Occupational Therapist - First Contact Team

Wokingham Borough Council; Wokingham; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Leave 30 days plus public leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

GP Helpline

Employee Assistance Programme

Eye Tests & Flu Vaccines

Onsite Gym

Car and Cycle to Work

Discounts

Move through Menopause Course

Sports & Social Groups

Learning & Development

Employee Networks

Job summary

Wokingham Borough Council is recruiting an Occupational Therapist for the First Contact Team in Adult Social Care. The role is full-time and permanent, blending home visits with in-person work in a hybrid model.

You will conduct rapid triage assessments, identify quick wins, perform manual handling assessments and support people to stay independent, safe and well. Excellent professional development is offered.

Qualifications

• Professional degree level Occupational Therapy qualification or equivalent.
• Full driving licence and access to daily use of a car.
• Willingness to undertake continuous professional development.
• Good knowledge of statutory framework for relevant care group.

Responsibilities

• Assess and review the complex needs of people and their carers under the Care Act 2014, offering advice and access to the right support.
• Use a strengths-based, person-centred approach, ensuring dignity, cultural needs, communications and personal choices are respected.
• Carry out specialist assessments of daily activities, including eating, posture, seating, home environment, equipment and community access.
• Apply knowledge of adaptations and accessible environments, housing adaptations and Disabled Facilities Grant legislation.
• Complete manual handling risk assessments and provide safe equipment and interventions.

Skills

Strong IT skills

Driving licence

Education

Occupational Therapy degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Client record systems

Job description

Occupational Therapist - First Contact Team, Adult Social Care

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £44,253 – £50,909 Per Annum, Plus Benefits
Location: Wokingham
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 22/11/2026 at 23:00
Reference: 713474

We have a fantastic opportunity available for an Occupational Therapist to join our dedicated Adult Social Care team at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time , permanent basis.

This is a fast-paced duty triage role, focused on short-term preventative support and managing risk at the first point of contact. We’re looking for someone who can work confidently at pace, carrying out visits, identifying practical quick wins, and completing manual handling assessments to achieve timely, positive outcomes for people.

As an Occupational Therapist you will work within the rules, guidance, and policies to support people in the best way possible. This includes getting to know individuals and their carers, assessing their needs, planning and reviewing care and support, and helping them stay independent, safe, and well.

This is an exciting time to join our award-winning Local Authority, with our service recently ranked one of the highest in the country following a CQC inspection.

Wokingham Borough Council has joined the Social Care Future (SCF) movement, a growing community working to transform adult social care. SCF’s vision is to help everyone, regardless of age, health, or disability, live in a home and community they love, surrounded by the people and activities that matter most to them.

You’ll become part of a supportive and collaborative team where you can build confidence, strengthen your clinical skills, and gain experience across a wide range of practice settings, equipping you to truly thrive in your role. Our hybrid working model gives you the flexibility you need, combining home working with meetings and in-person visits.

At Wokingham Borough Council, we’re committed to your growth. We offer tailored learning and development pathways for Occupational Therapists, helping you build your expertise and specialise in the areas that inspire you.

Staff benefits:

Generous Annual Leave entitlement of 30 days per annum (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

GP Helpline

Employee Assistance Programme

Free Eye TestsandFlu Vaccines

Free Onsite Gym(located at Shute End, Wokingham)

Salary Sacrifice Schemes– includingCarandCycle to Work

Local & Lifestyle Discounts– savings on shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and more

Move through Menopause Course

Sports & Social Group Activities– running, football, cricket, and more

Learning & Development Opportunities

Employee Networks

And more!

Key responsibilities:

• Assess and review the complex needs of people and their carers under the Care Act 2014, offering advice, guidance, and access to the right support to keep them safe and well.
• Use a strengths-based, person-centred approach, building respectful relationships and ensuring dignity, cultural needs, communication needs, and personal choices are always recognised.
• Carry out specialist assessments of daily activities, including eating, communication, posture, seating, home environment, equipment, transport, and community access.
• Use strong knowledge of adaptations and accessible environments, including building regulations, housing adaptations, and relevant legislation like the Disabled Facilities Grant.
• Complete manual handling risk assessments and provide safe equipment and interventions in line with Health and Safety requirements and best practice guidelines.

Candidate requirements:

• Professional degree level Occupational Therapy qualification or equivalent
• Strong IT skills including proficient user of Microsoft Office and client record systems
• Full EU driving licence (and access to daily use of a car)
• Willingness to undertake continuous professional development
• Good working knowledge of the statutory framework for the relevant care group and of an appropriate range of professional interventions

Our area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Wokingham Borough Council has committed to becoming a Marmot borough to embed prevention, early intervention and address inequalities in all aspects of our work. This is especially important given the significant and continued growth of our Borough and the diversity of its residents.

Please request further information or to have an informal discussion about this role please contact Louise Pearce, Team Manager via email - [e-mail]

Closing Date: 22nd November 2026, 11pm

Interview Date: TBC

AI in Applications:

We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate your own knowledge, experience and suitability.

All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.