Here in Bradford, great things happen. A vibrant community, innovative businesses, and institutions make up our large, young, and diverse city. At the heart of the North, the district possesses unmatched potential, a growing pipeline of talent and an exceptional quality of life. A thriving urban district with award-winning public realm, but also two-thirds rural, boasting beautiful landscapes, and open spaces on its doorstep; the district offers opportunities for leisure and lifestyle and is City of Culture 2025.
A dynamic cultural sector is central to Bradford's vision for social and economic inclusion. There is an impressive cultural heritage in the district as well as a diverse and exciting contemporary offer with world-class writers, filmmakers, musicians, artists, and foodies.
We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our forward thinking, developing Occupational Therapy Department. We have a team of skilled, dedicated, friendly and supportive staff.
We strive to support Bradford Citizens to remain active, independent, and involved with their communities through personalised, strength-based and TEC supported approaches.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader with a passion for delivering high-quality occupational therapy services in Adult Social Care.
As a Service Manager, you will lead our dedicated occupational therapy teams to deliver a high-quality service and assessments, deploying effective discharge planning, safeguarding, and integrated working with health and social care professionals. You will ensure that services are delivered efficiently, in line with statutory requirements and best practices; whilst achieving the best outcomes for individuals and their families.
You will work in close collaboration with Service Managers who work across Adult Social Care and be part of the Older Person’s directorate senior leadership team.
The Service Manager role will support the Head of Service/Principal Occupational Therapist by providing management and leadership across the Operational Department of Adult Social Care. You will take operational responsibility for quality and standards of service delivery across the department in keeping with national standards for the practice, including CQC, Professional Capabilities Framework and HCPC/RCOT Professional Standards for Occupational Therapists. The Post Holder will be key in the management of services across the Department of Older People working with internal and external partners both operationally and strategically. They will have a lead role on issues of quality assurance, mental capacity and ensuring an ethical approach in service delivery across the service user groups.
We have a strong Senior Leadership Team with a clear vision of embedding quality of practice across the Bradford District. We have a Teaching Partnership with the University of Bradford, and a supportive Preceptorship programme for newly qualified practitioners. Alongside this, we have a wide range of continual professional development opportunities to support your practice and develop your skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage occupational therapy teams, ensuring high standards of practice and service delivery.
- Work in partnership with our social work colleagues, NHS teams, VCS and other key stakeholders to facilitate safe and timely assessments and training.
- Oversee quality assurance via case file audits and case management systems.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures, including the Care Act 2014.
- Monitor service performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes where needed.
You will have:
- An Occupational Therapist qualification and be registered to practice with Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- A strong and unwavering commitment to Adult Social Care practice that upholds and safeguards rights.
- Experience in a management or leadership role within Adult Social Care or Health Setting.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies.
- Experience in service improvement, performance management, and budget management.
- Be open to new ideas, flexible and be able to encourage others to adapt to and embrace change.
Why Join Us?
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- The chance to make a real difference to individuals, families, and the wider community by shaping the delivery of occupational therapy services.
An enhanced disclosure check with the Disclosure and Barring Service will be undertaken for this post.
Interviews will be held in person at Britannia House, Bradford on Friday 30th January 2026.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact James Hellard on 07483587123 or [email protected]
Employee Offer
Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf .
Equal Opportunities
We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants.
The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.
