We encourage applications from all with protected characteristics, including disabled and neurodiverse candidates and from those in the Armed Forces Community. Applicants are invited to apply in Welsh; any application submitted through the medium of Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications made in English.
Job Overview
Blaenau-Gwent are seeking an exceptional Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist to join our dynamic integrated Community Resource Team. The Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist (Band 7) is an advance autonomous practitioner within the Community Resource Team, providing highly specialist occupational therapy assessment, intervention and clinical leadership to support adults with complex health and social care needs in the Blaenau Gwent Locality.
The post is a fixed-term/secondment for 10 months until 31 March 2027.
Responsibilities
* Act as an expert clinical practitioner, managing a complex and highly specialist caseload, including multifactorial physical, cognitive, psychosocial and environmental needs
* Undertake advanced occupational therapy assessments, demonstrating high‑level clinical reasoning, formulation and intervention planning
* Lead on complex risk management, including safeguarding, mental capacity, and high‑risk discharge planning
* Provide specialist input to support hospital admission avoidance, crisis response and timely discharge from acute settings
* Evaluate outcomes and adapt interventions using evidence‑based practice
* Provide professional and clinical supervision to Band 5/6 occupational therapists, support staff and students
* Act as a specialist clinical resource within the CRT and across partner organisations
* Support competence development, reflective practice and professional accountability within the OT workforce
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential criteria
* OT degree or diploma
* Member of HCPC
* Professional knowledge acquired through degree supplemented by further training, short specialist courses, to master’s equivalent level
* Masters level study (CQFW level 7) or recognised equivalent – at least 3 modules (≈20/30 credits each) from: research, OT practice, practice modules linked to clinical area, leadership
* Introduction to leadership and management training
* Accredited practice placement educator
Desirable criteria
* Member of relevant RCOT Specialist Section
* Welsh Language Skills desirable (levels 1‑5 in understanding, speaking, reading and writing in Welsh)
Experience
Essential criteria
* Extensive experience in working within the specialist area related to post
* Significant experience working at Senior OT level
* Significant experience of supervising less experienced OTs
* Involvement in innovative working practices
* Contributing to development of local clinical guidelines
* Experience of leading change in OT clinical practice
* Involvement in planning local service delivery
Desirable criteria
* Leading the development of local clinical guidelines
* Involvement in research and/or audit
* Line management responsibilities
* Operational responsibility for specific area
Skills and Attributes
Essential criteria
* Ability to assess, plan and implement highly specialised treatment and advice in specialist area related to post
* Able to analyse and reflect on clinical practice and use this to shape future practice
* Negotiation and problem‑solving skills utilised within OT and wider MDT teams
* Strong mentoring and supervision skills
* Ability to use highly specialist clinical skills to interpret complex assessments for second opinion
* Ability to work in a consultative model
* Able to develop and implement standards to support best clinical practice across the department
* Able to interpret and utilise evidence to inform practice
* Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues
* Specialist knowledge of assessment and intervention for area of clinical responsibility
* Understanding of local integrated systems of OT delivery
* Evidence of relevant CPD
* Knowledge of general department and Health Board policies and systems
* Knowledge and understanding of current agenda and drivers for health and social care policies including legislation
* Detailed knowledge and application of principles of clinical governance and risk management
* Ability to communicate highly complex and potentially distressing information to service users, carers and colleagues
* Professional confidence
* Able to self‑regulate own performance
* Able to participate as an active and contributing member of the MDT
* Able to motivate, support and mentor other OT staff to help develop their practice
* Commitment to developing further leadership/clinical skills
* Able to work flexibly and respond to unpredictable demands
* Enjoys using own initiative and tenacious, creative and innovative
Desirable criteria
* Implementation of national initiatives affecting OT
Other Requirements
* Ability to travel around geographical areas to meet the requirement of the post
* Committed to person‑centred, non‑discriminatory practice
* Documented evidence of CPD
* Satisfactory Enhanced DBS clearance including an Adults Barred List check
Working hours: The Blaenau Gwent Community Resource Team operates from 8 am to 8 pm, 365 days a year; the post holder will be required to work late shifts, weekends and bank holidays on a rotational basis.
Salary: As per the 2026/27 Agenda for Change pay award (effective from 1 April 2026). For a start date from 1 April onwards, the salary will be as per the 2026/27 pay award.
We offer a benefits package including flexible working, occupational health support and a Wellbeing Centre of Excellence.
Only applications from staff currently employed by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board will be accepted.
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