Senior Occupational Therapist in Housing

NHS Jobs; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Jobs is seeking a Senior Occupational Therapist in Housing to lead holistic assessments and advise on housing-related adaptations. The role involves working with health colleagues to process referrals, support safe discharge, and ensure timely adaptations and equipment provision.

You will mentor staff and chair multi-agency meetings to secure the best outcomes for adults and children. You will travel around Essex and beyond, with a requirement for a driving licence or mobility alternatives,

Qualifications

• HCPC registration is required and evidenced in professional practice.
• Experience mentoring staff and supervising others in a health/social care setting.
• Ability to chair multi-agency meetings with clients, families and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Deliver holistic OT assessments including housing factors.
• Collaborate with health and housing colleagues to progress referrals and support safe discharge.
• Provide equipment, adaptations and signposting based on assessed needs and policy guidance.
• Support DFG processes and liaise with housing officers to progress adaptations.
• Mentor junior OTs and share expertise in complex adaptations.

Skills

HCPC registered

Mentoring staff

Chairing meetings

Education

OT degree or equivalent

Job description

Senior Occupational Therapist in Housing

Your role will involve... Completing holistic assessments that include all housing factors impacting on the individual and their household. Working alongside Health colleagues to assist with processing referrals to achieve safe, early discharge and prevent delays. Referring to universal services where appropriate and liaising with other colleagues, including Family Operations, to meet the needs of the individual. Seeking to resolve needs associated with specific impairments by the provision of equipment, support and signposting to alternative services where appropriate. Making recommendations based on assessed need, for the provision of certain property types, adaptations and equipment, taking account of both Health and Housing policy and legislation. Progressing and supporting recommendations where specialist input is required. Monitoring progress of the referral pathway and providing data to support the project and predicted cost savings. Working alongside Housing Officers to support Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funded recommendations. Ensuring referrals are reviewed and progressed effectively so that adaptations are completed efficiently. Supporting Case Options Panels (COP) when solutions to meet assessed needs are not easily identifiable and options need to be explored through a multi-disciplinary approach including adults, children and families. Mentoring Health and Community OTs involved with complex adaptations to ensure the best possible solutions are achieved for the adult or child. Providing training where required to ensure Health colleagues understand the DFG process and adaptations that would enable effective and efficient discharge home for adults and children. Being creative in developing the services provided by Housing by working with local and district councils to provide the best possible solutions for those adults and children who have the greatest need thereby reducing the length of time spent in hospital, hospice of residential/ nursing care. Managing a small number of allocated cases and cases that have been assessed by a Health or Social Care OT to support the Housing Officers. These responsibilities will support your professional registration and CPD. About You Qualified Occupational Therapist or equivalent qualification, with current Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration. Significant experience in a social care setting, demonstrating a comprehensive and up to date understanding of all relevant legislation regulation and guidance including the Care Act, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty and Court of Protection procedures, Housing and Regeneration Act. Demonstrable experience of delivering major adaptations. Experience of mentoring both newly qualified and experienced staff and being a subject matter expert in professional practice. Experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members and/or carers and other multi-agency professionals. Ability to develop strong relationships with partners, other agencies and the local community. Understanding of the financial implications of care packages commissioned. Proven track record of clear decision making in order to highlight and limit the potential risks associated with intervention. Evidence of continuing professional development. This role involves travelling around Essex and beyond. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means - is essential.