The Occupational Therapy service in Southend City Council 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 strengths- 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 in 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.

Southend City Council are looking to appoint a full-time permanent Occupational Therapy Assistant.

The OTA is needed to support earlier prevention at the front door. You will be required to expand the current OTA offer by working in the community and providing earlier assessments aimed at reducing care and support needs.

The role of an OTA is to complete a strengths based functional assessment within a person’s own home, to reduce, prevent and delay the need for care and support, with the aim to support hospital discharge and to prevent admission to hospital. The recommendations from the assessment may include equipment, minor adaptations, advice or signposting to community connections.

You will be required to manage a caseload of people with care and support needs, understanding the individual’s strengths, assets and wishes to maximise their potential for independence. 

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week.

If you are enthusiastic, passionate and looking for a career that helps people within adult care maximise their potential for independence, then you are the person we are looking for!!

Click here for the Professional standards for OT practice: 

https://www.rcot.co.uk/publications/professional-standards-occupational-therapy-practice-conduct-and-ethics

To be successful in the position, you must have previous experience of health and social care as well as GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.

A driving licence and use of a car is essential for this role.

Have an understanding of legislation, policies and procedures relating to adult social care.

You will need to have commitment to equality, diversity, health and safety.

The role involves working in the community and you may need to drive a vehicle not exceeding 75 tonnes and be responsible for daily maintenance.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

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

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please 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.