Service Manager – Community Occupational Therapy

# Service Manager – Community Occupational Therapy## Job Introduction Milton Keynes City Council is looking for a Service Manager for Community Occupational Therapy — a pivotal role leading a multi disciplinary team of Occupational Therapists, OT Assistants and Adaptation Officers.

This is a unique opportunity to influence service design, oversee transformation, and embed excellence across occupational therapy practice city wide. Working closely with colleagues across Housing, Finance, and wider Adult Social Care, you’ll ensure the delivery of clinically robust assessments, effective adaptation services and high quality, person centred outcomes.

You’ll also act as the Principal Occupational Therapist for the Council, representing the profession locally and nationally, shaping policy, and championing innovation across the sector.

If you’re passionate about leading change, developing people, and delivering a service that makes a genuine difference to the lives of residents, we’d love to hear from you.

If you would like to find out more about the position prior to applying, please contact Amy Tyler on or email am  who will be able arrange an informal conversation with Linda Ellen
** This is a site-based role
****** Interviews for this role will be held on 13 March
**** Milton Keynes City Council is a modern and friendly place to work. Find out more about working with us here:### Main Responsibility
* In this pivotal leadership role, you will provide inspiring and motivational management to a diverse team of Occupational Therapists, OT Assistants and Adaptation Officers, ensuring the delivery of high quality, person centred practice.
* You will oversee service redesign and transformation, lead on performance and quality assurance, and champion excellence through the development of OT Quality Standards and an Assurance Framework.
* Working collaboratively with Housing, contractors and Finance colleagues, you will ensure clinically robust assessments and effective progression of Disabled Facilities Grant applications.
* You’ll take responsibility for workforce planning, recruitment and retention, and fostering a learning culture through coaching, reflective practice and professional development.
* The role also includes managing budgets, overseeing complex casework, leading HR processes, and representing the Council as the Principal Occupational Therapist in local, regional and national forums, shaping policy and promoting the value of Occupational Therapy across the system.###

The Ideal Candidate We’re looking for a highly skilled and inspirational leader who is committed to delivering outstanding occupational therapy practice and service delivery.
** You will bring:
*** A recognised Occupational Therapy qualification and HCPC registration, with extensive evidence of ongoing professional development.
* Deep expertise in The Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding practice and relevant legislation, with proven experience applying these in complex cases.
* Significant post qualifying experience, including at least two years operating at a senior management level, where you have led teams, driven service improvements, and influenced best practice.
* Strong analytical and strategic skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify risks, innovate solutions and lead change confidently.
* Proven experience managing budgets, contracts, and multi agency relationships, ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver excellent outcomes.
* A collaborative, motivational leadership style, with the ability to coach, develop and inspire professional colleagues.
* A passion for improving systems, quality assurance and workforce development, and raising the profile of Occupational Therapy both internally and externally.
* Commitment to our values — dedicated, respectful, collaborative — and to championing a supportive and inclusive culture.
** If you’re offered the role, we’ll arrange an Enhanced DBS check as part of our pre-employment process (unless you’re already registered with the DBS Update Service).**### Package Description In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
* Great holiday…