Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant, SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL

Overview

Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant, Surrey County Council (permanent). We are recruiting for the county-wide Learning Disabilities and Autism (LDandA) Occupational Therapy team. This vacancy has arisen following the current post holder progressing onto the Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship Degree course.The starting salary for this role is £33,552 based on a 36 hour working week.This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Occupational Therapy Assistant who is passionate about supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism to live more independently and meaningfully.We offer a hybrid working model with a minimum of two office days per week, including one whole-team day.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\'' serviceOption to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leaveAn extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeingUp to 5 days of carer\''s leave per yearPaternity, adoption and dependents leaveA generous local government salary related pensionLifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more2 paid volunteering days per yearLearning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resourcesAbout The Team

We are a highly regarded, supportive and friendly OT team, managed by an Occupational Therapist, and we work closely with our LDandA social work colleagues. As an established specialist Occupational Therapy Service within Adult Social Care, we are proud to offer a dynamic and supportive environment for our Occupational Therapy Assistants. Working closely with our Occupational Therapists and wider adult social care colleagues, you\''ll be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and person-centred care. Our focus is on empowering adults to achieve their goals, enhance independence, and improve their overall quality of life.About The Role

As a Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will work under the supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist to carry out assessments. You will be responsible for evaluating needs and prescribing minor adaptations and equipment to support individuals in their daily lives. A working knowledge of the Disabled Facilities Grant process is expected, along with experience in implementing straightforward major adaptations, such as wet rooms.Your role will involve supporting the delivery of skills development interventions and contributing to the planning of support strategies. You will help individuals build independence and confidence through the acquisition and maintenance of essential life skills, enabling meaningful participation in everyday activities.You will also be expected to consider and promote the use of technology to assist individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism. In addition, you will provide guidance and support to other Occupational Therapy Assistants and facilitate peer support meetings.A key part of your responsibilities will be to champion inclusive and accessible practices, including the use of easy-read materials and approaches that are friendly to individuals with autism.Shortlisting Criteria

Previous experience working as a Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant or as an Occupational Therapy AssistantThe ability to empathise with, and show compassion towards, individuals in need of social care assistanceStrong knowledge of the needs and challenges faced by adults requiring social care, and a commitment to supporting their well-beingThe ability to manage multiple tasks whilst delivering high-quality workProficiency in basic IT skills such as Microsoft Office, email and file management alongside a demonstrated willingness to learn and adapt to new software systemsExcellent communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly, concisely, and respectfully, both verbally and in writingApplication Questions

Looking at our advert, and considering the Council\''s commitment to ensuring that \"no one is left behind\", please tell us what it is about the role that has motivated you to apply?Please tell us about the relevant experience or transferable skills you have that you can bring to this role?What three qualities do you have that would make you a good Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant and how do these qualities support Surrey County Council\''s culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and adaptability?Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.The job advert closes at 23:59 on 14/09/2025 with interviews to follow.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!Please see more information on our website.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 applicationThe candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application formOur 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 ..... full job details .....