Occupational Therapist

Bath & North East Somerset Council; West of England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Bath and North East Somerset Council is seeking newly qualified or experienced Occupational Therapists to support adults with disabilities and help them achieve independence. You will manage caseloads, conduct assessments, plan adaptations, and collaborate with housing and health partners to improve resident outcomes.

The role emphasizes structured supervision, professional development, and compliance with HCPC and RCOT standards, with opportunities to influence service improvements within the

Qualifications

• A degree in Occupational Therapy (or Dip COT) and HCPC registration.
• Commitment to person-centred care and professional ethics.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• An understanding of occupational therapy in social care and relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Assess functional needs and environmental challenges in people’s homes.
• Recommend and arrange equipment, minor and major adaptations.
• Work closely with Housing Team on Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs).
• Undertake moving and handling risk assessments and formulate safe moving and handling plans.
• Develop postural management assessment skills.
• Collaborate with social work colleagues, health professionals, housing agencies, and voluntary services.
• Maintain accurate records and uphold HCPC and RCOT standards.

Skills

Driving licence

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Occupational Therapy (HCPC registered)

Job description

At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.

Are you passionate about helping people live independent, fulfilling lives? Whether you’re a newly qualified occupational therapist at the beginning of your career or an experienced practitioner looking for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you! As an occupational therapist with Bath and North East Somerset Council, you’ll play a vital role in supporting adults with disabilities to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

About the Team

You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth, and where you will contribute to a culture of excellence in occupational therapy.

About the Role

For Newly Qualified OTs: You’ll manage a caseload under the guidance of experienced colleagues, gaining hands‑on experience in a range of OT assessments, adaptations planning, and equipment provision. We’ll support you every step of the way with structured supervision and professional development. For Experienced OTs: You will use your experience and knowledge to assess, advise and support B&NES residents, and collaborate across agencies to deliver solutions. Your expertise will shape outcomes and influence service improvements.

What You’ll Do

• Assess functional needs and environmental challenges in people’s homes.
• Recommend and arrange equipment, minor and major adaptations.
• Work closely with our Housing Team on Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs).
• Undertake moving and handling risk assessments and formulate safe moving and handling plans.
• Develop postural management assessment skills
• Collaborate with social work colleagues, health professionals, housing agencies, and voluntary services.
• Maintain accurate records and uphold HCPC and RCOT standards.

About You

Due to the nature of the role a car driver is essential.

• A degree in Occupational Therapy (or Dip COT) and HCPC registration.
• Commitment to person‑centred care and professional ethics.
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills.
• An understanding of occupational therapy in social care and relevant legislation.

For experienced OTs:

• Proven ability to manage a complex caseload
• Moving and handling experience and knowledge
• Working knowledge of legislation including, but not exclusive to, the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, Moving and Handling. and housing adaptations.

Contact

Alison Thomas, Service Manager and Principal Occupational Therapist, [e-mail]

Interview date: TBC

About Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?

• We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits

At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve peoples lives. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity

We are a Disability Confident Employer – find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW

The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job‑share, part‑time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.

Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at‑risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.