At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage Occupational Therapy services to support independent living.
- Company: Scottish Borders Council, dedicated to community-focused health services.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and access to a pension scheme.
- Other info: Commitment to diversity and support for veterans and individuals with disabilities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration required.
The predicted salary is between 26655 - 27869 € per year.
Job Details
This job has been opened for external applicants to apply, with a closing date of 1st June 2026.
Grade: 10A
Hourly Rate: £29.21 - £30.54
Salary: £26655.46 - £27869.09 per annum
Contract Duration: Permanent
Interviews will be held on Thursday 11th June.
Role Purpose
Scottish Borders Council is looking to recruit an Occupational Therapy Service Manager to lead the delivery of Occupational Therapy services within Adult Services. This is a key management role with responsibility for ensuring high quality, strengths based Occupational Therapy practice that supports people to live independently and safely within their own homes and communities across the Scottish Borders. You will lead staff, manage service delivery and performance, and drive strengths based, preventative practice within a rural and community focused local authority setting.
As Occupational Therapy Service Manager, you will lead a service focused on:
- Providing professional and operational leadership for the Occupational Therapy service
- Line manage and support Occupational Therapy staff
- Ensure services meet statutory duties, professional standards, and Council priorities
- Manage service performance, demand, and resources effectively
- Lead service improvement and contribute to preventative and reablement approaches
- Work in partnership with colleagues across social care, health, housing, and third sector services
- Equipment and adaptations
- Ensure safe, effective, and legally compliant OT practice
We are looking for:
- HCPC registration as an Occupational Therapist
- Significant post qualification experience, ideally within adult services
- Experience of managing or supervising staff/students
- Sound knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory responsibilities
- Good communication, organisational, and leadership skills
- A supportive, confident leader
- Someone passionate about high quality, person centred practice
We offer:
- A Grade 10 management post within a supportive service
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
Essential
The Service Manager will have relevant experience / qualifications in Occupational Therapy. Educated to degree level. A current driving licence and use of a vehicle is an essential requirement of this post. If you have a disability which precludes you from holding a drivers licence, Scottish Borders Council will take into account its responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to allow for your disability. Should it be possible to make such an adjustment in order that you can undertake the travel responsibilities of the post, this will be taken into account in consideration for this role.
Informal Enquiries
Informal enquiries may be made to Jillian Higgins by telephone or by email at.
Scottish Borders Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. In particular from candidates who assess themselves as having a disability, under the Disability Confident Employer scheme this guarantees an interview to those individuals who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Scottish Borders Council is committed to providing support for Armed Forces Veterans. Showing its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, the Council guarantees an interview to veterans who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Occupational Therapy Service Manager - East - SBO09970 employer: Scottish Borders Council
Scottish Borders Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. The Council's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all voices are heard, creating a vibrant workplace culture that values every individual.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapy Service Manager - East - SBO09970
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the occupational therapy field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opening or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Scottish Borders Council and their approach to occupational therapy services. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their values and needs, especially around strengths-based practice.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership skills and how you've managed teams effectively in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Scottish Borders Council and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapy Service Manager - East - SBO09970
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Occupational Therapy Service Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a management role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in adult services.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will make it easier for us to see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Borders Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Occupational Therapy practices, especially those relevant to adult services. Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and statutory responsibilities, as this will show that you're not just qualified but also up-to-date with current standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Service Manager, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed or supported staff in the past, focusing on your approach to fostering a supportive and confident environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you can convey complex ideas simply, especially when discussing service delivery and performance management.
✨Be Person-Centred
Since the role focuses on high-quality, person-centred practice, be ready to discuss how you prioritise the needs of individuals in your work. Share specific examples of how you've implemented strengths-based approaches in your previous roles to support clients in living independently.
