At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of Occupational Therapists to deliver outstanding support for residents.
- Company: Islington Council, dedicated to creating a fairer borough for all.
- Benefits: Up to 36 days leave, flexible working, competitive pay, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality, inclusion, and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape services and make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents.
- Qualifications: HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with leadership experience in Adult Social Care.
The predicted salary is between 35407 - 43275 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Occupational Therapist with a passion for leadership and service improvement? Do you have the management skills to inspire teams, drive performance and deliver outstanding outcomes for residents? At Islington Council, we are ambitious about creating a fairer borough where residents can live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives. We are looking for an exceptional Occupational Therapy Team Manager to lead our Occupational Therapy service and play a key role in shaping the future of Adult Social Care.
As Occupational Therapy Team Manager, you will provide operational leadership to a team of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants, ensuring high-quality, strengths-based support for residents across the borough. You will oversee performance, quality assurance, workforce development, safeguarding, service improvement and budget management while ensuring the team delivers excellent outcomes. This is a significant leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has the confidence to manage complexity, inspire staff and drive continuous improvement. You will work closely with colleagues across Adult Social Care, Health, Housing and the voluntary sector to develop innovative approaches that maximise independence and reduce reliance on long-term support.
What We're Looking For
- Lead and motivate teams to deliver excellent resident outcomes.
- Manage performance, quality and service delivery to a consistently high standard.
- Build a positive, accountable and supportive team culture.
- Drive change and continuous improvement within a busy statutory service.
- Develop staff, nurture talent and promote professional excellence.
- Make sound operational decisions while maintaining strategic oversight.
- Work effectively with partners across health, housing and the wider community.
Essential Requirements
- Be a HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with a recognised OT qualification.
- Have significant experience leading Occupational Therapy teams in Adult Social Care.
- Demonstrate strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop others.
- Have experience managing change and delivering services in a fast-paced environment.
- Possess excellent knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Have experience working collaboratively with health partners, the NHS, housing services and community organisations.
- Be committed to strengths-based practice, prevention and maximising independence.
Why Join Islington?
At Islington, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to being:
- Collaborative
- Ambitious
- Resourceful
- Empowering
We invest in our people, promote flexible and agile working, and provide opportunities to develop and progress your career within a forward-thinking Adult Social Care service.
This is more than a management role. It's an opportunity to shape services, influence practice, develop future leaders and make a meaningful difference to the lives of Islington residents. If you are a confident Occupational Therapy leader with strong management skills and a passion for excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
Our offer to you
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
- A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
- Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment.
Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.
Occupational Therapy Team Manager employer: Islington Council
Islington Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to the London Living Wage, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful public health initiatives in the vibrant boroughs of Islington and Haringey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapy Team Manager
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Islington Council. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Islington Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapy Team Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Islington Council:Take some time to research Islington Council and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Islington Council's values and approach.
