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Principal Occupational Therapist

Location: :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Area: Bristol Social Services

Salary: £36.73 + £0.79

Job Type: Locum

Contract Length: Ongoing

Job Details

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic Principal Occupational Therapist to lead and oversee Occupational Therapy practice standards across both Adult Social Care and Children’s Services. This is a pivotal leadership role, offering the chance to shape service delivery, influence strategic direction and drive professional development across the organisation.

The Principal Occupational Therapist will be a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to the delivery of the transformation plan and supporting the implementation of the target operating model. The role requires a confident, forward-thinking leader who can inspire others and drive service improvement at scale.

Key Responsibilities

•  
• Provide strategic oversight of Occupational Therapy, Carers services and Workforce Development.
   

• Champion high standards of Occupational Therapy practice across adult and children’s services.
   

• Offer expert leadership, advice and guidance to Occupational Therapists, social care practitioners and partner agencies.
   

• Support the wider leadership team in achieving key operational and transformation priorities.
   

• Contribute to strategic leadership to build a cohesive, high-performing and culturally responsive workforce.
   

• Provide oversight and leadership of the Workforce Development Team.
   

• Promote strengths-based, person-centred approaches that empower individuals and maximise independence.

Additional Responsibilities (JD Available on Request)

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• Develop systems across adults, children and housing to ensure the quality of Occupational Therapy practice is monitored and reported effectively to senior leaders.
   

• Lead the transformation of Occupational Therapy practice in Bristol, embedding best practice across operational services, referral pathways, assessment processes and specialist resources.
   

• Under the direction of the Principal Social Worker, drive the Adult Social Care workforce strategy, promoting resilience, wellbeing and continuous professional development.
   

• Lead the development and implementation of a new service model for carers, ensuring services are inclusive, responsive, outcome-focused and co-produced.

Skills & Experience

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• Recognised Occupational Therapy qualification (DipCOT, BSc or equivalent).
   

• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
   

• Significant experience within Social Care Occupational Therapy, including management or supervisory responsibilities.
   

• Strong leadership and project management skills.
   

• Experience managing budgets and resources effectively.
   

• Ability to influence practice, culture and service delivery at a strategic level.

Working Hours

Full time

Flexible working arrangements available, with a strong organisational focus on staff wellbeing.

Code:  U. CSA 5287735. 019001.B19469