The Occupational Therapy service in Southend is a progressive place to work, and we are always developing and improving our services in line with the needs of the community. We work with adults and children and their families to help them achieve positive outcomes through a strength-based approach. 

At Southend, our values and behaviours are just as important as our skills and knowledge. 

The Occupational Therapy service is dynamic and innovative with a diverse range of opportunities to work across our rotation. Our current teams are -

• OT Referral Hub
• Early response
• Reablement
• Able2
• Community Strengths
• Healthy at home
• Housing
• Childrens

Take the exciting step to apply for this role, and you could be making an impact in one of these amazing teams. Each team offers very specific learning and development opportunities with enthusiastic and knowledgeable colleagues who can support you through induction and beyond. Should you be successful, we can work with you to ensure you meet your professional development needs in line with the RCOT Career Development Framework.

Our service is committed to ensuring that you are supported in this challenging role with the appropriate level of training and support. Some examples of what we offer are

• Monthly formal supervision at a minimum
• Monthly peer supervision
• Monthly service meetings
• Regular statutory training
• Clinical Effectiveness workshops
• Career development workshops
• Shadowing opportunities
• Networking opportunities with external providers
• And many more!

What our staff say about working here

'I started in the team in 2021 in the middle of covid and found the team to be so welcoming and generous even though we weren’t working in the office. There is such good knowledge across the service and everyone is happy to help you if you need support.’

‘I have found working here has greatly developed my clinical skills and I have had regular support from my seniors to improve my knowledge and take on more challenging issues’

‘I came after completing a practice placement at Southend.
 City Council. I really enjoy the motivation of the team and know there is always someone there who can help when I need it.'

‘I have been offered lots of opportunities to develop my clinical skills and now supervise an occupational therapy assistant, which has been a great experience.’

We are currently looking to appoint a new permanent, full-time, Occupational Therapist to help children and adults with physical disabilities and long-term conditions.

Our vision is for people to live well in the community, to maintain their independence and to prevent or reduce dependency on social care services. This is a level 8 post in the OT team with the expectation to work and support the performance of the team to deliver Occupational Therapy assessments and appropriate intervention in the right place at the right time. The focus of this role will be utilising the Able2 approach and growing the offer across the team. Able 2 utilises a strength based approach, taking a wider view of an individual’s needs, restoring lost function and encouraging motivation and participation in living life and reducing care where appropriate.

We have hybrid opportunities available, but you are required to work a minimum of 2 days per week in the office, and you must be a car driver with use of a car.

To be successful in this post, you will need to be an enthusiastic and passionate Occupational Therapist who has a range of skills and knowledge which enables you to work effectively with our residents.

Skills

• Strong assessment and problem-solving skills
• The ability to develop close working relationships with the community and local services/providers.
• The ability to work in a team and engage and participate within each service area.
• Robust clinical reasoning in line with evidence-based practice.
• The ability to carry out strength-based and proportionate assessments.
• A willingness to learn and develop yourself and bring your ideas to the table.
• Ability to work proactively and independently and often from your home-based setting
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to participate in service development and training for the wider service.

Knowledge

• Robust understanding of the Care Act 2014 and how this applies to your assessment, intervention and outcomes.
• Understanding of Safeguarding within the Care Act and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Broad knowledge of medical conditions and how they impact the person and their life experience.
• Familiarity with moving and handling practices and legislation.
• Understanding of the Social Model of Disability and occupational therapy within a social service setting.

Qualification and Registration

It is essential that you have a qualification in Occupational Therapy (Diploma/Bachelor/Master’s degree), registration with the HCPC and a commitment to the standards and ethics of the College of Occupational Therapists.

Travel

This role involves travelling around the city of Southend. A driving licence and a car is essential.

Pension:
 Southend-on-Sea City Council provide membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) for employees aged under 75. The LGPS is a generous scheme and provides you with a future income, independent of share prices and stock market fluctuations.

Leave Entitlements:

We offer our employees a generous leave entitlement from 25 days up to 32 days based on length of service (Continuous service). Southend-on-Sea City Council also offer a range of flexible working and family-friendly leave.

*We also offer paid time off to allow employees to undertake volunteering activities*

Here at Southend-on-Sea City Council we also offer our employees free access to a benefit portal that provides access to wellbeing support and a range of salary sacrifice schemes to help spread the cost of items, including:

• Bicycles, cars, electronics and gym membership.
• The portal also provides access to a range of discounts on products and services including retail, food shopping, travel, dining out and leisure activities.
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Nowhere else will you gain as much experience on the job, making us a sought-after place to work. If you are passionate, dedicated to making a change and ready for a challenge – you could be the candidate we are looking for.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

For a full JD on the post Click here

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above, so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.