Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy

Hywel Dda University Health Board; Caernarfon; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health board in West Wales seeks a Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy to lead teams and shape high-quality services. With a focus on operational management and strategic vision, the role involves driving service development and collaborating across diverse communities. Candidates should possess significant experience in clinical leadership, as well as a degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration. This position provides an opportunity for impactful leadership in healthcare services within a stunning locale.

Qualifications

• Degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration required.
• Advanced knowledge in Occupational Therapy expected.
• Experience in senior clinical leadership and management role essential.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver outstanding occupational therapy services.
• Lead service development projects and ensure evidence-based delivery.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to inform wider occupational therapy strategy.

Skills

Exceptional communication skills

Influencing skills

Leadership in NHS services

Education

Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy

HCPC registration

Masters level education or equivalent

Job description

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey and make a real difference in people's lives? This is an exciting opportunity to join Hywel Dda University Health Board as Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy, helping shape the future of our services across the stunning landscapes of West Wales.

As part of our senior leadership team, you'll play a pivotal role in strategic and operational management, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred occupational therapy services. You'll lead and inspire teams across a defined portfolio, championing innovation and excellence within the resources available.

What makes this role special?

• Drive service development and influence how occupational therapy supports health and wellbeing across diverse communities.
• Work alongside passionate professionals and service users to create meaningful change.
• Enjoy the unique work-life balance that West Wales offers - from breath taking coastlines to vibrant local culture.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has exceptional communication and influencing skills.
• Brings experience of working across a variety of NHS services and is able to build strong partnerships.
• Is passionate about occupational therapy and can inspire others.

Main duties of the job

As Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy, you will play a key leadership role in shaping and delivering outstanding services across Hywel Dda University Health Board. Reporting to the Head of Occupational Therapy, you will support the delivery of all operational functions and be accountable for the performance of defined service areas. You will deputise for the Head of Occupational Therapy when required, representing the profession at senior forums and influencing strategic decisions.

You will ensure the delivery of evidence-based, high-quality occupational therapy services, lead service development projects, and identify gaps in provision to champion innovative solutions. Providing operational line management and professional leadership, you will foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement, supporting staff to achieve their full potential.

Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, service users, and stakeholders, you will develop plans that inform the wider occupational therapy strategy and align with organisational priorities. Your ability to influence and contribute to Health Board-wide initiatives will ensure occupational therapy is recognised as a key enabler of health and wellbeing across our communities.

About us

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire.
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings.
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers.
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services.

Job responsibilities

If you're ready to lead with vision and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on 04/02/2026.

Person Specification

Language Skills

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
• HCPC registration.
• Masters level education or evidence of equivalent qualification or experience relevant to role.
• Advanced knowledge in Occupational Therapy with evidence of recent and relevant learning commensurate with the role and HCPC registration requirements.
• Knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety legislation.
• Knowledge and understanding of clinical governance framework.
• Knowledge of current professional priorities and strategy.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation & national and local strategy, policy and its application to Occupational Therapy.
• Recognised management/leadership training and/or qualification.
• Active participation of specialist interest group/clinical network.
• Knowledge of services and structures that link across the primary/community/secondary care as well as health/social care/housing/third sector to support integrated care.
• Qualification/training to support Practice Education/Assessor/ Supervision/ Coaching.

Experience

• Experience in senior clinical leadership & management role within the profession.
• Experience of human resource management, including recruitment, supervision, appraisal, performance management and staff development.
• Experience of working in a variety of settings.
• Evidence of multi professional and multi agency collaborative working.
• Experience of managing information, financial processes and report writing.
• Service evaluation, audit and/or research experience.
• Experience of leading and managing change.
• Quality Improvement and Innovation.
• Participation in local/national professional forums.
• Patient & Public involvement in service improvement.
• Developing and implementing guidelines and standards.
• Experience of assessing and managing risk.
• Experience working in a variety of organisations.
• Evidence of joint agency (integrated) working.
• Contract development and monitoring.
• Experience of investigating and managing professional concerns.
• Experience of investigating and responding to complaints.
• Experience of presenting at conferences and/or public facing events.
• Experience of submitting conference posters or articles for publication.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.