Advanced Specialist Occupational Therapist
We are seeking an innovative, experienced, highly motivated and enthusiastic Advanced Specialist Occupational Therapist to join the Adult Specialist Health Community Learning Disability Teams across the North and Mid Devon cluster.
The Specialist Health Community Learning Disability Service is comprised of dynamic, supportive multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) working across Devon, delivering high-quality, person‑centred care for adults with a learning disability. This exciting opportunity has arisen following the current post holder retiring and provides opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
Occupational Therapy is a well-established and highly valued profession within the service, playing a central role in evidence‑based care pathways including Distressed Behaviours, Dementia, Mental Health and Complex Physical Health. Our Occupational Therapists contribute to MDT Positive Behaviour Support planning, memory clinics, Reducing Restrictive Practice initiatives, and STOMP (Stopping Over Medication of People with a Learning Disability).
You will work proactively within the MDT, contributing to holistic care planning, risk management, and the development of capable environments that enhance independence and quality of life. This cluster‑level role provides advanced specialist clinical expertise and leadership across two MDTs within North and Mid Devon, influencing practice and supporting excellence in service delivery.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will manage a highly complex caseload across the North and Mid Devon cluster, while supporting Occupational Therapy staff (Band 5, Band 6, students, apprentices and OTTIs) to triage and deliver timely, effective assessment and intervention. The focus is on maximising health, wellbeing and quality of life, and enabling individuals to actively engage in meaningful occupations within their communities.
You will provide clinical supervision, professional leadership, and contribute to service development alongside the Lead Occupational Therapists and a network of Advanced Specialist Occupational Therapists across Devon. This senior group works collaboratively with the Head of Profession / AHP Lead for Occupational Therapy to drive innovation and continuous improvement within the Learning Disability service.
The service offers robust clinical leadership structures, regular Devon‑wide OT forums, and strong CPD opportunities. You will engage in trust‑wide and cross-directorate working, promoting clinical governance, peer supervision, and the application of evidence‑based models such as the Model of Human Occupation, Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability, and Sensory Integration.
As an Advanced Specialist practitioner, you will also provide expert support and consultation to the wider MDT across the North and Mid Devon cluster, influencing best practice and enhancing outcomes for service users.
Qualifications
* Diploma or degree in Occupational Therapy
* Clinical practice educator for student placements
* Registered to practice by HCPC
* MSc in Advanced Occupational Therapy
* Working towards advanced practitioner status/MSc in sensory integration
Experience
* Significant specialised experience working with people with severe/complex learning disability and additional sensory/health needs
* Experience in the application of Occupational Therapy models to service users with complex needs
* Significant experience working in community settings in multi disciplinary teams
* Ability to manage a complex caseload and competing priorities
Knowledge & Skills
* Highly developed knowledge of theory and practice of Occupational Therapy with people with a learning disability
* An understanding of multi disciplinary and multi agency working across health and social care and with voluntary and independent sector
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£49,387 to £56,515 a year pro rata (30 hours per week)
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