Principal Occupational Therapist

About the role

RENCI is recruiting a Principal Occupational Therapist who leads advanced occupational therapy services in a rehabilitation setting. The role combines clinical leadership with programme development, quality improvement and supervision of therapists and allied staff.

Key responsibilities

• Provide advanced occupational therapy assessments, treatment planning and management of complex rehabilitation cases to maximise patients' functional independence and quality of life.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on patient care, discharge planning and continuity of care, keeping accurate clinical documentation.
• Supervise, mentor, develop and appraise Occupational Therapists, Therapy Aides, students and junior staff.
• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of occupational therapy programmes, specialised services and evidence-based clinical practices.
• Drive quality improvement, patient safety, research and clinical governance initiatives.
• Support workforce planning, recruitment, staff development and operational excellence; assist in strategic planning, policy review and meeting departmental KPIs.
• Build partnerships with patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, community partners and external stakeholders.
• Take on clinical and operational leadership portfolios and contribute to departmental and organisational committees and projects.
• Ensure compliance with AHPC standards, infection prevention and control, workplace safety and mandatory training, and help identify and mitigate risks.

Required profile

• Degree in Occupational Therapy recognised by AHPC/MOH and registration with AHPC with a valid practising certificate.
• At least 2-3 years of experience as a Senior Occupational Therapist, preferably in rehabilitation or healthcare settings.
• Proven experience managing complex cases, supervising staff, mentoring and developing services.
• Postgraduate qualification or advanced clinical certification is an advantage; SAOT membership is also an advantage.

Required skills

• Strong leadership, communication and multidisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Clinical reasoning and proven ability to manage complex cases.
• Preferred: experience in quality improvement, research and clinical education.