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

Southend City Council Adult Social Care is offering an exciting career development post, starting as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (Level 7) with progression through a fully supported 2-year Sensory Rehabilitation apprenticeship to qualify as a Sensory Rehabilitation Worker (Level 8).  

In this fixed-term OTA role, you will support residents by completing strengths-based functional assessments within people’s own homes to reduce, prevent and delay the need for care and support, support hospital discharge and prevent admission. Alongside traditional OT interventions such as equipment, minor adaptations, advice and signposting, you will also develop sensory awareness skills, supporting basic sensory needs under supervision while training.

As you progress, you will undertake sensory assessments and deliver person-centred sensory rehabilitation interventions, promoting independence, maximising strengths and connecting people with community assets to ensure the right support at the right time.

To be shortlisted for this position, it is essential that you hold GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade C / 4 or above.

You need to have experience of working with adults, ideally within health, social care or community settings. Have an understanding of strengths-based, person-centred approaches, along with an awareness of how sensory impairment (vision and/or hearing loss) can impact daily living.  Also. you need a basic understanding of promoting independence, wellbeing and the ability to complete assessments within people’s own home.

You will be required to meet apprenticeship entry criteria, with the commitment and ability to successfully complete a two-year Sensory Rehabilitation apprenticeship and progress into a qualified Sensory Rehabilitation Worker role https://www.visionrehabilitationtraining.com/apprenticeships-1

It is essential that you hold a driving licence and have use of a car. 

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.