SHSCT Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist Band 7

Job details

• Branch: Southern HSC Trust area (SHSCT)
• Location: Bocombra-Bocombra Lodge
• Directorate: Mental Health & Disability Services
• Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 09/07/26
• Closes: Thu, 23 July 2026 @ 4:00 PM
• Interview Dates: TBC

Notes

Manual applications should be posted to: Recruitment Shared Services, Rosewood Villa, Longstone Hospital Site, 73 Loughgall Road, Armagh BT61 7PR Applications which arrive after the advertised closing date/time will not be considered. ? “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 PRINT OFF THE JOB DESCRIPTION AS THIS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AFTER YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE

Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist Level 1

(Band 7)

Scaffold Consultation and Therapeutic Service for Care Experienced Children and Young People

BAND

7

DIRECTORATE

Children, Young People & Women’s Services

INITIAL LOCATION

Bocombra Lodge, Child and Family Care Office, Portadown

REPORTS TO

Lead Consultant Psychologist, Corporate Parenting Division.

ACCOUNTABLE TO

Operational: Lead Consultant Psychologist, Corporate Parenting Division

Professional: Clinical Lead Occupational Therapy CYPS

FLEXIBLE WORKING PROVISIONS AVAILABLE

Working patterns vary with individual posts. Flexible working provisions may be available and will be confirmed with Line Manager on appointment.

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will work as part of a psychology-led multi-disciplinary consultation and therapy team, which is known as the Scaffold Service and will deliver specialist OT inputs primarily to adopted children and young people and those living in foster care.

The post-holder will provide assessment, intervention and teaching/training services to children, carers, social workers and other staff. They will contribute to planning, development and evaluation of the Occupational Therapy provision in this specialist area. The role will entail working in partnership with other professionals within the Health Service, Education Sector, the Adolescent and Youth Justice Sector and the Voluntary Sector to develop and co-ordinate the delivery of services. This is an innovative post requiring an Occupational Therapist with expert knowledge and skills, leadership and vision in this clinical field.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

To plan and deliver effective Occupational Therapy in order to promote the health and well-being of service users, with the primary aim of enabling participation in activities of daily life. (Ref: World Federation of Occupational Therapists).

To be responsible for the planning, integration and delivery of Occupational Therapy provision within a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to improving outcomes for Looked After and Adopted children.

To be responsible for the identification and prioritization of clinical need with respect to Occupational Therapy in the context of multi- disciplinary assessment and treatment planning.

To use advanced assessment and diagnostic skills and specialist knowledge to inform multi-disciplinary care planning and intervention.

To manage a caseload of children/young people with associated co-morbidities and be able to employ discretion to adapt practices where required within the framework of evidence based practice.

To monitor, evaluate and modify interventions in order to ensure effective outcomes using evidence based clinical reasoning.

To apply a high level of understanding of the effect of CYP’s presenting difficulties and provide training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to the child/young person’s environment.

To provide advice to professionals and carers within the young person’s network of supports, to assist them in their diagnosis and management of the child’s needs.

To offer advice and support to children/young people and their parents/carers following a given diagnosis and during intervention.

To engage with service users demonstrating understanding and empathy for children and young people, with the aim of implementing individual and/or group interventions to achieve therapeutic goals.

To participate in multi-disciplinary training, regarding specific specialist OT assessment and intervention with young people who have complex trauma presentations.

To provide training in respect of sensory processing issues and their impacts on function, independence in activities of daily living and behaviour for groups of foster/adoptive carers.

To undertake risk assessments including clinical presentation and behaviours and act in a specialist capacity when assessing the child/young person’s environment and its impact on functioning.

Be able to articulate assessment findings, intervention techniques, strategies and eligibility criteria and persuade children/young people, parents/carers of the need for significant life changes where required.

To attend and participate in team meetings and professional network meetings, as required.

To take a flexible approach to the working hours required to meet the needs of the service.

To be involved in the maintenance of resource materials, equipment and assessing the need for new/ replacement items where necessary.

COMMUNICATION

To demonstrate effective strategies to communicate information in a manner appropriate to the situation.

To establish robust communication networks with children, parents, carers, teachers, other health workers and other agencies.

To promote awareness of the role of Occupational Therapy within Looked After Children’s Services, negotiating priorities where appropriate.

To ensure parents/carers and those involved with the young person have a clear understanding of the Occupational Therapy process, have the ability to communicate unwelcome/bad news and manage difficult and challenging situations.

To advise education on the implementation of therapeutic programmes and the management of risk specific to the service user.

To liaise with other professionals, private, voluntary & statutory groups as appropriate.

To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.

Use a range of communication tools to communicate complex information effectively with Children/young people and their families taking into account varying degrees of cognitive impairment, learning difficulties and where English is not their first language.

LEADERSHIP, SUPERVISION & APPRAISAL

Reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal in line with Local and National Guidelines.

To liaise closely with OT colleagues in the Scaffold service for the purposes of peer supervision.

To participate in reflective practice and commit to ongoing professional development that enhances skills and knowledge with respect to trauma informed care and service delivery.

TRAINING STAFF & STUDENTS

To participate in multi-disciplinary training, teaching members of wider MDT regarding specific specialist Occupational Therapy intervention and broader aspects of role.

As Practice Educator to be responsible for the supervision and assessment of Occupational Therapy students.

To provide effective guidance, supervision and leadership where appropriate to OT staff, support staff and students

To identify training needs of staff, parents/carers and participate in the development and delivery of training

SERVICE DEVELOPMENT & DELIVERY

To contribute to the operational planning and the creation of new policy and new service development within Looked After Children service and its interfaces with other stakeholders, across a range of settings.

To action and optimise the implementation of new policy which could impact on children’s occupational therapy.

To work collaboratively with Scaffold OT colleagues in respect of developing high quality specialist OT provision for Looked After and Adopted Children.

To lead on delegated projects.

To undertake the recruitment and selection of staff within designated area.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

To ensure continuing professional development through attendance at relevant meetings, courses and study days as well as personal reading and use of IT.

To actively participate with In-service training, particularly that organized with Occupational Therapy colleagues across the SHSCT.

To participate in audits both uni and multi-professional, contributing suggestions for new audits and / or areas for further research and development.

To carry out routine management tasks necessary to the running of the service.

Where necessary give talks / demonstrations on the work of the service to Occupational Therapy colleagues, other disciplines, work experience students and local schools.

To be involved in the maintenance of equipment and assessing the need for new items / stock where necessary.

To participate in the annual appraisal process.

To adhere to the SHSCT’s various Policies and Procedures.

To adhere to occupational therapy’s various Policies and Procedures.

CLINICAL GOVERNANCE & QUALITY STANDARDS

To contribute in the Trust, Directorate and team clinical governance arrangements and quality agenda, including the setting and monitoring of practice standards.

To apply Regional/National guidelines related to relevant Legislation in respect of health and social care in Occupational Therapy service provision.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The post holder will be required to

Assist the organisation in fulfilling its statutory duties under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to promote equality of opportunity and good relations and under the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. Staff are also required to support the organisation in complying with its obligations under Human Rights Legislation.

Ensure the Organisation’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 Organisation'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.

Take responsibility to minimise the Trust’s environmental impact wherever possible. This will include recycling, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use. Helping to reduce paper waste by minimising printing/copying and reducing water usage, reporting faults and heating/cooling concerns promptly and minimising travel.

All employees of the Organisation are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the [org name] 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 [org name] 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 Organisation’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 Organisation's area, as needs of the service demand.

November 2025

JOB TITLE AND BAND

Advanced

Practitioner Occupational Therapist (Level 1)

Band 7

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE

SCAFFOLD CONSULTATION AND THERAPY SERVICE FOR LOOKED AFTER AND ADOPTED CHILDREN.

SALARY

HOURS

37 Hours (30 hours may be considered)

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

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

Essential Criteria

Number

Criteria

Ideally no more than 6-8 criteria in this section

Please insert additional rows / Delete as required

Method of Assessment

Experience

E1

A minimum of five years post graduate experience and have three years’ clinical experience as a specialist occupational therapist at band 6 level or above. At least 12 months experience in Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention working with children and young people.

Shortlisting by Application Form

E2

Evidence of completion of, or willingness to complete, accredited courses at Master’s level or competition of courses focusing on the assessment and treatment of children & young people experiencing the range of conditions related to the specialty e.g. Sensory Attachment, Developmental Co-ordination Disorder modules and courses

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/ Registration

E3

Hold BSc/BSc Hons or Diploma in Occupational Therapy.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/ Registration

E4

Registered with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC).

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

E5

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 Organisation which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

Shortlisting by Application Form

E6

Evidence of experience in staff or student management / supervision.

Shortlisting by Application Form

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Other

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

Skills / Abilities

E7

Ability to work as an effective member of the occupational therapy team and use own initiative. Be able to work to tight timescales whilst meeting targets.

Interview

E8

Ability to demonstrate effective leadership / management skills.

Interview

E9

Ability to initiate and undertake risk assessment for patients using advanced clinical reasoning skills.

Interview

E10

Ability to use outcomes from comprehensive assessment to formulate and implement occupational therapy treatment plans, based on current evidence.

Interview

E11

Demonstrate a commitment to the provision of high quality and safe services with an ability to drive a culture of continuous improvement.

Interview

E12

Have an excellent understanding and knowledge of the principles of clinical governance and its application.

Interview

E13

Experience of delivering objectives which have led to a significant improvement in service

Interview

E14

A comprehensive knowledge relevant to the specialist area

Interview

E15

Sound knowledge of the current evidence-base, current legislation and legal frameworks relating to Occupational Therapy practice

Interview

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

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

Desirable Criteria Number

Criteria

Ideally no more than 6-8 criteria in this section

Method of Assessment

Experience

D1

Experience carrying out audits and/or research

Shortlisting by Application Form

D2

Student Practice Placement training

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications

D3

Completion of masters modules

Shortlisting by Application Form

Ref No: <to be inserted by HR> <November 2025

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.

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.

THE ORGANISATION 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. 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