Job Description

Principal Occupational Therapist - Full-Time

BG15 (53,807-56,089pa)

We are rated 'Good' on CQC!

Join our dynamic leadership team and make a difference in Adult Social Care!

Are you an experienced Occupational Therapist ready to take the next step in your leadership career? If you thrive in a dynamic environment where your expertise is valued, your growth is supported, and transparency is a core value, we'd love to hear from you.

We are seeking a

Principal Occupational Therapist

to lead and oversee practice standards of Occupational Therapy services across

Adult Social Care

and

Children's Services

. This is a pivotal role, offering the opportunity to shape service delivery, influence strategic direction, and drive professional development across the organisation.

About the Role

As Principal OT, you will be a key member of our leadership team, responsible for delivering elements of our transformation plan and supporting the implementation of our target operating model--aligned with Bristol's vision for adult social care.

You will:

Provide strategic oversight of

Occupational Therapy

,

Carers

, and

Workforce Development

. Support the wider leadership team in achieving operational priorities. Champion high standards of OT practice across adult and children's services. Offer expert leadership and guidance to OT professionals, social care practitioners, and partners. Contribute to the strategic leadership of services, helping to build a cohesive, high-performing, and culturally responsive workforce. Oversight Workforce Development Team. Promote strengths-based, person-centred approaches that empower individuals and support independence.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a confident, forward-thinking leader who can inspire others and drive service improvement. You will need:
A recognised Occupational Therapy qualification (DipCOT, BSc or equivalent). Current registration with the

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

. Demonstrable experience in social care OT, including management or supervisory responsibilities. Strong project management skills. The ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.

What We Offer

A supportive and inclusive working environment. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on staff wellbeing. The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people across Bristol. Access to a wide range of staff benefits and training resources.

To be shortlisted for interview you'll need to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification within the Further Information section of your application. On occasion we will receive high numbers of applications, we may then shortlist against the desirable criteria along with the essential criteria, so if you can, please demonstrate how you meet this in your application.


If you would like to discuss this role in more detail, please contact Maria Hamood: Maria.Hamood@bristol.gov.uk

Please note this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

For further information, please refer to the and Person Specification and team information.

At Bristol City Council, we value having a workforce as diverse as the city we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, Disabled, LGBTQ+, and Male candidates who are currently under-represented within this Service of Bristol City Council. Appointments will be made on merit.