Occupational Therapist

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Hybrid & flexible working

28 days annual leave increasing with 5

Job summary

Gateshead Council is seeking an Occupational Therapist to support individuals across ages in home and community settings. You will assess needs, design practical interventions, and collaborate with carers and partner agencies to promote independence.

The role involves equipment provision, reablement, and working within the Care Act 2014. Hybrid working, ongoing professional development, and a strong commitment to wellbeing are core.

Qualifications

• Degree in Occupational Therapy (BSc Hons or equivalent).
• Current HCPC registration.
• Full UK driving licence with access to a car or mobility support.
• Experience in a health or social care environment.
• Knowledge of Adult Social Care, Children's and Housing legislation, including the Care Act 2014.
• Ability to carry out person-centred assessments and set achievable goals to promote independence.
• Strong communication, IT, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Carry out holistic assessments and develop realistic, person-centred plans.
• Plan, implement and evaluate services with people and carers based on assessed risks and needs.
• Provide advice on equipment and adaptations and organise provision of specialist equipment and reablement.
• Maintain accurate recording and data quality across all case records.
• Work with partners and stakeholders, including feasibility surveys and advice.

Job description

As an Occupational Therapist, you'll play a vital role in supporting people whose lives have been affected by illness or disability to regain, maintain, and maximise their independence. Working in partnership with individuals, families, carers and partner agencies, you'll carry out holistic assessments and develop realistic, person-centred plans that enable people of all ages to live safely and confidently in their own homes and communities. Using your professional expertise, you'll recommend and deliver practical occupational therapy interventions, ranging from specialist equipment and adaptations to reablement support, making a meaningful difference to everyday lives while working within the Care Act 2014 and relevant legislation. What you’ll get to do:

• Work in partnership with people and carers to plan, implement and evaluate services provided based on assessed risks and needs, to ensure an effective and efficient service is provided in accordance with Council Policy.
• Prepare accurate reports and make firm recommendations for consideration, in relation to minor adaptations, specialist equipment and reablement plans.
• Provide practical advice on the use of equipment and adaptations with people, carers (both formal and informal) to ensure safe use of equipment/adaptations and to build confidence of users and carers.
• Recommend and organise the provision of specialist equipment, reablement and instruct people, carers and care providers in the use of equipment.
• Ensure accurate recording and data quality across all case records.
• Carry out occasional joint visits with a range of partners and stakeholders for the provision of feasibility surveys and advice.
• Develop knowledge about Council priorities and that practices that are in line with Council standards, expectations, policies, procedures and current legislation.
• Adhere to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Standards of the College of Occupational Therapy.
• Personally maintain standards and competencies in order to base service delivery on accurate and current information in the interest of quality care.
• Undertake Continuous Professional Development in line with the Health and Care Professions Council.
  Degree in Occupational Therapy (BSc Hons or equivalent).
• Current Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration.
• Full UK driving licence with access to a car or access to mobility support.
• Experience or understanding of working within a health or social care environment.
• Knowledge of relevant Adult Social Care, Children's and Housing legislation, including legislation relating to the provision of specialist equipment and adaptations.
• Understanding of the impact of disability on adults, children, older people and their carers, including the complexity of rehabilitation and reablement.
• Ability to carry out effective, person-centred assessments and set achievable goals to promote maximum independence.
• Strong communication, IT, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to support colleagues and participate in practice education.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff. Your expertise. Their independence.

Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council supports adults with care and support needs to live safe, independent and thriving lives. The service provides statutory assessments, safeguarding, prevention, and a wide range of community-based support in line with the Care Act 2014. Working in a strengths-based way, Adult Social Care focuses on wellbeing, independence and personalised outcomes, helping people to access the right support at the right time, whether through assessment and planning, enablement services, technology-enabled care, or wider community resources.

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).