Occupational Therapist

North Somerset Council; Weston-super-Mare; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

North Somerset Council is seeking a permanent Occupational Therapist to join the Enhanced Support Team in Weston-super-Mare. The role covers adults with complex health and social care needs, applying a strength-based, person-centred approach alongside social workers and ASCW's.

Whether experienced or newly qualified, you will undertake assessments, prescribe equipment and adaptations, and contribute to care planning and transitions, with training and supervision to support professional

Qualifications

• Qualified Occupational Therapist registered or due to be registered with HCPC.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload and make defensible decisions.
• Strong knowledge of Care Act 2014, Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Experience of effective multiagency working.
• Strong written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertake Occupational Therapy assessments and reviews, including mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions.
• Identify and prescribe specialist equipment and complex adaptations.
• Complete specialist assessments, including moving and handling and postural management.
• Assess and consider positive risk enablement as appropriate.
• Where appropriate, undertake carer’s assessments and adjust care packages.
• Support transitions for young people not meeting criteria for the Adult Transitions Team.
• Collaborate with Social Workers to ensure a streamlined intervention.

Skills

Occupational Therapy

Communication skills

Multiagency working

Autonomy

Risk management

Education

HCPC registration

Qualified Occupational Therapist

Job description

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a permanent Occupational Therapist either experienced or newly qualified to join a new Adult Social Care team. The Enhanced Support Team (EST) covers the whole of North Somerset, and we work alongside a person who may need more longer-term involvement from adult social care. We support adults with multiple health and social care needs utilising a strength based and person-centred approach, ensuring that the person, their support networks and relevant partner agencies are involved. The Enhanced Support Team consists of Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Adult Social Care Workers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Undertake Occupational Therapy and Care Act assessments and reviews, to include mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions.
• Identify and prescribe specialist equipment.
• Identify and prescribe complex adaptations.
• Complete specialist assessments, to include moving and handling and postural management assessments.
• Assess and consider positive risk enablement as appropriate.
• Where appropriate, the therapist can undertake a carer’s assessment and make changes to the care and support package.
• Transitions for young people who do not meet criteria for the Adult Transitions Team.
• Working alongside Social Workers/ASCW’s in the team to ensure a person has a streamlined approach to their intervention.

We offer:

• Access to regular clinical reflective supervision which empowers you to make evidence informed professional judgements drawing on the latest research, theories, legislation, and policy frameworks.
• Learning and Development programme, Quality Assurance Framework and membership to Research in Practice (RIP): providing every member of staff access to their resources.
• Opportunities to access various training to enhance your skills, knowledge and performance as well as providing the opportunity to train in specific areas and access to regular legal and practice updates.
• Preceptorship programme through the Newly Qualified Occupational Therapy (NQOT) framework for newly qualified occupational therapists.

We are passionate about peer learning and offer group supervision and peer support groups where you can share your experience and learn from others.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

This position is based at the Town Hall Weston-super-Mare.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

Mobile/Field Worker

• 0-1 day in the office
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about Occupational Therapy. We are looking for someone who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified Occupational Therapist registered or due to be registered with HCPC.
• Ability to manage a complex case load and make sound, defensible decisions.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation including Care Act 2014, Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Experience of effective multiagency working
• Strong communication skills and ability to produce high-quality written work
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritise workload, manage risk and meet deadlines.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of working in an adult social care setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of Disabled Facilities Grant processes
• Knowledge and experience of moving and handling techniques and complex postural management

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

Potential Interview Date: Friday 11 September 2026.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.