Occupational Therapist in Housing

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a housing Occupational Therapist with experience in major adaptations to develop and support local district and borough councils. As an OT, you will collaborate with Environmental Health and Housing Officers within the quadrants to facilitate the safe and early discharge of individuals from hospital, residential/nursing placements, and hospices.

The position involves working with adults and children with life-limiting conditions and injuries to prevent unsuitable formal care placements due to housing issues.

Your responsibilities will include:

1. Completing holistic assessments considering all housing factors affecting the individual and their household.
2. Collaborating with health colleagues to process referrals for safe, early discharge and prevent delays.
3. Referring to universal services and liaising with colleagues, including Family Operations, to meet individual needs.
4. Addressing needs related to impairments through equipment, support, and signposting to other services.
5. Making recommendations for property types, adaptations, and equipment based on assessments, aligned with health and housing policies and legislation.
6. Supporting recommendations requiring specialist input.
7. Working with Housing Officers to support Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funded recommendations.
8. Ensuring timely progression of referrals for adaptations.
9. Innovatively developing housing services by working with local councils to provide solutions for those with greatest needs, reducing hospital and care durations.
10. Managing cases assessed by health or social care OT to support housing officers.

About You

To apply, you need a degree or diploma in Occupational Therapy, current HCPC registration, and experience in major adaptations. You should have a strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and guidance, and be capable of developing relationships with partner agencies and the community. Confidence in person-centered and positive risk-taking approaches is essential.

This role requires travel across Essex. A driving license and vehicle, or alternative mobility means, are necessary.

Employment with Essex County Council requires registration with the DBS update service.

What We Offer In Return

We support your development through training, flexible working options, employee wellbeing programs, a lease car scheme, relocation assistance (up to £8000), life assurance, professional fee coverage, LGPS pension, volunteering leave, annual leave, EAP, employee networks, and more.

*Terms and conditions apply.

For more information, contact [e-mail]

Why Essex?

Essex offers a dynamic environment serving 1.8 million residents across 1,420 sq miles, with a focus on innovation and transformational change. As a Disability Confident Leader, Essex is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring accessible recruitment processes and support for disabled applicants, veterans, and care leavers.

We value integrity and ethical behavior, adhering to the Nolan principles to maintain a positive workplace. Employment may require a DBS check, with registration with the DBS update service necessary.

We are dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and encourage you to join our Talent Community for updates on opportunities and news. Follow us on social media for more information.