Lead Occupational Therapist

Lead Occupational Therapist

Department: Allied Health Professionals and Psychology

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Priory Hospital Burgess Hill

Compensation: £34,637 / year




Description
Priory Hospital Burgess is looking to recruit a Lead Occupational Therapist to join the team. This is a Part-Time/ 22.5 Hour role.

Set in attractive grounds in a rural setting, on the edge of the South Downs National Park, Priory Hospital Burgess Hill is a purpose-built building with good links to the local community. We offer acute mental health support for adult males, as well as psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) support for adult males.




What you'll be doing
You will be part of a compassionate team who are committed to our patients wellbeing. We take a personalised approach, using proven therapies to help people move forward with confidence and build a healthier, more fulfilling future. You will play a key part in their recovery, assisting qualified staff with the assessment and implementation of individual patient care plans, undertaking routine tasks and activities as directed or delegated to facilitate wellbeing, dignity and treatment of patients.

• Take overall responsibility for leading the delivery of comprehensive occupational therapy assessments and interventions for clients with complex physical, cognitive, and mental health needs, ensuring care is person-centered and evidence-based.
• Provide expert clinical leadership, including supervising, mentoring, and supporting the professional development of junior therapists and therapy assistants to maintain high standards of practice.
• Collaborate proactively with multidisciplinary teams, patients, and their families to develop and implement integrated care plans that optimize functional independence and quality of life.
• Lead and coordinate service development initiatives, including audit, evaluation, and quality improvement projects, to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of occupational therapy services.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards, regulatory requirements, and health and safety policies while contributing to the formulation and implementation of local clinical policies and guidelines.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.




What you'll bring to the role
Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.

The ideal candidate will be a registered Occupational Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and possess significant post-qualification experience, including leadership or supervisory roles within a clinical setting. Experience working with clients who have complex physical, cognitive, or mental health needs is essential. Strong skills in clinical assessment, treatment planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration are required, alongside proven ability to lead service development and quality improvement initiatives.
Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills are vital, as is a commitment to professional development and evidence-based practice.

This position is a leadership role at Priory and during the interview process we will be assessing candidates against our leadership behaviours. These are a set of ten values driven behaviours that define great leadership at Priory. They are integral to driving a positive high performing culture where we strive to deliver the best care and outcomes for the people we support. You can find out more about our interview approach and our leadership behaviours here .

For more information about the role, you can email andreastroyd@priorygroup.com




What we will give you in return
We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.

• Free on-site parking
• Birthday Holiday - Your Birthday as an extra days annual leave
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
• Access to development opportunities
• Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
• Leadership & management development
• Long service award
• Refer a friend bonuses

Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.