Senior Therapist (Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist)

Islington Council; Islington; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Islington is seeking a Senior Therapist to lead a dynamic team in supporting individuals transitioning from hospital to home. The ideal candidate will have experience in community-based therapy and a strong background in leadership. This role offers flexible working arrangements and the chance to make a meaningful impact on residents' lives.

Benefits

Up to 31 days leave per year

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive pay

Excellent local government pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships

Local discounts from restaurants and shops

Qualifications

• Proven experience in community-based therapy and hospital discharge pathways.
• Strong leadership and supervision skills.
• Deep understanding of adult social care legislation and safeguarding practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a skilled therapy team, promoting best practice and continuous development.
• Oversee assessments and interventions that reduce hospital stays and prevent readmissions.
• Responsible for screening all new referrals from hospital teams.
• Champion strength-based, person-centred approaches to care.

Skills

Leadership skills

Community-based therapy experience

Understanding of adult social care legislation

Commitment to equality and diversity

Passion for empowering residents

Education

HCPC registered Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist

Job description

About The Role

Join Us in Making Islington a More Equal Borough

Are you a passionate and experienced therapist ready to lead, inspire, and make a real difference in people’s lives? Islington Council is looking for a Senior Therapist to join our dynamic Integrated Discharge Service (IDS) — a fast-paced, resident-focused team supporting individuals transitioning from hospital to home.

As a Senior Therapist, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping care pathways that promote independence, recovery, and wellbeing. You’ll lead a team of Occupational and Physiotherapists, design strength-based interventions, and collaborate across health and social care to ensure timely, safe, and person-centred discharges.

You’ll be at the heart of innovation, working closely with Islington’s Front Door and Reablement teams to co-create reablement plans and goals that empower residents to thrive in their communities.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and supervise a skilled therapy team, promoting best practice and continuous development
• Oversee assessments and interventions that reduce hospital stays and prevent readmissions
• You will be responsible for screening all new referrals from hospital teams, making decisions about the appropriate care pathway to support safe and timely discharge
• Champion strength-based, person-centred approaches to care
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and deliver impactful reablement plans
• Support service development and contribute to strategic planning and quality assurance
• Uphold safeguarding standards and ensure legal and policy compliance

What We’re Looking For

• HCPC registered Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist
• Proven experience in community-based therapy and hospital discharge pathways
• Strong leadership and supervision skills
• Deep understanding of adult social care legislation and safeguarding practices
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice
• Passion for empowering residents and driving positive change

Why Join Us?

At Islington, we’re building a fairer borough where everyone can thrive. We value collaboration, ambition, resourcefulness, and empowerment — our CARE values. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team that’s committed to challenging inequality and delivering high-quality, impactful services.

We offer flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment where your voice matters. As part of our commitment to agile working, you’ll be included in a 7-day roster, including weekends, ensuring our residents receive the support they need when they need it most — and giving you the opportunity to work in a dynamic, responsive service.

Ready to lead change and make a difference? Apply now and help shape the future of care in Islington.

Working for the team, service and our organisation

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.

We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our offer to you

We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check with adult barred list, HCPC registration, qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.