To work closely with carers and families. To develop and deliver support, advice and training where necessary to family and carers in relation to interventions, e.g. handling, positioning, care of equipment.

To continuously evaluate treatment methods used, monitor progress of clients and make adjustments to ensure best possible service is given.

To liaise with other team members, staff of other disciplines and agencies to ensure that effective communication and reporting takes place at all times.

To actively seek and be aware of the views of service users and stakeholders including professional staff, clients and carers.

To be professionally accountable for direct care provided to service users by the occupational Therapy service.

To maintain a CPD portfolio in accordance with HCPC requirements and monitor own and those you supervise, professional standards in accordance with the College of Occupational Therapists code of Ethics & Professional Conduct, Professional Standards for Practice and the HPD standards of Proficiency for Occupational Therapists.

Carry out any other designated duties, which may be required from time to time relating to particular needs of the service.

Generic managerial responsibilities both within an operational and strategic context.

Be responsible for own professional development and competency including participation in the Trust’s Knowledge & Skills Framework Review (KSFR) process.

To participate in supervision of occupational therapy staff and Technical Instructors.

To actively participate in internal and external post-registration education, maintaining and developing current knowledge and evidence-based practice.

To continuously promote and participate in quality improvements for example audits, data collection and satisfaction surveys.

To participate in practice education of undergraduate occupational therapy students.

To participate in the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust appraisal system on an annual basis

To undertake management of therapy staff and students as directed by the line manager to include allocation and monitoring of caseloads.

Taking such action as may be necessary in disciplinary matters in accordance with Trust procedures.

Comply with Health and Safety Policies and statutory regulations

Contribute to a safe environment within the risk management and clinical governance strategy

Comply with Trust policies, procedures, guidelines, protocols and codes of conduct e.g. Disciplinary, Grievance, Attendance at Work Protocol.

Participate in staff induction, training and other learning as required

Undertake relevant training to fulfil duties of the post now and in the future.

To contribute in other forums and/or activities, which would benefit from the application of the Occupational Therapy profession e.g. working parties, as directed by the line manager.

Be responsible for own professional development and competency including participation in the Trusts Knowledge & Skills Review (KSFR) proves.

To participate in own supervision as well as that of Occupational Therapy Staff and Technical Instructors.

To actively participate in internal and external post-registration education, maintaining and developing current knowledge and evidence-based practice.

To continuously promote and participate in quality improvements for example audits, data collection and satisfaction surveys.

Taking such action as may be necessary in disciplinary matters in accordance with Trust procedures

Comply with health and Safety Policies and statutory regulations.

Contribute to a safe environment within the risk management and clinical governance strategy

Comply with Trust policies, procedures, guidelines, protocols and codes of conduct e.g. disciplinary, Grievance, Attendance at Work Protocol.

Participate in Staff induction, training and other learning as requires.

Undertake relevant training to fulfil duties of the post now and in the future.

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

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: Adult Community Advanced Practitioner/ Team lead Occupational Therapist

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE: Primary Care and Older People

SALARY: Band 7

HOURS: 37.5 hours, minimum 30 considered

Ref No: 55639527

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

Five years post qualification experience within Occupational Therapy, at least 2 years of which must be within an Adult Community Occupational Therapy setting working as a Specialist occupational therapist at Band 6 level or above.

Shortlisting by Application Form/interview

Qualifications/ Registration

Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy

Hold or be eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council

Relevant post graduate specialist training to masters level or equivalent or willingness to complete training within 12 – 18 months where available.

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. These 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

Specific interest working with adults in a community setting through present or previous employment as a qualified Occupational Therapist.

Appropriately assess and use effective clinical reasoning

Experience in delivering objectives that have led to significant Service Improvement.

Knowledge of Legislation relating to Occupational Therapy Practice and OT standards and codes.

Prepared to continue with Post Graduate study relating to Adult Community Occupational therapy.

Ability to work effectively with other professional colleagues with a multi-disciplinary focus.

Experience and evidence of leading service development/new initiatives

Ability to lead change through people and to provide examples of this

Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and to provide examples of this

Leadership and organisational skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Sound working knowledge of relevant IT systems, spread sheets, PowerPoint, email etc

Interview / Test

Knowledge

Knowledge and practical experience of the role of Occupational Therapy within Adult community OT service

Evidence of Post graduate training relating to Adults with disabilities

Knowledge of risk assessment and risk management.

Be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of current Legislation, especially as they relate to housing and physical disability.

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

nil

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications

nil

Shortlisting by Application Form

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