Occupational Therapist - Deputy Head of Service & Principal Therapy Lead - Hackney - Sanctuary [...]

Sanctuary Personnel Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare recruitment agency is seeking a Locum Occupational Therapist to lead therapy services in Hackney. This full-time role offers a competitive daily rate of £400–£450 and a chance to impact the lives of adults with complex needs. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in a leadership role within therapy services. Opportunities for professional development and advancement are available.

Benefits

Stable Full-Time Role

Professional Development

Locum Flexibility

Strategic Influence

Vibrant Location

Qualifications

• Significant post-registration experience in adult social care or therapy services.
• Strong leadership skills with a record of inspiring teams.
• Experience managing departmental budgets.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for therapy services.
• Drive performance and service improvement.
• Oversee budgetary planning and resource management.
• Manage a team of senior therapy staff.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Operational expertise

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Financial acumen

People management

Education

HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist

Job description

Social Worker - Adults Multi-Disciplinary Team

Occupational Therapist – Deputy Head of Service & Principal Therapy Lead

Job Title: Locum Occupational Therapist – Deputy Head of Service & Principal Therapy Lead

Specialism: Head of Service / Leadership – Therapy Services
Location: Hackney, London, UK
Rate: £400–£450 per day (Locum)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Ongoing

Lead with Purpose in the Heart of Hackney

We are seeking a visionary and experienced Occupational Therapist to step into a Deputy Head of Service and Principal Therapy Lead role. Based in the dynamic borough of Hackney, this full-time locum opportunity offers a competitive daily rate of £400–£450 and the chance to lead meaningful transformation in therapy services. If you are ready to apply your clinical leadership, operational expertise, and passion for improving lives—this role is for you.

Perks and Benefits:

Stable Full-Time Role: Commit to a consistent and structured work schedule in a leading borough.

Professional Development: Access structured training, coaching, and mentorship tailored to leadership in health and care services.

Locum Flexibility: Enjoy the autonomy and variety of locum assignments while contributing to high-impact, long-term service initiatives.

Strategic Influence: Shape service direction and collaborate with top-level decision-makers across sectors.

Vibrant Location: Work in the culturally rich and community-driven borough of Hackney—home to excellent amenities and transport links.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide strategic and operational leadership for therapy services, ensuring delivery of high-quality, strength-based, person-centred care.

Drive performance and service improvement aligned with regulatory standards and resident priorities.

Oversee budgetary planning and resource management, delivering efficiencies while ensuring continuity of service.

Champion interdisciplinary collaboration, working closely with the Integrated Care System, NHS partners, and voluntary sector stakeholders.

Lead transformation initiatives, embedding innovation to improve outcomes for adults with complex needs.

Manage a team of senior therapy staff and contribute to organisational development and talent retention.

Ensure service users in Hackney are empowered to live safe, independent, and fulfilling lives.

HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with substantial post-registration experience.

Demonstrated expertise in managing complex operational services within adult social care or therapy services.

Strong leadership and people management skills, with a track record of inspiring teams and delivering measurable service improvements.

Excellent understanding of statutory frameworks, safeguarding principles, and strengths-based practice models.

Financial acumen with experience managing departmental budgets.

A valid driving licence is essential due to the nature of travel involved in the role.

Why Choose Hackney?

Hackney offers a unique blend of cultural vibrancy, urban innovation, and community warmth. From street markets to art hubs and tranquil green spaces, this borough is both inspiring and supportive. It’s a place where professionals can thrive—both in their work and in their lives.

Working with Sanctuary Personnel:

Sanctuary Personnel is an award-winning recruitment agency, known for placing skilled professionals into roles that suit their talents and aspirations. With an ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating and over 1,000 five-star reviews, we are committed to securing the best opportunities at top-tier pay rates.

Take the lead. Inspire progress. Transform lives.
Apply now to become a key player in shaping the future of therapy services in Hackney.