Occupational Therapist - Prison Healthcare

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non‑clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

Barlinnie prison is the largest prison in Scotland and has male prisoners on remand and convicted of all sentence lengths. There is also a national top‑end for those who are serving a life sentence or long‑term prisoners, approaching a potential liberation date.

As the band 6 occupational therapist you will be responsible for overseeing the occupational therapy service within Barlinnie prison. You will be in regular contact with the occupational therapist working in the Lilias Centre, our women’s community prison. Although primarily based in Barlinnie, both the post holder and the therapist at Lilias centre provide a very limited service to Low Moss and Greenock prisons.

Professional supervision and support is currently provided by the Forensic AHP Lead.

Barlinnie has an established occupational therapy service, delivering an evidence‑based holistic provision for prisoners with physical, addiction and mental health issues. Prisoners are seen both individually and within groups.

• Location based in Barlinnie prison
• Full‑time position (37 hours per week)
• Permanent contract
• Shift pattern for this post is Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm

• Work within the prison health and social care team within a multi‑agency structure.
• Independently manage a caseload of complex cases, taking on the role of key worker as required.
• Act independently to assess occupational needs of this defined client group, utilising highly specialist skills to assess, implement, grade and evaluate appropriate treatment programmes, whilst incorporating risk assessment to maximise functional independence and re‑ablement and rehabilitation potential.
• Act independently to assess individuals to determine their need for occupational therapy intervention through client‑centred practice.
• Where relevant, co‑ordinate and manage the day‑to‑day activities of junior staff, delegating appropriately to maximise efficiency and achieve desired quality of care.
• Act up in the absence of a more senior member of staff (e.g. Occupational Therapy Advanced Practitioner).
• Adapt service provision according to staff resources available (e.g. unexpected staff absence), incorporating re‑allocation of tasks.

• Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Registered with the HCPC.
• Must hold or gain a practice education qualification.
• Up to date mandatory and statutory training record (e.g. Fire, Moving and Handling).
• Proven specialist skills and knowledge in relation to OT in physical and mental health gained through a range of short specialist courses and experience gained through working in multi‑disciplinary or multi‑agency teams.
• Demonstrate highly developed communication, observation, assessment and risk management skills.
• Must be able to work independently and set own clinical priorities relevant to mental health services.
• Must have documented evidence of continuous professional development relevant to their area of practice and grade.

• Membership of the British Association of Occupational Therapists.
• Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues and respond appropriately.
• Critical analysis skills related to applying research findings within a specialist clinical area.
• Experience of participation in research.

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• Annual leave: minimum of 27 days, increasing with length of service, plus public…