Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy in Newcastle upon Tyne

As our Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy you will take a leading role in the operational and clinical management of our Adult Services. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Head of Occupational Therapy, driving innovation, transformation, and excellence in patient care.

In this pivotal role, you’ll provide strategic leadership across the service, deputising for the Head of Occupational Therapy and taking responsibility for coordinating policies and procedures that underpin Clinical Governance and the highest standards of care. You’ll lead the ongoing development of specialist Occupational Therapy services, ensuring that OT principles are embedded across multidisciplinary teams and that our patients benefit from a truly integrated approach to their care.

Your leadership will span service development, team management and professional growth, clinical excellence, and quality and governance each playing a crucial part in advancing our mission to deliver world class healthcare on the island.

For information on relocating to Jersey please read here: Jersey-a-life-less-ordinary.pdf

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website here

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Person Specification

1. Qualifications and Professional Registration
2. Degree in Occupational Therapy or equivalent recognised qualification.
3. Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
4. Evidence of continued professional development (CPD).
5. Postgraduate training in leadership, management, or clinical specialism (desirable).

1. Experience
2. Demonstrable record of achieving measurable service improvements in previous roles.
3. Experience of leading or contributing to strategic planning within an occupational therapy or wider AHP service.
4. Evidence of horizon scanning and applying best practice, research, or national guidance to local service development.
5. Significant post-registration experience across a broad range of OT practice areas, including both inpatient and outpatient settings.
6. Experience of hybridising OT skills to flexibly support patient flow across acute, community, and rehabilitation services.
7. Experience of supervising, appraising, and developing staff at varying levels of seniority.
8. Involvement in multidisciplinary or cross-sector projects (e.g. hospital discharge planning, community rehabilitation).

1. Knowledge and Understanding
2. In-depth understanding of occupational therapy practice across the clinical spectrum (acute, rehabilitation, community, long-term conditions).
3. Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality assurance, and professional standards as defined by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
4. Knowledge of health strategy and policy relevant to occupational therapy and wider AHP services.
5. Awareness of service integration challenges for small-island healthcare contexts (e.g. workforce flexibility, cross-cover requirements).
6. Familiarity with resource planning, capacity management, and efficiency improvement approaches.

1. Skills and Abilities
2. Proven ability to translate strategy into deliverable plans and measurable outcomes.
3. Strong leadership skills with the ability to provide visible, accessible, and supportive leadership for OT staff.
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and inspire confidence at all levels.
5. Ability to flexibly manage services, balancing inpatient and outpatient priorities while maintaining high-quality care.
6. Strong problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making skills under pressure.
7. Competent in using data to monitor performance and guide service improvements.
8. Ability to build partnerships across professions and sectors, including medical, nursing, and community partners.

1. Personal Attributes
2. Professional credibility and confidence, with a track record of delivering results.
3. Resilient, adaptable, and able to lead through change.
4. Commitment to patient-centred care and the values of occupational therapy.
5. Ability to act as a role model for staff through visibility, integrity, and collaborative working.
6. Strong sense of accountability, with willingness to challenge poor practice and champion high standards.
7. Enthusiastic, proactive, and future-focused, with capacity to anticipate service needs and adapt accordingly.