Senior Occupational Therapist

The Senior Occupational Therapist will work as a senior member of the interdisciplinary team providing services to children and families in Limerick. The post holder will deliver a range of Occupational Therapy services to children aged 0–18 years and their families, using a family-centred, interdisciplinary approach. This includes assessment, diagnosis, intervention, clinical supervision, and service delivery to children with a variety of physical, sensory, learning, and developmental disabilities. Services will be delivered across settings including clinics, preschools, schools, homes, and community environments.

The Senior Occupational Therapist will support team members and students, promote professional standards, contribute to the development of services, and work collaboratively with the Children’s Disability Network Manager (CDNM) and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical & Professional Practice:

• Provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and ongoing support to children with a range of disabilities.
• Collaborate with service users, families, carers, and team members to develop and review individualised goals and intervention plans.
• Work as key worker as required and participate in team assessments and service planning.
• Deliver services in settings appropriate to the family’s needs in line with local policies.
• Provide clinical supervision and support to basic grade Occupational Therapists and Therapy Assistants.
• Maintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality, ethics, and current legislation.
• Ensure all clinical records are maintained to a high standard and in line with GDPR and professional guidelines.

Health & Safety:

• Identify and manage risks in clinical and service environments, contributing to risk assessments and local Safety Statements.
• Ensure the safe and proper use of equipment, and report any defects or incidents promptly.
• Adhere strictly to health and safety protocols and infection prevention and control procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safety and legislative requirements related to occupational therapy.

Leadership & Service Development:

• Provide leadership within the occupational therapy team and the wider interdisciplinary service.
• Take a proactive role in planning, developing, and evaluating service delivery.
• Inspire and support colleagues, contributing to a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Participate in policy development and advise management on future service needs.
• Take initiative in developing innovative practices to enhance service delivery within available resources.
• Participate in and contribute to recruitment, induction, and staff development processes.

Training & Development:

• Identify and facilitate relevant training for families, support staff, educators, and colleagues.
• Support practice education for Occupational Therapy students and provide supervision to junior staff and assistants.
• Engage in clinical supervision and performance review processes.
• Maintain a high level of professional knowledge through CPD, courses, and research.
• Support and contribute to research and quality assurance initiatives (e.g., EFQM).

Teamwork & Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

• Work collaboratively as a key member of the interdisciplinary Children’s Disability Network Team.
• Contribute to team meetings, case conferences, and joint work with other agencies.
• Promote interagency and interdisciplinary collaboration in service planning and delivery.
• Engage in team dynamics respectfully, promoting family-centred and child-focused care.
• Facilitate the development of person-centred and family-centred plans in collaboration with the team and stakeholders.

Communication & Relationships:

• Build and maintain positive relationships with service users, families, carers, and professional stakeholders.
• Communicate assessment findings, interventions, and progress reports clearly, verbally and in writing.
• Represent the service professionally and advocate for service users' needs.
• Collaborate effectively with external agencies, educators, and health and social services.
• Ensure strict compliance with GDPR and Enable Ireland data protection policies.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills in paediatric occupational therapy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong time management, prioritisation, and organisational abilities.
• Experience in supervising and supporting junior staff and students.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and evidence-based practice.
• Ability to lead and manage service improvements and initiatives.
• Sound knowledge of current legislation, policies, and standards relevant to disability and children’s services.

Essential Criteria:

• A recognised professional qualification in Occupational Therapy.
• CORU registration as an Occupational Therapist.
• Minimum of 3 years’ post-qualification experience in paediatric or disability services.
• Experience in working within an interdisciplinary team framework.
• Experience in supervising students and/or junior therapists.
• Full clean driver’s licence and access to own transport.
• Evidence of CPD relevant to paediatric or disability services.

Desirable Criteria:

• Minimum 1 year working in children’s disability services.
• Experience in delivering training to families or professionals.
• Completed, or currently undertaking, postgraduate training relevant to paediatrics/disabilities.
• Experience in interagency collaboration and interdisciplinary planning.

Benefits:

• Excellent internal and external training opportunities
• Generous annual leave entitlements
• Flexible working options
• Long service reward scheme
• Pay-adjusted maternity, adoptive, and paternity leave
• Wellbeing benefits and supports
• Pension scheme

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