Principal Occupational Therapist

About the role

A Principal Occupational Therapist position based in Novena, within the rehabilitation setting, offering advanced clinical leadership and programme oversight. The role combines complex case management with supervising junior staff, leading occupational therapy programmes and driving quality improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Provide advanced occupational therapy assessment, 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 committees and projects.
• Ensure compliance with AHPC standards, infection prevention and control, workplace safety and mandatory training, and support risk management.

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, staff supervision, mentorship and service development.
• Postgraduate qualification or advanced clinical certification is an advantage; membership of the Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists (SAOT) is also an advantage.

Required skills

• Strong leadership, communication and multidisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Clinical reasoning and experience in quality improvement, research and clinical education preferred.