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.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland. Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is caring, safe, and respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.

Advanced Practice Occupational Therapist within the CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Team based at West Road, Irvine.

36 hours, Monday to Friday.

Fixed term/secondment basis for 1 year. From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS staff will reduce to 36 hours without loss of earnings.

A UK driving licence is essential for this role.

To deliver expert Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention within the CAMHS neurodevelopmental team, supporting children and young people with complex needs. The role involves managing a highly complex caseload, making timely clinical decisions and contributing to multi-disciplinary neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessments.

You will provide clinical leadership within the specialty, offering highly specialist advice, supervision, and training to colleagues and partner agencies, while working collaboratively across multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams to support effective assessment and care planning.

The post holder will play a key role in identifying and managing clinical risk, contributing to robust escalation processes, and supporting children, young people, and families with neurodevelopmental conditions.

You will also contribute to service development through leading training, clinical audit, research, and governance activities within the CAMHS neurodevelopmental pathway.

Approximately 70% of the role is focused on direct and indirect clinical work, with 30% dedicated to professional leadership and service development.

• BSc in Occupational Therapy or equivalent
• Current HCPC registration
• Postgraduate training in a relevant speciality or experience equivalent to a Master’s level
• Substantial advanced clinical experience within a relevant speciality
• Strong communication skills, including multi-agency working
• Experience of clinical leadership and supervision
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, and manage a complex workload effectively
• Experience in audit, research, and service development
• IT proficiency

To work in the United Kingdom, you must demonstrate the relevant permission to work in the country. Sponsorship may be available for certain posts provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and other criteria. Sponsorship is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis following interview and pre‑employment checks.