Lead Occupational Therapist

Job Description

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role:

Occupational Therapy staff in the Mental Health services work in multidisciplinary teams to provide specialist and generic services which enable service users to achieve health, well being and a level of independence through participation in graded treatment programmes, thereby limiting the impact of physical and mental health problems on their ability to function independently. This includes assessment for and prescription of adaptive equipment.

Occupational therapy assessments are utilised within the team and outside agencies to identify the person’s functional ability and provide a baseline on which levels of support may be required to maintain independence in a variety of living environments.

The mental health service focuses on the assessment, treatment and ongoing monitoring of individuals with severe and enduring mental health problems. As a member of the multidisciplinary team the post holder contributes to the generic functions of the multidisciplinary team.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern Permanent, Part time

Shift Pattern – Monday – Friday

Base location – Inverclyde Royal Hospital

Key responsibilities Clinical Responsibilities The post holder leads and delivers specialist Occupational Therapy interventions for individuals with complex mental health needs. They manage their own caseload, act as an autonomous expert practitioner, and oversee clinical risk assessments. They plan and deliver individual and group interventions, monitor and adjust treatment plans, and manage crisis situations. They provide expert clinical advice to OT staff and the wider multidisciplinary team, ensuring evidence based practice and culturally sensitive care.

Clinical Governance Responsibilities The role ensures high standards of clinical effectiveness by applying and promoting the evidence base, setting clinical goals for staff, and leading governance activity within mental health OT services. This includes producing reports, implementing findings from audits and research, and monitoring the quality of student supervision. The post holder contributes to reviewing incidents, handling complaints, and promoting good practice across teams.

Professional Responsibilities The post holder upholds professional standards by adhering to RCOT codes and organisational policies. They ensure accurate documentation, support staff registration compliance, and promote reflective practice through supervision and appraisal. They maintain their own professional development and support the development of others, identifying training needs and contributing to learning plans. They apply national legislation and guidelines to local service delivery and support quality assurance processes.

Education and Research Responsibilities The role leads and coordinates training, induction, supervision and professional development for Occupational Therapy staff, students and trainees. They provide education to support evidence based practice and lead research, audit and practice development activities within the service.

Organisational Responsibilities The post holder leads the OT team in service planning, change management and strategic development, ensuring service priorities are met. They represent Occupational Therapy in senior management and multi agency groups, contribute to policy implementation and support the organisation’s strategic plans. They act as a senior member of the multidisciplinary team and lead local and AHP wide projects.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job Qualifications and Professional Registration

• Holds a degree/diploma in Occupational Therapy with at least 6 years post graduate experience.
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and meets ongoing CPD requirements.
• Adheres to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) Code of Ethics and ensures staff compliance with national and local practice standards.

Specialist Clinical Expertise

• Expert knowledge and skills in mental health practice, working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Deep understanding of OT processes, theoretical models and approaches, applicable across mental and physical health.
• Ability to assess, prescribe and fit daily living equipment and train clients/carers in safe use.
• Skilled in critical analysis and applying research to practice, supporting evidence based service development.
• Strong understanding of mental health legislation, policy and evolving health/social care agendas.

Leadership and Managerial Capability

• Specialist managerial knowledge gained through leadership programmes (e.g., Equipped for Excellence, AHP leadership).
• Ability to work autonomously, set clinical priorities and lead OT services across multiple bases.
• Experienced in performance management, including supervision, appraisal, mentoring and directing autonomous practitioners.
• Skilled in recruitment, retention and workforce planning.
• Experience in joint working with professional and operational managers to plan and deliver services.
• Able to provide expert advice on design of clinical areas, including OT facilities in new builds.

Service Development and Quality Improvement

• Ability to set clinical standards, monitor implementation and ensure safe, high quality practice.
• Uses expert knowledge to support staff through change management, including integration initiatives.
• Identifies training needs, develops OT learning plans and supports ongoing staff development.
• Knowledge and training in Practice Education, supporting students and practice educators.
• Applies national guidelines and legislation to local service provision and contributes to governance and quality agendas.

Professional Behaviours and CPD

• Demonstrates ongoing post graduate development, recording learning outcomes in a portfolio.
• Able to analyse complex professional and ethical issues and provide guidance to junior staff.
• Ensures staff maintain accurate written, electronic and activity data in line with standards.
• Monitors HCPC registration compliance across the team.

What we offer We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

• Minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays.
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits.
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme.
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e learning and classroom based courses.
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays.
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services.
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies.

Interested? If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact:
Kate Lowson, Care Group Lead Occupational Therapist

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates

This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible. Due to the volume of applications we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.

• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.

From 1 April 2026, the Agenda for Change full time working week will reduce from 37 hours to 36 hours. Part time working hours will be reduced on a pro rated basis. A corresponding increase in the hourly rate will apply, ensuring that overall pay remains unchanged.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as various, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

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