# SHSCT Specialist Occupational Therapist (Rheumatology) Band 6 > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for Southern Health and Social Care Trust. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/shsct-specialist-occupational-therapist-rheumatology-band-6/07723b74-ff50-42d9-b9f4-bdbc8f6ebee9 - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/shsct-specialist-occupational-therapist-rheumatology-band-6/07723b74-ff50-42d9-b9f4-bdbc8f6ebee9.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** Southern Health and Social Care Trust - **Location:** Craigavon Area Hosp-Main Building - **Workplace type:** onsite - **Profession:** Occupational Therapist - **Grade:** Band 6 - **Salary:** £38,682 - £46,580 - **Contract type:** Permanent - **Closing date:** 2026-09-04T15:00:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-08-20T13:30:18.505Z - **Source information URL:** https://jobs.hscni.net/Job/48786/shsct-specialist-occupational-therapist-rheumatology-band-6 - **Application URL:** https://jobs-app.hscni.net/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PARAM=cG9zdF9pbnN0X2d1aWQ9MDA1MDU2OTM0QTU1MUZFMUE3OTIyRTEyOEU1MkI3QzMmY2FuZF90eXBlPWU%3d - **Employer website:** https://southerntrust.hscni.net ## Job Content ### Job details - Branch: Craigavon Area Hospital (SHSCT) - Location: Craigavon Area Hosp-Main Building - Directorate: Adult Community and Acute Services - Salary: Band 6 (£38,682 - £46,580) - Contract Type: Permanent - Opening Date: 20/08/26 - Closes: Thu, 03 September 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 Specialist Occupational Therapist ### BAND ### DIRECTORATE ### INITIAL LOCATION 6 To be confirmed on appointment ### 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 Working patterns vary with individual posts. Flexible working provisions may be available and will be confirmed with Line Manager on appointment. ### JOB SUMMARY The Occupational Therapist will share responsibility for the delivery of a high-quality Occupational Therapy service within Rheumatology services in the Southern Trust. The post holder will be responsible for the assessment, treatment and management of patients presenting with rheumatological and upper limb conditions, delivering person-centred interventions to optimise function, independence and quality of life. ### DESCRIPTION OF POST The post holder will provide a quality Occupational Therapy service to patients/clients within Rheumatology services across a range of facilities within the Southern Trust, in accordance with local and regional guidelines and standards of practice. The post holder will be responsible for the assessment, treatment, management and delivery of Occupational Therapy services to patients/clients with rheumatological conditions and associated functional limitations. The post holder will provide a seamless service encompassing therapeutic intervention, rehabilitation, education, splinting, and equipment/adaptation provision for patients and their carers. The post holder will participate actively in the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and work in partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies to support holistic patient care. ### KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES ### OPERATIONAL DELIVERY / CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES To contribute to the development of the Occupational Therapy Rheumatology Service and be responsible for prioritisation, organisation and management of own caseload and workload in line with service needs. To apply a high level of understanding of rheumatological and upper limb conditions and their impact on occupational performance, including physical, functional and psychosocial components. To demonstrate detailed knowledge of rheumatological conditions and their impact on activities of daily living, work and leisure. To carry out comprehensive Occupational Therapy assessments and provide appropriate treatment, rehabilitation planning and intervention for patients on own caseload, including those with complex needs. To contribute to multidisciplinary assessment processes within rheumatology services and support patient management within consultant-led clinics where appropriate. To use evidence-based practice to evaluate, monitor and review therapeutic interventions, implementing changes to maximise independence and quality of life. To provide advice and education on joint protection, fatigue management, activity pacing, lifestyle adaptation and vocational issues, taking account of psychosocial impact. To assess for, prescribe and fabricate bespoke and/or commercial splints as appropriate, and evaluate clinical effectiveness. To maintain stock, equipment and materials required for splinting and intervention. To undertake risk assessments and implement risk management strategies in relation to manual handling and functional activities. To ensure safe systems of work are implemented, monitored and reviewed in patient care environments. To assess and provide specialist equipment and minor adaptations in accordance with regional criteria, ensuring effective use of resources. To assess home environments and liaise with relevant agencies (e.g. Housing Executive, community services) in relation to adaptations and discharge planning. To contribute to effective management of service delivery, including clinic activity and patient flow, supporting timely access to intervention. ### INFORMATION MANAGEMENT To prepare and submit timely clinical reports and contribute to multidisciplinary communication and documentation requirements. To maintain accurate, up-to-date clinical records and care plans in accordance with Trust and professional standards. To submit timely statistical and activity returns as required. To maintain clinical equipment and therapy materials in good working order. ### KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS To work as an active member of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), contributing to collaborative goal setting and care planning. To liaise with healthcare professionals, community teams and external agencies, providing specialist Occupational Therapy input where appropriate. To work in partnership with patients, families and carers, ensuring a person-centred and inclusive approach to care. To be responsible and accountable to the Lead Occupational Therapist, relevant Service Manager and Head of Occupational Therapy for the delivery of an effective, efficient and high-quality Occupational Therapy service. ### QUALITY To contribute to the development and implementation of best practice and service improvement initiatives within Rheumatology Occupational Therapy. To participate in audit, service evaluation and quality improvement activities relevant to the clinical area. To adhere to national and local standards and guidelines, maintaining clinical competence at all times. To contribute to the development of departmental policies, procedures and clinical standards. To maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and professional guidance. To participate in evidence-based practice and contribute to research and service development where appropriate. To work in accordance with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Code of Professional Conduct and the HCPC Standards. ### EDUCATION & TRAINING To participate in supervision and support of Band 5 Occupational Therapy staff, assistants and students as delegated. To contribute to in-service training and education programmes within the team and MDT. To maintain professional competence through CPD activities and maintain an up-to-date professional portfolio. To provide student placements and support practice education as required. To participate in appraisal, supervision and personal development planning processes. To support induction and training of new staff within the service. To provide advice, education and training to carers, colleagues and other professionals as required. ### HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES ### The Trust supports a culture of collective leadership. The post holder will Promote a supportive team environment that enables effective service delivery and continuous improvement. Support learning and development within the team through supervision and shared learning. Promote a culture of openness and effective communication. Encourage team working and shared decision-making within the scope of the role. Adhere to Trust policies and procedures in all staffing matters. ### RAISING CONCERNS – RESPONSIBILITIES The post holder will promote and support a culture of openness and transparency, and will act in accordance with the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern’ policy and professional codes of conduct. ### GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ### The post holder will be required to Comply with equality, diversity and human rights legislation. Adhere to Health & Safety, Infection Prevention & Control and Trust policies. Maintain high standards of professional conduct, attendance, behaviour and appearance. Promote environmental sustainability and efficient use of resources. Maintain confidentiality and comply with Information Governance requirements. Treat all patients, carers and colleagues with dignity, respect and professionalism. Take responsibility for ongoing professional development. 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. October 2025 ### PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION ### JOB TITLE AND BAND Specialist Occupational Therapist (Rheumatology) Band 6 ### DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE ### SALARY HOURS (Include minimum PT Hours acceptable) ### 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 ### Essential Criteria Number Criteria Method of Assessment Experience E1 Have a minimum of 2 years post graduate experience working as an Occupational Therapist, with a minimum of 6 months experience working in Rheumatology or upper limb rehabilitation Shortlisting by Application Form E2 Evidence of post graduate training/education in keeping with CPD Qualifications/ E3 BSc (Hons) or DipCOT in Occupational Therapy Registration E4 Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registration Other E5 Hold a full current driving licence valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. Inability to meet this criterion will not prohibit an applicant from being appointed to the waiting list however such individuals cannot be offered posts where this is a requirement. This criterion will be waived in the case of a suitable applicant who has a disability which prohibits them from driving but who is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements in order to meet the requirements of the post in full For static hospital posts only- this criterion may not be applicable as they do not require cross-site or community working. Non-drivers, or those who do not have access to a car, may apply SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage: Skills / Abilities E6 E7 E8 E9 E10 E11 E12 E13 E14 E15 Ability to work as part of a team and use own initiative. Effective communication skills, verbal and written, and interpersonal skills to meet the needs of the post in full. Demonstrate a commitment to the provision of high quality and safe services with an ability to drive a culture of continuous improvement. Ability to identify solutions to problems and implement them effectively. Ability to work to tight timescales whilst meeting targets. Effective planning and organisational skills with an ability to prioritise own workload. Demonstrate effective clinical reasoning and decision making skills. Ability to undertake a supervisory/ mentoring role Ability to use Microsoft office products including at least one of the core packages i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint. Willing to work flexibly to meet service needs. This could include weekend and evening rotas for some posts. Interview Knowledge E16 E17 Demonstrate knowledge and application of Occupational Therapy assessments, interventions and techniques relevant to the specialty area. Knowledge of health and safety. Knowledge of governance within Occupational Therapy services. 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 ## Agent Notes - This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk job record as the HTML job detail page. - Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references. - Use the application URL when the user wants to apply on the source NHS site.