Advanced Practice Occupational Therapist

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

We are expanding the NHS Highland COVID Recovery Service into a regional Post Acute-Infection and Chronic Condition Service (PACCS). Our virtual-first, medically-led service delivers integrated, multidisciplinary rehabilitation for people living with Long COVID, ME/CFS, and other post‑infectious conditions, aligned with NICE NG188/NG206 guidelines and Scottish Government priorities. Over the last three years, the service has consistently delivered timely, high-quality research-driven and innovative access to care.

With confirmed recurring funding, we are now expanding specialist provision across the region, further developing our outcome‑measurement frameworks, and beginning exploratory work into paediatric pathways.

We are seeking a Band 7 Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist to join our dynamic multidisciplinary team. This role offers the chance to work autonomously as a clinical specialist, delivering high-quality occupational therapy care to individuals with complex post‑infectious conditions, including ME/CFS and Long COVID. You will lead on the delivery and development of specialist Occupational Therapy rehabilitation across the regional structure (NHS Highland and Island Boards), providing expert clinical input, leadership and consultancy to AHPs, wider health and social care professionals, patients, families and carers.

• Provide timely assessment, diagnosis and evidence-based treatment for individuals with complex rehabilitation needs.
• Consider the impact of health conditions on every aspect of life, working collaboratively with patients, families, communities, statutory partners and third-sector organisations.
• Develop and deliver best-practice, person-centred interventions, informed by current evidence and guidelines.
• Evaluate and report outcomes across rehabilitation pathways to support continuous improvement.
• Work within a robust professional assurance and governance framework, meeting local, national and professional standards.
• Promote and model continuing professional development to support high-quality Occupational Therapy practice and service excellence.
• Because of the geographical spread of the service, the postholder will carry out a significant proportion of work through remote and virtual appointments, helping ensure equitable access across the region.

This is a newly established and permanently funded regional service, with opportunities for professional development, service innovation and research activity. You will be part of a forward‑thinking MDT with strong national connections and a commitment to shaping the future of post‑infection rehabilitation in Scotland.

Informal enquiries to Linda Currie: linda.currie2t