Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Leadership

• Contribute to service development, quality improvement projects, and audits.

• Provide supervision, mentoring, and professional guidance to junior occupational therapy staff, apprentices, activity coordinators, and support workers.

• Represent occupational therapy within multi-disciplinary team meetings, locality, sector, and divisional forums.

• Advocate for and promote occupational therapy across the Trust and within the wider professional network.

• Support the delivery and facilitation of CPD activities across services and divisions.

• Provide high-quality learning experiences and clinical placements for occupational therapy students.

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of policies, protocols, and care pathways.

• Lead or co-lead project work relevant to the team or service, with support from the Lead Occupational Therapist.

• Support staff recruitment, induction, and workforce planning for the occupational therapy service.

Clinical

• Demonstrate expertise and specialist skills in occupational identity, engagement, environmental adaptation, volition, and the development and maintenance of occupational skills.

• Undertake comprehensive, person-centred occupational therapy assessments, adapting approaches to meet individual needs.

• Plan and deliver evidence-based individual and group interventions in line with the occupational therapy pathway.

• Use clinical reasoning and formulation skills to develop collaborative, person-centred care plans.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adjust plans accordingly.

• Complete comprehensive risk assessments and management plans in line with Trust safeguarding procedures.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current evidence-based practice, research, and national guidelines within the relevant clinical area.

• Act as lead professional or care coordinator for individuals during occupational therapy involvement.

• Use therapeutic use of self effectively within all interventions.

• Understand and apply group theory and systemic principles when delivering services.

• Communicate complex or sensitive information compassionately with individuals, carers, and professionals.

• Manage a complex caseload independently, prioritising workload effectively and ensuring timely triage and intervention.

• Work collaboratively with other community services and external agencies to ensure continuity of care.

Professional

• Be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of clinical practice in accordance with HCPC standards, professional codes of conduct, and Trust policies.

• Adhere to the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act (2005), and all relevant legislation.

• Comply with Safeguarding Adults and Child Protection Policies and procedures.

• Engage in continuous professional development to maintain clinical competence and ensure delivery of high-quality care.

• Maintain accurate, clear, and timely documentation in line with Trust policy and professional standards.

• Actively participate in supervision, appraisal, and reflective practice.

• Ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with Trust policy and data protection legislation.

• Promote a healthy and safe working environment by adhering to health and safety regulations and Trust policies.