Occupational Therapist

5 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To lead a borough-wide review of Occupational Therapy provision across Walsall and develop evidence-based recommendations for a sustainable, integrated All-Age Occupational Therapy model aligned to integrated neighbourhood working.

The postholder will undertake a comprehensive analysis of Occupational Therapy services across Adult Social Care, Children's Services, SEND, Health, Housing, Equipment and Adaptations services, Education and voluntary sector provision. Working collaboratively with partners, professionals, residents, carers and people with lived experience, the role will identify opportunities to improve integration, efficiency, accessibility and outcomes across the entire Occupational Therapy pathway.

The role will provide senior leaders with a robust evidence base and strategic recommendations to inform the future design, governance and delivery of Occupational Therapy services across Walsall.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Review & Service Analysis

• Lead the 12-month review of Occupational Therapy provision across Walsall.
• Map and evaluate current Occupational Therapy services across:
  • Adult Social Care
  • Children's Services
  • SEND
  • Health Services
  • Housing
  • Equipment & Adaptations Services
  • Education
  • Community and Voluntary Sector Services
• Examine Occupational Therapy pathways across the entire life course.
• Review access arrangements, referral pathways and eligibility criteria.
• Assess demand, capacity and service utilisation across OT provision.
• Evaluate current workforce structures, resources and service models.
• Identify service strengths, gaps, duplication and inefficiencies.
• Assess inequalities in access, outcomes and service provision.
• Review transition arrangements between children's and adult services.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build effective relationships with key stakeholders across health, social care and partner organisations.
• Facilitate workshops, meetings and engagement activities.
• Consult with:
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Service Managers
  • Senior Leaders
  • Residents
  • Families and Carers
  • People with Lived Experience
  • Voluntary Sector Organisations
• Collect and analyse feedback to inform recommendations.
• Ensure co-production principles are embedded throughout the review process.

Workforce & Professional Governance

• Review workforce structures, skill mix and workforce capacity.
• Assess professional leadership arrangements.
• Evaluate governance, quality assurance and accountability frameworks.
• Identify workforce development and training requirements.
• Review recruitment, retention and succession planning challenges.

Performance & Outcomes

• Analyse performance data and service outcomes.
• Review quality assurance arrangements and performance indicators.
• Assess effectiveness against statutory responsibilities and best practice.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and outcomes.
• Benchmark services where appropriate.

Future Model Development

• Develop evidence-based options for future Occupational Therapy provision.
• Produce recommendations regarding:
  • Service Scope
  • Operating Models
  • Referral Pathways
  • Workforce Design
  • Governance Arrangements
  • Accountability Structures
  • Resource Requirements
  • Implementation Priorities
• Support senior leaders in evaluating future service options.
• Develop implementation and transformation recommendations.

Reporting & Programme Management

• Produce detailed review reports and presentations.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership teams and stakeholders.
• Maintain project plans and reporting mechanisms.
• Monitor progress against agreed milestones and objectives.
• Provide regular updates throughout the review programme.

Requirements

Essential

• Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• HCPC Registration.
• Significant experience as an Occupational Therapist within statutory services.
• Extensive knowledge of:
  • Adult Social Care
  • Children's Services
  • SEND
  • Integrated Care Systems
  • Equipment and Adaptations Services
  • Reablement and Rehabilitation Services
• Experience leading service reviews, transformation programmes or strategic projects.
• Strong understanding of Occupational Therapy pathways across the life course.
• Experience analysing service performance, demand and workforce data.
• Experience developing strategic recommendations and business cases.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership working skills.
• Experience working with senior leaders and multi-agency partners.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence and facilitate change across complex organisations.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Basic DBS clearance.

Desirable

• Experience within Local Government leadership or strategic commissioning environments.
• Experience of integrated neighbourhood working models.
• Change management or service redesign experience.
• Knowledge of workforce planning and professional governance frameworks.
• Project Management qualification.
• Experience of co-production and engagement with people with lived experience.

Additional Information

• Location: Walsall (Hybrid Working)
• Hours Per Week: 37 Hours
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments