Closing date
31 May 2026
Senior Practitioner - Occupational Therapy
Make a real difference in Derbyshire
Are you an Occupational Therapist who thrives in a community setting, building meaningful relationships and supporting adults to live as independently as possible?
Are you ready to take the next step in your career or develop your practice within a senior role?
If so, Derbyshire County Council’s Adult Social Care and Health team would love to hear from you.
We are seeking a person-centred, HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist to join us in a permanent, full‑time Senior Practitioner role covering the North East of the county. You’ll be supported by an experienced and highly committed Occupational Therapy management team, dedicated to providing strong leadership, professional guidance, and a positive team culture.
About You
* Is passionate about enabling people to live fulfilling, independent lives
* Builds strong, professional relationships with residents and colleagues
* Communicates effectively with people from diverse backgrounds
* Is an experienced Occupational Therapist looking to progress to or develop in a senior role
Qualifications And Experience
* A BSc in Occupational Therapy or an equivalent qualification
* Extensive experience as a practising Occupational Therapist, ideally at senior level.
* Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
* Resilience and the ability to thrive under pressure, adapting to the demands of the role
About The Role
In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in fostering the professional development of our team and ensuring the effective delivery of core Occupational Therapy services. Your focus will be on enabling individuals with long‑term needs to live safely and independently at home taking a strength‑based approach and utilising support that may include advice, information, signposting, equipment, and minor and major housing adaptations.
Working alongside the Occupational Therapy Service Manager and another Senior Practitioner in your area, you will uphold high standards of professional practice. You’ll manage a small, complex caseload while contributing to new service developments and ensuring our teams have the skills and training required to provide an excellent service.
As a Senior Practitioner, you’ll provide clinical supervision, promote reflective practice, and ensure adherence to professional standards set by The Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council. Additionally, you’ll mentor and coach colleagues, particularly newly qualified Occupational Therapists and Apprentices, and play a crucial role in nurturing future talent by supporting Occupational Therapy students. You will support with the operational management of the service ensuring a proactive approach to risk management.
This role also emphasises time‑limited, strength‑based interventions to achieve the best outcomes for Derbyshire residents. You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues in the short‑term reablement service, providing professional oversight where there are no registered Occupational Therapy Service Managers or Senior Practitioners.
Working with Us
Derbyshire County Council is committed to creating innovative, inclusive, and supportive teams. Alongside a generous benefits package, we offer excellent learning and development opportunities for all employees, ensuring everyone has the chance to grow and progress in their careers. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds, including under‑represented groups.
What We Offer
* A supportive and welcoming team who are committed to providing an excellent service.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
* Caseload management and regular supervision from experienced OT managers.
* Regular peer support and communities of practice.
* Support with your professional development with opportunities to progress to management roles.
* Ongoing training and development
* Developed and positive working relationships with OTs in Health Services
* Generous annual leave in addition to 8 days statutory bank holidays
* Excellent occupational pension scheme
* Employee wellbeing strategy and benefits
* Employee offers and discounts.
* HCPC registration fees reimbursed.
* Mileage allowance.
* Childcare vouchers to help parents achieve a better work‑life balance, making it easier to manage family commitments.
* Environmentally Friendly Travel – As part of our commitment to combating climate change, we offer various green travel benefits, including a cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounted bus tickets, a car share scheme, and electric car charging points at select locations.
Next Steps
We encourage informal conversations to help you decide if this role is right for you. To arrange a discussion, please contact:
Theresa Bufton, Service Manager
Email: theresa.bufton@derbyshire.gov.uk
Interview date to be confirmed
Please note: As part of the interview process a presentation will be required (further details will be provided).
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