Advertised role location: Braid Valley Site: B'mena HC
Official document: NHSCT Adv Pract OT Level 1 LD Oct 26 55958252 (docx)
Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist
Level One
Learning Disability, Band 7
Job Description

Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist
Level One
Learning Disability, Band 7
Job Description



The Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) is responsible for the delivery of safe and effective health and social care (HSC) services to the population of the Northern Trust area in Northern Ireland.
We provide compassionate care with our community in our community. In order to do this we require the commitment of a highly skilled and professional workforce that meets the need of the service.
The diagram below outlines our values and our objectives which support the delivery of compassionate care within our community.

The below diagram details the values and associated behaviours that we expect staff working within Health and Social Care (HSC) to display at all times;

HSC Value
 What does this mean?
 What does this look like in practice? - Behaviours

Working Together

We work together for the best outcome for people we care for and support. We work across Health and Social Care and with other external organisations and agencies, recognising that leadership is the responsibility of all.
 

I work with others and value everyone’s contribution
I treat people with respect and dignity
I work as part of a team looking for opportunities to support and help people in both my own and other teams
I actively engage people on issues that affect them
I look for feedback and examples of good practice, aiming to improve where possible

 Compassion

We are sensitive, caring, respectful and understanding towards those we care for and support and our colleagues. We listen carefully to others to better understand and take action to help them and ourselves.
 

I am sensitive to the different needs and feelings of others and treat people with kindness
I learn from others by listening carefully to them
I look after my own health and well-being so that I can care for and support others

 
Excellence

We commit to being the best we can be in our work, aiming to improve and develop services to achieve positive changes. We deliver safe, high-quality, compassionate care and support.
I put the people I care for and support at the centre of all I do to make a difference
I take responsibility for my decisions and actions
I commit to best practice and sharing learning, while continually learning and developing
I try to improve by asking ‘could we do this better?’

Openness & Honesty

We are open and honest with each other and act with integrity and candour.

I am open and honest in order to develop trusting relationships
I ask someone for help when needed
I speak up if I have concerns
I challenge inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour and practice


JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Advanced Practitioner Level One Occupational Therapist Learning Disability
BAND: 7
DIRECTORATE/DIVISION: Mental Health, Learning Disability and Psychological Services
INITIAL LOCATION:
Antrim/Ballymena Community Learning Disability Team, 2nd Floor, 86 Ballymena Health and Care Centre, 86 Cushendall Road, Ballymena, BT43 6HB

REPORTS TO:
Community Learning Disability Team Manager- Operationally
Principal Occupational Therapist, Learning Disability Services- Professionally

ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Head of Service for Community Learning Disability Teams- Operationally
Professional Head of Occupational Therapy Services – Professionally

JOB SUMMARY:
To work within the Occupational Therapy and Mutli-Disciplinary teams to enable service users to live in and participate in the community as independently as possible with appropriate levels of support, care, advice and equipment in an appropriate environment based on their assessed needs.
The post holder will contribute to the further development of the Community Occupational Therapy Learning Disability Service and to promote multi-disciplinary working. This will include ensuring safe and effective service delivery, demonstrating leadership and assisting with the strategic planning and development of the service within the Integrated Team.
The post holder will assist in the day-to-day management and co-ordination of the Occupational Therapy Service and support the various teams depending on service priorities.
The post holder will be required to work flexibly and adapt to changing models of service delivery.
KEY RESULT AREAS / MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
The post holder will deliver high quality Occupational Therapy services which fulfil professional duties and organisational statutory responsibilities to clients referred to the Adult Learning Disability Occupational Therapy service.

The post holder will carry a specific caseload, be responsible for organising and prioritising a varied workload to include provision of a comprehensive Occupational Therapy assessment of service users presenting with a broad range of complex conditions and highly complex clinical needs.
The post holder will complete environmental assessments in the community to establish their suitability to match service user’s needs.

The post holder will have highly developed clinical reasoning skills, managing service users with complex needs who require OT intervention across one or more care pathways

They will be responsible for screening, prioritisation and allocation of cases within an agreed framework to include self-allocation, transfers to other Occupational Therapy staff and discharge planning.

The post holder will able to respond on a daily basis to enquiries where specialist knowledge is required.

To carry out and record comprehensive assessments, using standardised assessments where possible.

They will initiate and follow through training, treatment plans and provision of services, which will foster independence and/or optimize levels of functioning.

Have a well-developed in-depth working knowledge and ability to operate relevant IT systems, including the use of the Encompass system, other Regional IT systems as well as Trust systems.

Liaise and exchange information, both informally and formally at case conferences with other occupational therapy teams, disciplines and non-statutory organisations to ensure optimum intervention.

To participate in Multi-Disciplinary Team Case Conferences and Reviews as required, and to submit the appropriate reports within the agreed timescale, where appropriate.

As appropriate, to participate in Multi-disciplinary Team case discussions using a Best Interest’s approach, Trust risk management documentation and following regional and Trust policy and guidelines in relation to Restrictive Practice considerations.

Have effective communication and negotiation skills especially in situations where service users, family members and public figures e.g. elected representatives, may be involved.

Offer professional support, advice and training to service users/carers in relation to OT intervention and management of their Learning Disability at home, at work and in the local community.

Identify, source and provide standard and specialist equipment and identify funding needs within agreed priority frameworks, ensuring that service users/carers receive instruction in use and paying particular attention to Safe Moving and Handling Practice.

To assess mobility and prescribe equipment to include specialist equipment.

Undertake complex postural seating assessments for static seating and wheelchair provision, including a full range of pressure relieving equipment. Have the skills to analyse complex seating assessments and interpret assessments into accurate prescriptions and implementation of appropriate Postural Management Regimes.

Make recommendations for and implement the provision of 24 hour postural positioning regimes using suitable equipment and accessories where complex postural assessments indicate an assessed need. This may also be conjunction with other members of the multi-disciplinary team for example physiotherapy.

To identify and indicate when equipment is faulty and organise repairs/replacement.

Make recommendations in respect of the full range of housing adaptations.

Assess service user’s abilities and limitations to determine their need for minor and major housing adaptations and related special equipment always taking into consideration their preferred lifestyle, leisure activities, employment, and long term needs.

Provide detailed specifications, check plans and suggest modifications as appropriate.
Checking of completed works, to ensure compliance with Occupational Therapy specification, and liaising with stakeholders to ensure all works completed are to the required specified standard.

Be responsible for specific OT adaptations by continued liaison with the NIHE Grants Office, NIHE, Housing Associations, architects and others as appropriate, co-ordinating other provision such as all household lifts, ceiling hoists, and specialist equipment, etc.

Be responsible for carrying out formal risk assessments in highly complex moving and handling situations, advising clients in respect of long term needs planning especially where a condition is of a progressive nature.

Demonstrate and advise staff and carers to correctly position service users in complex seating and wheelchair systems, postural management equipment, personal care equipment and in the use of and home lifts.

Ensure assessments facilitate rehabilitation opportunities where applicable

To recommend therapeutic graded activity programmes to enable families/carers improve the quality of life for the person with a Learning Disability.

To carry out specific assessments as required by the Principal Occupational Therapist / Team Leader.

Accept responsibility for service users while under the care of Occupational Therapy staff, safe guarding both the welfare of service users and staff, as outlined in the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978.

To be responsible and pro-active in raising issues of concern with the Principal OT and Multi-disciplinary team leader regarding provision of OT services particularly in relation to vulnerable service users or those with complex needs.

Maintain and review Trust intervention records and statistical data and carry out administrative procedures in accordance with departmental practice including IT requirements.

To participate in a formal programme of supervision in accordance with Trust Policy.

Allocate and supervise the work of junior and support staff on a regular basis to improve practice and identify training needs.

Carry out Individual Annual Appraisals with staff of a more junior grade.

Contribute to and participate in, in-service training programmes, professional talks, lectures and working groups

To attend relevant lectures and courses, on a regular basis and maintain links with special interest groups to update and develop professional competence and promote evidence-based practice. This will include keeping an up to date CPD record.

Be responsible for the training, evaluation and supervision of occupational therapy students on placement as required.
At all times to maintain high standards of confidentiality with regard to service users/carer

To participate and assist with recruitment and selection as required.

To address and deal with formal and informal complaints in conjunction with the Principal Occupational Therapist and Multi-disciplinary Team leader as per Trust Policy

To be an active member of the multidisciplinary team communicating effectively and to share information with team members,

Operate as a lone worker within the community adhering to Trust Policies and guidelines in respect of lone workers

To liaise, plan, coordinate with, and refer to other professional staff and agencies as appropriate to provide an integrated service to the client.

Adhere to Code of Ethics and Professional Code for Occupational Therapists.

To carry out other designated duties, which may be required from time to time relating to particular needs of the Service.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Employees of the Trust will be required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:-
At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner

At all times demonstrate practice the HSC values of Working Together, Excellence, Openness & Honesty and Compassion

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner which assures patient and client safety

Comply with all instructions in regard to Infection Prevention and Control

Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them

Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with health and safety policy and statutory regulations

Adhere to equal opportunities policy throughout the course of their employment

Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in service provision

Adhere to the Code of Conduct for HSC Employees which aims to guide staff, managers and employers in the work that they do and the decisions and choices they have to make. Professional staff are expected to follow the code of conduct for their own professions as well as this code.

The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with the NHSCT Raising Concerns Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.


RECORDS MANAGEMENT
All employees of the Northern Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including (for example) the ICT Security Policy, Data Quality and Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.
SALARY
BAND 7 £47,810 - £54,710 per annum (pro-rata for part-time)

RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK
Please note this role may not meet the requirements for a Skilled Worker visa (including a Heath and Care Worker visa) and the Trust therefore would be unable to employ anyone that requires Sponsorship. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration).

HOURS
Normal full-time hours of duty are 37½ hours per week, exclusive of meal times
MEDICAL
Appointment will be subject to a successful pre-employment health assessment.
HOLIDAYS
27 days each year; 29 days after 5 years’ service; 33 days after 10 years’ service and 10 statutory and public holidays.
PENSION
The post-holder can participate in the Health Social Care Pension Scheme.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
You will serve a probationary period of normally six months.
WAITING LIST
A waiting list may be compiled for similar permanent/temporary, full/part time posts which may arise within the next 6 months based in Ballymena.
PAY PROTECTION
Legacy Trust Staff who apply for a promotion after 1 April 2011 should be aware that they will lose their legacy protection arrangements and will be entitled to pay protection in accordance with circular HSS (JNF)(1) 2011.
This circular will also apply to legacy staff who are currently in receipt of protection and who move post on promotion.
Completed application forms should be returned to the BSO Recruitment and Selection Shared Services Centre, on or before the closing date as stated in the advertisement.
Canvassing, either directly or indirectly, will be an absolute disqualification.
We will review this Job Description and it may include any other duties and responsibilities we determine in consultation with the jobholder. We do not intend it to be rigid and inflexible but rather to provide guidelines within which the jobholder works.

October 2026

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

Title of Post: Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist Level One – Learning Disability
Band of Post: 7
Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.
Volunteering experience may be considered appropriate in particular for roles within the context of direct patient/client care.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA


SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor
Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Qualifications/ Registration
Have a Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
PLUS
Be registered with the Health Professions Council
PLUS
Have a minimum of 5 years’ post-qualifying experience to include 2 years at Band 6

PLUS
Have a minimum of 12 months’ post qualifying experience working in a community occupational therapy setting

Shortlisting by Application Form

Special Circumstances
Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.

Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities
Well-developed clinical reasoning skills
Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and to provide examples of this
Leadership and organisational skills
Well-developed interpersonal skills
Well-developed communication skills
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Well- developed in-depth working knowledge of relevant IT systems, spread sheets, PowerPoint, email etc.

Interview

Knowledge
In-depth knowledge of service user group
Ability to deal with complex cases
In-depth knowledge of current legislation and Health and Social Care trends.
Evidence of clinical knowledge and skills in relation to Learning Disability Occupational Therapy to provide appropriate assessments/ interventions

Interview

DESIRABLE CRITERIA


SECTION 3: These will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Experience

Experience working with Adults with a Learning Disability

Shortlisting by Application Form

Value Based Recruitment
Value Based Recruitment is a process adopted by the Northern Trust to attract and select employees on the basis that their individual values and behaviours align with those of the Trust.
It focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ people do what they do.
Candidates who are short-listed for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required knowledge, skills, competencies and values to be effective in this new role.
In answering the value based questions you have the opportunity to share examples of when you have demonstrated values relevant to the Northern Trust.

Criminal Offences, Investigations and Charges
Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with the Trust.  This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences or other information contained on a disclosure certificate.  Where it is necessary to obtain an Access NI disclosure the Trust operates in line with the Access NI Code of Practice (www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/accessni-code-practice).

If you require further information or a copy of the policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders or the policy on the Secure Handling, Use, Storage and Retention of Disclosure Information, please contact the Trust Human Resources Department.

Essential Leadership Capabilities
The successful candidate will need to provide evidence and demonstrate their Leadership capabilities against the required dimension on the NHS Leadership framework.
A shortlist of candidates for interview will be prepared on the basis of the information contained in the application form. It is therefore essential that all applicants demonstrate through their application how and to what extent their experience and qualities are relevant to this post and the extent to which they satisfy each criterion specified. An assessment centre may also be used as part of the short-listing process.
Candidates who are short-listed for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role. The dimensions concerned are given in the Healthcare Leadership Model details of which can be found at http://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/resources/healthcare-leadership-model.
Particular attention will be given to the following:
Inspiring shared purpose
Leading with care
Evaluating information
Connecting our service
Sharing the vision
Engaging the team
Holding to account
Developing capability
Influencing for results

As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for the Trust to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.

THE NHSCT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Successful applicants:
may be required to attend for a Health Assessment
can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range  of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post.  If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AfC Pay on Promotion will apply.
have the right to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full-time working, Fixed working patterns, Part-time working, Flexi-time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term-time working, Job-share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.
October 2026