SHSCT Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist (Level 1) Primary Care Hand Therapy Band 7

Job details

• Branch: Southern HSC Trust area (SHSCT)
• Location: TBC / To Be Confirmed
• Directorate: Adult Community and Acute Services
• Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 29/05/26
• Closes: Fri, 12 June 2026 @ 4:00 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

Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist

(Level 1)

Primary Care Hand Therapy

BAND

7

DIRECTORATE

Surgical and Clinical Care

INITIAL LOCATION

Trust base clinic area TBC

REPORTS TO

Professional Lead Occupational Therapist, Hand Therapy Services – Acute Services Lead for Occupational Therapy

ACCOUNTABLE TO

Operationally – AHP Head of Service

Professional - Head of Occupational Therapy and Reablement

FLEXIBLE WORKING PROVISIONS AVAILABLE

To be confirmed on appointment

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be responsible for providing highly specialised Occupational Therapy to patients/clients in accordance with local and national guidelines and standards of practice for occupational therapy and hand therapy.

The postholder will manage a clinical caseload within the Primary Care Hand Therapy service providing clinical leadership and expert advice on complex cases to other members of Occupational staff and MDT

The post holder will be responsible for the assessment, treatment, management and delivery of Occupational Therapy to patients/clients referred to the Primary Care Hand Therapy Clinic including the management of complex upper limb trauma, arthritic conditions, neurological conditions, nerve palsy and strain injuries. Referral sources can include GPs, AHPs, Nursing staff, Neurologists, Stroke and Hand Consultants.

The post holder will have responsibility for the daily operational activities and delivery of occupational therapy outpatient hand therapy clinics.

The post holder will contribute towards the Hand Therapy Service within the Trust, in line with the most up to date evidence based practice and research. .

To provide and deliver outpatient hand therapy clinics so as to provide a seamless Occupational Therapy input which offers needs led, person centred and evidence-based assessment, intervention evaluation and timely discharge in line with Trust targets and approved local and national strategies.

To provide clinical leadership - developing a stimulating learning environment and motivating and inspiring others to deliver best practice at a local, regional and national level.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Delivery/Clinical Practice

To assist in the development of the Occupational Therapy Hand Therapy Service and be responsible for prioritisation, organisation and management of own caseload and workload.

To organise and manage a caseload of complex cases requiring specialist Occupational Therapy assessment and interventions of the highest standards with advanced clinical reasoning skills and evidence-based practice.

To prioritise and plan own workload to manage conflicting and competing priorities both clinically and professionally, to ensure patient/ 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.

Manage the most complex cases through advanced clinical reasoning addressing Occupational Performance skills, dexterity, co-ordination, manual and sensory skills to facilitate and promote the best functional outcome for the patient, contextual factors and activity demands in collaboration with patients and carers.

To have ability to demonstrate highly specialised therapeutic skills in all aspects of hand therapy, splinting, desensitisation of hypersensitivity, modalities regarding sensation and scar management, and the fabrication of static and dynamic splints.

To apply a high level of knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of hand therapy as well as the consequences of impairment Occupational Performance areas.

To be competent in the use of diagnostic tests with people with conditions or trauma related to the hand/ upper extremity.

To initiate and undertake complex risk assessments and to advise others in determining appropriate management specifically relating to orthotic devices, treatment protocols and wound complications ensuring safety during Occupational Therapy interventions.

To carry out a holistic Occupational Therapy assessment as part of the overall multi-disciplinary assessment of the patient/client to aid in the diagnostic process.

To be responsible for assessment, treatment management including formation of treatment and rehabilitation plans, providing appropriate intervention and delivery of an Occupational Therapy Service to clients on own caseload. Also in supervisory capacity to line manage staff, including those patient/ clients with a complex level of management needs.

Use of evidence-based practice to evaluate, monitor and review outcomes of therapeutic intervention provided for each patient/ client, implementing necessary changes to maximise functional independence and quality of life.

To undertake comprehensive standardised and non-standardised assessments of patient/ clients referred to the Hand Therapy service; use advanced clinical reasoning, analytical and communication skills to determine diagnosis and prognosis of condition. This will include an advanced assessment of patient/ client’s physical, cognitive, psychological, social and environmental levels of functioning and will require a sound knowledge of normal movement and occupational performance.

To formulate and implement occupational therapy treatment plans based on current evidence and have a sound knowledge of available treatment options, using advanced clinical assessment and reasoning skills and a knowledge and ability to use different treatment modalities i.e. skills development/rehab and compensatory techniques or prescription of medical devices, task analysis and patient/ client education.

To provide advice and training on self-management of the condition e.g. advice on lifestyle changes and adaptation to improve patient/ client’s social, home and working environment. Taking account of the psychosocial impact of the various stages of the condition or disease with the aim of assisting patient/ clients and carers to maintain their maximum level of function, independence and quality of life.

To liaise with relatives and carers in the implementation of the treatment plan as necessary.

To review the progress of the patient/ client in relation to treatment goals in collaboration with other staff.

To ensure following appropriate risk assessments that safe systems are in place and monitored and reviewed on regular basis.

To provide expert advice, assessment, prescription and training in use of specialised equipment and/or minor adaptations to reduce the risk for patient/ client/ carers and other professional staff.

To use a range of communication skills to identify and select with the patient/ client and carers the most appropriate intervention options, taking into account eligibility for access to services, the complex interaction of risk, safety, patient/ client choice, independence and cost effectiveness.

To demonstrate expert clinical skills in own practice area: promote and practice best practice, by integrating evidence into practice and by creating innovative ways of incorporating evidence into service delivery; exercise the highest level of personal professional autonomy involving complex situations that require analysis; making decisions where a precedent may not exist

Provide clinical leadership and be a source of expertise in own area of practice.

Advise staff on appropriate handling techniques and rehabilitation procedures.

Information

Prepare and submit timely clinical reports within SHSCT and participate in multi-disciplinary meetings and for other statutory agencies required.

Maintain and update own case files ensuring all professional material is contemporaneous and legible and are maintained in accordance with Occupational therapy Professional and Trust standards.

Be responsible for the preparation, collation, submission and dissemination of statistics in relation to own area of working

Coordinating all applications for special leave through the Occupational Therapy Lead, making informed recommendations at the time

Be competent in the collation and interpretation of research statistics for purpose of reviewing clinical practice and undertaking audits and/or research projects

QUALITY AND CLINICAL GOVERNANCE

To lead on initiatives for clinical governance development and implementation within the defined area monitoring professional standards and undertaking audit within area of working and disseminate findings at a local level.

To develop, implement and maintain high clinical standards within the Occupational Therapy Hand Therapy Outpatient Service.

Use of evidence-based practice to evaluate, monitor and review outcomes of therapeutic intervention provided for each client, implementing necessary changes to maximise functional independence and quality of life.

Inform the Lead Occupational Therapist of changing needs within own area of responsibility i.e. staffing, equipment, areas of over or under provisions of service.

Initiate, co- ordinate, participate and undertake quality improvement and clinical audit activities within the Occupational Therapy Hand Therapy Service.

To adhere to national and local standards and guidelines in relation to professional practice and ensure clinical competence; any difficulties in achieving these to be reported to Occupational Therapy Lead immediately.

To lead and contribute to the development of departmental policies and procedures both within Occupational Therapy and the Hand therapy Service.

To contribute to evidence-based practice, to identify and contribute to research opportunities for Occupational Therapy practice in Hand Therapy. To develop and facilitate a research culture and opportunities for clinicians to engage in research and evaluation activities

Contribute to the development of local and national, best practice standards and clinical guidelines.

To disseminate knowledge through writing for publication and speaking at conferences.

To work in accordance with and adhere to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Code of Professional Conduct and the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethnics.

To lead, identify, implement and evaluate best/innovative practice with new models of service delivery relevant to clinical area.

To initiate, influence and lead new development and services in Hand Therapy across the Trust.

To influence practice developments through clinical leadership and clinical effectiveness networks with service providers across all the health and social care providers.

To promote and facilitate service user involvement in the planning and delivery of services.

To be a source of expertise to the service planning process in relation to specialised clinical area.

To facilitate change by identifying risks, boundaries and benefits of new developments in clinical practice.

People Management

To clinically supervise Occupational Therapy staff.

To carry out clinical leadership duties, including day to day management supervision, co-ordination and delegation of referrals to team ensuring allocation of caseload commensurate to grade.

To assist in recruitment and selection of Occupational Therapy staff.

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

Manage leave in such a way that ensures performance management is sustained. This will also necessitate the close monitoring of sick leave and the application of the sick leave policy.

Review individually, at least annually, the performance of immediately subordinate staff, provides guidance on personal development requirements and advises on and initiates, where appropriate, further training.

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

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

Key Working Relationships

To be an active member of the Trust’s Occupational Therapy Hand Therapy team and to liaise effectively with Hand Therapist colleagues within SHSCT and outside agencies, Nursing staff, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rheumatologists, Pain Consultants, Clinical Outcomes Practitioners Physiotherapists and medical staff and GPs.

To establish a collaborative working relationship with other professionals and MDTs, inputting to any relevant clinics, meetings or ward rounds, providing a specialist advisory role and guidance on complex cases and to ensure carry-over of treatment and management goals.

Plan, co-ordinate and devise action plans at Upper Limb Service Development Meetings held in conjunction between Orthopaedic Hand Surgeons and Hand Therapy Team.

Provide a collaborative working relationship with family and carers, as appropriate, considering the needs and wishes for respect and diversity.

To be responsible and accountable to the Professional Lead Occupational Therapist and respective service Operational Leads as well for the provision of an effective, efficient and high-quality Occupational Therapy Hand Therapy Service.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

To maintain and develop professional, clinical and management skills and specialist knowledge by undertaking appropriate professional development activities, including attending relevant courses/ conferences and, as appropriate providing feedback to colleagues.

To keep up to date with publications and documents outlining service developments and planning within Hand Therapy / Outpatient Service developments.

To maintain a professional portfolio in line with HCPC CPD Standards.

To provide undergraduate Occupational Therapy practice education placement opportunities within the team/service.

Work in partnership with higher education institutes to develop deliver and evaluate local, regional and national education opportunities in area of practice, including education at under and post graduate level.

To assist in the induction of new staff into the trust/ Department in accordance with the Trust’s induction programme.

To provide advice/ education/ training for other professionals, colleagues within Occupational Therapy and other teams and professions as required and participate in-service training.

To lead, provide and deliver relevant in-service training programmes.

To participate in regular supervision/ KSF/PDP review with Occupational Therapy Lead and / or operational Manager.

Provide training, education and advice to patients/clients, carers, voluntary agencies and support groups as required.

Professional Leadership

To provide clinical leadership – motivating and inspiring others to deliver best practice at a local, regional and national level, influencing strategic planning and service delivery across professional and organizational boundaries.

To be an acknowledged source of expertise in relation to Occupational Therapy Hand Therapy services.

To demonstrate creative and collaborative thinking to influence service change and development.

Contribute to debate within the multi-professional arena regarding clinical, professional and service delivery.

Promote and develop the learning environment within area of practice and across service boundaries using a collaborative approach and providing equitable opportunities.

To act as a source of clinical expertise and advice providing clinical leadership within the specialty of hand therapy and a resource for other teams as appropriate

To lead and contribute to the development and use of research initiatives for Occupational Therapy in Hand Therapy.

Finances and Resources

Ensure the effective management, use and maintenance of all stock and physical assets within the clinics.

Be responsible for informing Lead OT / Head of AHP Services regarding specific clinical materials required to deliver service.

Be responsible for the effective management, use and maintenance of all physical assets within the service and to adhere to departmental policy, including competence to use equipment and safe use of equipment by others through teaching, training and supervision of practice

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.

RAISING CONCERNS - 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 Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANLINESS

Ward Managers & Heads of Homes/Facilities

Take responsibility for ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within their designated area.

Take responsibility for ensuring that “departmental” audits are undertaken at the required frequency levels and leading the audits or delegating responsibility to an appropriate member of staff.

Deputy Ward Managers & Deputy Heads of Homes/Facilities

In the absence of the Ward Manager/ or Head of Home/Facility take responsibility for ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within their designated area.

In the absence of the Ward Manager/ or Head of Home/Facility take responsibility for ensuring that “departmental” audits are undertaken at the required frequency levels and leading the audits or delegating responsibility to an appropriate member of staff.

PERSONAL AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES (PPI)

Promote and support the implementation of the Trust’s PPI Strategy and ensure all staff are aware of their responsibilities as appropriate to their job role.

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 Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the 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 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.

May 2026

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE AND BAND Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist Level 1, Primary Care Hand Therapy Clinic

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE Occupational Therapist/Surgical and Clinical Services

SALARY

HOURS 18.75

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

A minimum of 5 years post qualifying, to include 3 years’ experience at Band 6 Specialist level in hand therapy/ upper limb rehabilitation.

Evidence of postgraduate/ Masters equivalent development in hand therapy/ upper limb rehabilitation or willingness to complete education and training within 12-18 months.

Committed to work towards accreditation Award in Hand Therapy.

Experience in the fabrication of static and dynamic orthotics.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/ Registration

Hold BSc Hons OR Dip COT in Occupational Therapy.

Be on the live Health and Care Professions Council Register (HCPC).

Be committed to undertake research in hand therapy to attain / maintain accreditation in Hand Therapy.

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

Effective planning and organisational skills with an ability to prioritise own workload, and work to tight timescales whilst meeting targets.

A minimum of 1 years’ experience of staff management/ supervisory role.

Ability to initiate and undertake risk assessments when assessing and treating patient/ clients, demonstrating advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.

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

Ability to use assessment outcomes to advise and make recommendations on appropriate management.

Highly effective communication skills, verbal and written, and interpersonal skills to meet the needs of the post in full. Ability to provide effective clinical leadership to a team.

Ability to identify solutions to problems and implement them effectively.

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

Interview

Knowledge

Knowledge of clinical governance and risk management principles and practice.

Experience in the use of Microsoft office products including at least one of the core packages I.e. Outlook (Email) Word, Excel, PowerPoint or MS Access.

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

1.Research/ audit experience.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications

2.Evidence of Level II and above training in BAHT courses (or equivalent).

3.Completion of Accreditation in Hand Therapy.

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.

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. 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