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. Find out more about the values we follow. Our Values and Behaviours – Southend-on-Sea City Council jobs (job-essentials.com)

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
• Children

Taking the exciting steps to apply for this role, 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

Southend City Council’s Occupational Therapy Service are looking to appoint an experienced full-time, permanent Occupational Therapist.

The team support adults and children with physical disabilities and long-term conditions to live well in the community. Their vision is to promote independence, wellbeing and prevention, reducing reliance on long-term care and support wherever possible.

This is a varied and rewarding role, offering opportunities to develop a broad range of skills within statutory OT practice. The post is rotational and will include work across a range of areas, which may include the Referral Hub (early intervention, triage and prevention), joint working with the Housing Team, including rehousing and adaptations, major adaptations, moving and handling and seating assessments, reablement, and preventative, strengths-based community OT interventions.

The starting area of work is not fixed, allowing flexibility based on service needs and professional development.

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

To be shortlisted for this position, you will need to be an enthusiastic and passionate HCPC registered Occupational Therapist who has a range of skills and knowledge which enable you to work effectively with the residents of Southend and local areas.

Have experience across mixed areas such as adaptations, housing, reablement, or moving and handling is desirable, but support and development will be provided through the rotational structure.

Have the ability to apply strengths-based and person-focused approaches to your practice Comfortable working autonomously while contributing effectively within a team and be an effective communicator, able to work sensitively with people with complex needs. 

Skills

• Strong assessment and problem-solving skills
• The ability to develop close working relationships with the community and local services/providers
• Ability to work in a team and engage and participate within each service area.
• Robust clinical reasoning in line with evidence-based practice
• Ability to carry out strengths 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 lived experience.
• Familiarity with moving and handling practices and legislation
• Understanding of the Social Model of Disability and occupational therapy within a social services setting.

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.