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 thus limiting impact of physical and mental health problems on ability to function independently. This would include 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 provides a baseline on which levels of support which may be required / identified to maintain a level of 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 has a contribution 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.
As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:
* A 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?
For an informal discussion, please contact:
Kate Lowson, Care Group Lead Occupational Therapist - Kate.lowson@nhs.scot - 01475 558000
Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates
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