Team Lead - Acute Occupational Therapy

NHS; Swindon; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking a Band 7 Team Lead Occupational Therapist for their Acute Occupational Therapy Team. The ideal candidate will provide operational oversight, clinical leadership, and coordinate team functioning in an acute setting. Responsibilities include implementing quality improvement initiatives and supporting staff development. To qualify, candidates need a BSc in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration. A commitment to leadership and ongoing professional development is essential.

Qualifications

• BSc in Occupational Therapy or equivalent required.
• HCPC registration is mandatory.
• Professional knowledge at a master's level is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational oversight across medical and surgical wards.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate and develop the Acute OT service.

Skills

Complex caseload management

Leadership within a multi-professional team

Conflict management

Education

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy or equivalent

Registration with HCPC

Leadership training courses completed

Job description

Team Lead - Acute Occupational Therapy

Closing date: 28 December 2025

The Great Western Hospital is seeking a Band 7 Team Lead Occupational Therapist to join our Acute Occupational Therapy Team.

This senior leadership role is within a busy acute setting, working collaboratively with the existing Band 7 Team Lead to ensure smooth service delivery, shared leadership responsibilities, and consistent support for the wider OT team.

Main duties of the job

• Provide operational oversight, clinical leadership and day‑to‑day coordination across a range of medical and surgical wards.
• Work closely with Band 7 Clinical Specialists in Palliative Care, Frailty, Cardiology and Respiratory to align leadership, specialist input and service priorities.
• Lead and implement quality improvement initiatives and influence service development.
• Represent Acute Occupational Therapy, delivering service updates and contributing to senior leadership across the site.
• Coordinate and develop the Acute OT service, ensuring consistent, high‑quality delivery and professional development of qualified and unqualified staff.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy or equivalent
• Registration with HCPC
• Professional knowledge at a master's equivalent level; willingness to undertake further training
• Leadership training courses completed
• Practice Educator training/qualification
• RCOT membership

Experience

• Specialist clinical experience in complex caseload management and discharge planning within an acute setting.
• Ability to assess and identify complex equipment to facilitate safe discharges.
• Sound working knowledge of legislation and clinical governance relevant to the clinical area.
• Leading within a multi‑professional team, sharing specialist skills and coordinating complex discharges.
• Experience working with partner organisations and community teams.
• Managing conflict and difficult conversations.
• Experience in day‑to‑day team management and coordinating team caseloads.
• Staff development through supervision and appraisal.
• Experience in service development, service review and change management.
• Participation in recruitment processes.
• Experience with budget management, workforce planning, incident and complaint management, performance and absence management.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a disclosure check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full‑time, Job share, Flexible working, Compressed hours

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year (pro rata per annum)

About us

Our STAR values – Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect – guide everything we do to deliver joined‑up services to the local community.