Specialist Occupational Therapist

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role:

We are excited to offer an excellent opportunity to join our dynamic and motivated Occupational Therapy team. If you are a Specialist Occupational Therapist with a passion for delivering high‑quality patient care and driving service improvement, we would love to hear from you.

Occupational Therapy staff in mental health services work as part of multidisciplinary teams to provide both specialist and generic interventions that support service users to achieve health, well-being, and optimal functional ability. Service users engage in graded, person‑centred treatment programmes designed to reduce the impact of physical and mental health difficulties on their ability to live as independently as possible.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

Permanent, Full-time

Shift Pattern - Monday - Friday

Base location - Leverndale Hospital

Key responsibilities:

• Provide specialist assessment, treatment, and evaluation of service users, both individually and in group settings.
• Use standardised clinical tools appropriately, applying specialist knowledge to determine suitability.
• Offer specialist professional advice to other disciplines, carers, and external agencies.
• Contribute to the evaluation and development of the Occupational Therapy Service within the designated area, aligning with clinical governance, clinical effectiveness, and national policies.
• Lead departmental and team projects as part of service development responsibilities.
• Manage the day‑to‑day work of junior staff through supervision systems, including oversight of clinical workload.
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate pre‑registration students as required.
• Participate in the education and training of other staff members and external agencies.

See the job description attached below for a fuller version.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

Essential

• OT degree/diploma with HCPC registration and required practice education qualification.
• Up‑to‑date mandatory training and evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Specialist OT skills and knowledge in mental health, including assessment, intervention, and risk management.
• Strong communication, organisational and independent working skills.
• Knowledge of OT models, legislation, clinical governance, audits, and adaptive equipment.
• Ability to supervise others and basic IT competence.

Desirable

• Membership of the British Association of Occupational Therapists.
• Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues and respond appropriately.
• Critical analysis skills related to applying research findings within a specialist clinical area.
• Experience of participation in research.

See the job description attached below for a fuller version.

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact:

Jenni Gordon, Lead Occupational Therapist - Jennifer.gordon4@nhs.scot - 01412116622

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates

This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible.

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From 1 April 2026, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will reduce from 37 hours to 36 hours. Part-time working hours will be reduced on a pro-rata basis. A corresponding increase in the hourly rate will apply, ensuring that overall pay remains unchanged.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

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