About the Role
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Principal Occupational Therapist to join our team here at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide expert professional leadership, advice and quality assurance across the Occupational Therapy workforce.
* Lead service improvements, workforce development initiatives and practice governance.
* Support implementation of the CQC Single Assessment Framework.
* Represent the organisation locally, regionally and nationally.
* Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners such as the NHS, Housing, and Tees Community Equipment Service.
* Develop and embed a strong quality practice framework and career pathway for Occupational Therapists.
What We’re Looking For
* A qualified, HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with strong post-qualification experience.
* Confident leadership skills and experience guiding teams or improving services.
* Expert knowledge of OT practice, legislation (Care Act/MCA) and quality assurance.
* Someone who can provide strategic advice, support complex cases and influence good practice across Adult Social Care.
* Someone passionate about innovation, professional development and improving outcomes for residents.
* Knowledge of assistive technology and the Disabled Facilities Grant.
* A collaborative, resilient professional who champions learning, inclusion and excellence.
Benefits & Remuneration
We offer an excellent total reward package, including:
* A competitive salary of up to £60,257.
* 27 days annual leave per year rising to 32 with five years service (plus bank holidays). Ability to purchase additional leave is also available.
* Generous Pension Scheme through the LGPS with ability to pay extra and plan for retirement.
* Access to a number of other employee benefits including learning & development opportunities, a car lease scheme, discounts at high street and online retailers, an employee assistance programme and physiotherapy services.
Additional Information
For more information about working for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, please visit the Careers section on our website: https://www.stockton.gov.uk/careers.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Victoria Ingham, Service Manager – Workforce QA & Improvement, on 01642 528031 or Victoria.ingham@stockton.gov.uk.
We are intending to interview on Tuesday 5 May and you may receive notification through North East Jobs if you have been shortlisted.
We anticipate a high level of interest in this role and may close the vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date, therefore we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Important Applicant Guidance
Accuracy and Use of AI Tools: Ensure that any submissions are factually accurate. Plagiarism includes presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. While we accept that candidates may use AI tools within job applications, submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.
Application Updates and Communication: All updates regarding your application, including interview invitations, will be sent from ‘DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK’ to the email linked to your North East Jobs account and will also appear in the ‘My Messages’ section of your account.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions): This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended). Applicants are therefore required to disclose all criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings, including those which would normally be considered spent, subject to the filtering rules applicable under current legislation.
Right to Work: All applicants must provide valid proof of their right to work in the UK in accordance with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s statutory employment checks. Employment cannot commence or continue unless this has been verified.
Visa Sponsorship: The Council offers visa sponsorship only for a small number of specific roles where it is considered appropriate and necessary to meet service needs. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is not relevant or applicable to most roles.
Council Principles: The Council’s recruitment principles require fairness, transparency, and a commitment to attracting and developing local talent. Sponsorship will only be offered where there is clear, evidenced justification, such as significant recruitment difficulty or the need for specialist skills that cannot be met from the local labour market.
Limitations: Where an individual (prospective or existing employee) cannot demonstrate a valid right to work in the UK, and where visa sponsorship is not appropriate, justified or approved, the Council will be unable to progress or continue the appointment. This includes cases where an existing employee’s visa is due to expire and sponsorship is not granted.
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