Senior Occupational Therapist - Runnymede

This role has a starting salary of -47,884 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.

Although this is being advertised as a full-time position, we also welcome part-time applications.

We have an opportunity for an experienced Senior Occupational Therapist to join our fantastic Runnymede Locality team, based at the Weybridge Community Hub at Weybridge Library, on the high street and in the heart of this bustling Surrey town.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days'' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years'' service and 31 days after 5 years'' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer''s leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Team

Working in the Runnymede Locality Team means being part of a close-knit, supportive, and friendly team. Colleagues are always ready to lend a hand, share knowledge, and provide encouragement, creating a positive and collaborative atmosphere.

The team is dedicated to the professional development of all its members, offering ample opportunities through the Surrey County Council training offer, mentorship, and career advancement, ensuring that everyone has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential. Additionally, being part of the Runnymede Locality Team means making a real difference in the lives of adults in the community. The role is both challenging and rewarding, as team members provide a statutory social work service to the community of Runnymede, aiming to improve the quality of life for those they support.

About the Role

No two days are the same and this diverse role requires professional experience of assessing for major adaptations, specialised equipment and completing moving and handling risk assessments. Our aim is to support our residents to live meaningful lives within the community, the very essence of occupational therapy.

As a Senior Occupational Therapist, you will conduct holistic assessments of social care needs and planning support across a dedicated caseload. Working closely with families, carers and care workers, you''ll play a vital role in supporting people from diverse backgrounds, with a wide range of needs.

We offer regular supervision to all our staff every month, plus we provide informal support from the wider team. The value of occupational therapists is well recognised within our team, which enables us to fully utilise our skills and strengths to achieve positive outcomes, focussing on what is important to the individuals we work with.

Surrey County Council''s innovative Smart Working in Occupational Therapy (SWOT) approach was honoured at the national Local Government Chronicle (LGC) awards ceremony, recognising our success in transforming how we manage Occupational Therapy support requests. This achievement highlights the dedication of our teams for the impactful ''Five Steps'' programme and our SWOT approach impressed attendees from councils across the UK, sparking requests to learn more about its effective methods. We''re excited to see SWOT rolled out more widely across Surrey to support our residents. Now is the time to join Surrey County Council as you will become part of the Number One Occupational Therapy services in the country!

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• Professional qualification in Occupational Therapy and current registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Substantial post-qualification professional experience including working within a social care, health or community-focused multi-disciplinary setting
• Ability to complete person-centred and proportionate OT assessments
• Familiarity with moving and handling equipment such as hoists and stand aids
• Knowledge of medical conditions and the likely impact on the individual, carer and family
• Knowledge of current legislation, including the Care Act and the Mental Capacity Act and its application to practice in a social care setting.
• Experience of providing professional supervision and working on complex cases.

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 5th October 2025 with interviews planned for 13th/14th October 2025.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.

Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.