SHSCT_Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist Band 7

Job details

• Branch: South Tyrone Hospital, Dungannon (SHSCT)
• Location: South Tyrone Hosp-Former Dr Residence
• Directorate: Adult Community Services
• Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 18/05/26
• Closes: Tue, 02 June 2026 @ 4:00 PM
• Interview Dates: TBC

Notes

Online and manual applications accepted. Important Information 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 Community Occupational Therapist

BAND

Band 7

DIRECTORATE

Adult Community Services

INITIAL LOCATION

Integrated Care Team

REPORTS TO

ICT Professional Lead Occupational Therapist

ACCOUNTABLE TO

Head of Integrated Care Teams

FLEXIBLE WORKING PROVISIONS AVAILABLE

Part-time working, Compressed/elongated hours, Term-time working,

JOB SUMMARY

The Occupational Therapist will provide Occupational Therapy assessment, intervention, treatment and rehabilitation to patients/clients referred and on their caseload within the ACS Integrated Care Team service.

The post holder will be responsible for providing high quality Occupational Therapy to patients/clients in accordance with local and national guidelines and standards of practice.

The post holder will provide a seamless service, which encompasses the provision of a total package of care including specialized therapeutic, rehabilitation and/or equipment/adaptation needs for patients/clients with disabilities and their carers.

The post holder will actively participate and positively contribute to Integrated Care Team, other multi- disciplinary teams and to work in partnership with voluntary and statutory agencies in order to provide the highest level of service to patients/clients and their carers. This will include working with adults and the older person with, physically disabilities, who may have further complications such as mental health needs, palliative care needs or progressive conditions.

The post holder will contribute towards the ongoing development of the Integrated Care Team and Community Occupational Therapy service within the framework of relevant competencies.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

OPERATIONAL DELIVERY / CLINICAL

To assist in the development of the Occupational Therapy Service within the service area 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.

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.

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.

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 with a range of health and social care needs; 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. manual techniques (range of movement assessment, therapeutic handling and positioning), skills developing/rehab and compensatory techniques or prescription of medical devices, task analysis and patient/ client education.

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

To assess patient/ client’s functional ability to determine their need for housing adaptations and make recommendation in respect of the full range of housing adaptations including disabled facilities grant (DFG) and supervise all recommendations for minor/ major modification/ adaptation alongside agencies as appropriate including Northern Ireland Housing Executive and voluntary bodies.

Consideration also to be given to specialist equipment which will be used in line with adaptations.

To assess patient/ clients postural needs and prescribe specialist seating both static and wheelchair provision up to and including highly complex seating

To be competent in the completion of associated processes for ordering equipment / wheelchairs.

To liaise, when appropriate, with Community Equipment Store, statutory services and outside agencies. Be aware of the location, function and referral process of local community facility i.e. day care, vocational, housing and support.

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 use a range of communication skills in order 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 a high level of knowledge regarding legislation relevant to community occupational therapy practice.

To make recommendations to facilitate access to the patient/ clients’ property when necessary.

Provide detailed specifications, check plans and suggest modifications as appropriate and ensure that these are drawn / completed accordingly for adaptations.

Checking of completed adaptations to ensure compliance with Occupational Therapy specification and liaise with stakeholders to ensure all works completed are to the required standard.

To provide advice to patient/ clients in respect to long term clinical need and liaise with NIHE etc. in respect of recommending works for housing adaptations taking consideration of associated specialist equipment.

To work to regionally agreed criteria when recommending adaptations whilst ensuring appropriate utilisation of public funds.

At all times to maintain high standards of confidentiality with regard to patient/ clients/carers.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Prepare and submit timely clinical reports and participate in Integrated Care Team meetings, other multi-disciplinary meetings and for other statutory agencies as required

Maintain patient/ client clinical notes in line with trust policy and professional standards.

To maintain and update all clinical equipment and materials

Responsible for submitting timely statistical returns

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

To be an active member of the Integrated Care Team, establishing joint goals and care planning. To liaise and engage in Integrated Care Team meetings and other multi-disciplinary teams including hospital and community

To establish a collaborative working relationship with other professionals providing a specialist advisory role to ensure carry-over of treatment and management goals.

Provide a collaborative working relationship with family and carers, taking into account 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 as the Head of Integrated Care and Head of Occupational Therapy for the provision of an effective, efficient and high quality Occupational Therapy Service and Integrated Care Service.

QUALITY

Initiate, co- ordinate, participate and undertake quality improvement and clinical audit activities within Occupational Therapy and the Integrated Care Team.

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.

Contribute to the development of departmental policies and procedures both within Occupational Therapy and the Integrated Care Team.

To participate in and contribute to evidence based practice, to identify and contribute to research opportunities for Occupational Therapy practice.

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

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND SUPERVISION

To clinically supervise Occupational Therapy staff and contribute to in-service training programmes.

Responsible 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 maintain a professional portfolio in line with HCPC CPD Standards

To provide undergraduate Occupational Therapy practice education placements within the team.

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

To provide advice/ learning/ training for other professionals, colleagues within the Integrated Care Team and other teams as required and participate in departmental in-service training.

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

Provide training and advice to carers, voluntary agencies and support groups as required.

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.

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.

Involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community where relevant, in developing, planning, delivering and evaluating our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI) and Co-Production. Further information is available at engage.hscni.net

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.

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 [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 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.

February 2024

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE AND BAND Advanced Practitioner Community Occupational Therapist Band 7

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE Integrated Care Team, Adult Community Services

SALARY

HOURS As detailed on advertisement

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 qualifying experience, at least 3 years of which must be at Band 6 in the Community setting working with adults/children with a range of conditions and needs

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/ Registration

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

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

Evidence of Master’s education/ modules or equivalent or willingness to complete education and training within 12-18 months.

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

Ability to initiate and undertake risk assessments when assessing and treating patient/ clients – including the assessment of the individual and the environment, 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, specifically relating to moving and handling, environmental restructuring and/or the use of medical devices/assistive technologies.

Ability to work as an effective member of the integrated care team and use own initiative.

Highly 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.

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

Interview

Knowledge

Sound knowledge of the current evidence-base relating to Community Occupational Therapy practice

Knowledge of current legislation and the legal framework applicable to Community Occupational Therapy practice

Knowledge of the range of Community Occupational Therapy treatment options/interventions available and ability to use advanced clinical assessment and reasoning skills to determine appropriate evidence-based intervention

Knowledge of current health service trends

Knowledge of clinical governance and risk management principles and practice.

Interview

Other

Anility to use Microsoft office products including at least one of the core packages i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint

You will be required from time to time to work in other teams within and across localities to ensure timely provision of services as directed by management

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

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications

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