Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist (Acute & Specialist Lead) – Band 7

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Band 7 Occupational Therapist (Acute & Specialist Lead) to join a specialist NHS service within the Shetland Isles NHS. This exciting locum opportunity offers the chance to lead acute inpatient occupational therapy services while providing advanced clinical expertise across surgical, general medical and rehabilitation wards.

Working as a senior member of the multidisciplinary team, you will lead the ward-based Occupational Therapy service, supporting patients throughout their hospital admission and rehabilitation journey to maximise independence, facilitate safe discharge and reduce the risk of hospital readmission. Candidates with significant relevant experience at Band 6 level will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the acute ward-based Occupational Therapy team across surgical, general medical and rehabilitation services.
• Provide advanced specialist occupational therapy assessment, treatment planning and rehabilitation interventions.
• Deliver holistic, person-centred assessments to support safe discharge and successful return to home and meaningful daily activities.
• Develop and implement evidence-based occupational therapy practice models and promote clinical best practice.
• Provide clinical leadership, supervision, mentoring and professional support to Occupational Therapy colleagues.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated rehabilitation and discharge planning.
• Support patients to achieve rehabilitation goals, maximise independence and develop self-management strategies.
• Involve families and carers throughout assessment, rehabilitation and discharge planning where appropriate.
• Contribute to service development and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across hospital teams and partner services.

About You

You will be an experienced Occupational Therapist with strong clinical expertise in acute hospital services, rehabilitation and stroke pathways. You will possess excellent leadership and communication skills, be passionate about delivering high-quality patient-centred care, and enjoy working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.

Requirements

• Professional Occupational Therapy qualification recognised by the HCPC.
• Current HCPC registration.
• Significant experience working within acute inpatient occupational therapy services.
• Strong clinical experience in rehabilitation and stroke pathways.
• Experience providing complex occupational therapy assessments and discharge planning.
• Leadership or supervisory experience within an Occupational Therapy service.
• Excellent clinical reasoning, communication and multidisciplinary team working skills.
• Commitment to evidence-based practice, service development and continuous quality improvement.
• Experienced Band 6 Occupational Therapists with the required specialist skills are encouraged to apply.

Contract & Salary

• Role: Occupational Therapist (Acute & Specialist Lead) – Band 7
• Area: Shetland Isles NHS
• Job Type: Locum
• Contract: Initial 3-month assignment with ongoing potential.
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday.
• Salary: Negotiable.
• Accommodation available.
• Full job description available on request.
• Reference: U.008007. B20594

How to Apply

If you are an HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with extensive acute, rehabilitation and stroke experience and are looking for an opportunity to lead a specialist inpatient service, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join a supportive multidisciplinary team and play a key role in improving patient outcomes and rehabilitation across acute hospital services.

Please apply using the form on the page.