Senior Occupational Therapist - Runnymede

NHS; Weybridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Weybridge is seeking an experienced Senior Occupational Therapist to join their Runnymede Locality team. The role focuses on assessing social care needs, planning support, and working closely with families. Applicants should have a degree in Occupational Therapy and substantial post-qualification experience. This position offers a starting salary of £47,884 per annum for full-time applicants, with part-time options also welcomed.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in Occupational Therapy and current registration with HCPC.
• Substantial post-qualification experience in a multi-disciplinary setting.
• Experience providing professional supervision and handling complex cases.

Responsibilities

• Conduct holistic assessments of social care needs.
• Plan support across dedicated caseloads.
• Work closely with families and care workers to improve quality of life.

Skills

Assessing for major adaptations

Specialised equipment knowledge

Person-centred OT assessments

Moving and handling equipment familiarity

Knowledge of legislation

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Overview

Job summary: This role has a starting salary of £47,884 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. Although this is being advertised as a full-time position, we also welcome part-time applications. We have an opportunity for an experienced Senior Occupational Therapist to join our Runnymede Locality team, based at the Weybridge Community Hub at Weybridge Library, on the high street and in the heart of this bustling Surrey town.

Job responsibilities

This role requires professional experience of assessing for major adaptations, specialised equipment and completing moving and handling risk assessments. As a Senior Occupational Therapist, you will conduct holistic assessments of social care needs and planning support across a dedicated caseload. Working closely with families, carers and care workers, you'll play a vital role in supporting people from diverse backgrounds, with a wide range of needs. You will support residents to live meaningful lives within the community, contributing to a statutory social work service in the Runnymede area. The role includes regular supervision and access to informal support from the wider team; the team focuses on using strengths-based approaches to achieve positive outcomes for individuals. The Surrey County Council's Smart Working in Occupational Therapy (SWOT) approach and the Five Steps programme are highlighted as part of the team's practice.

About the Team

Working in the Runnymede Locality Team means being part of a close-knit, supportive, and friendly team. Colleagues are always ready to lend a hand, share knowledge, and provide encouragement, creating a positive and collaborative atmosphere. The team is dedicated to the professional development of all its members, offering ample opportunities through the Surrey County Council training offer, mentorship, and career advancement, ensuring that everyone has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential. The role is challenging and rewarding as team members provide a statutory social work service to the community of Runnymede and aim to improve the quality of life for those they support.

About the Role

No two days are the same. This diverse role requires professional experience of assessing for major adaptations, specialised equipment and completing moving and handling risk assessments. Our aim is to support residents to live meaningful lives within the community, the very essence of occupational therapy. You will conduct holistic assessments of social care needs and planning support across a dedicated caseload, working closely with families, carers and care workers. We offer regular monthly supervision and informal support from the wider team. The value of occupational therapists is well recognised within our team, enabling full use of skills to achieve positive outcomes, focusing on what is important to the individuals we work with.

Surrey County Council's SWOT approach has been recognised nationally for transforming how Occupational Therapy support requests are managed, with the Five Steps programme cited as a key component. We anticipate expanding SWOT rollout across Surrey to support residents.

Shortlisting Criteria

• Professional qualification in Occupational Therapy and current registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Substantial post-qualification professional experience including working within a social care, health or community-focused multi-disciplinary setting
• Ability to complete person-centred and proportionate OT assessments
• Familiarity with moving and handling equipment such as hoists and stand aids
• Knowledge of medical conditions and the likely impact on the individual, carer and family
• Knowledge of current legislation, including the Care Act and the Mental Capacity Act and its application to practice in a social care setting
• Experience of providing professional supervision and working on complex cases

Requirements & Other Information

• Driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and willingness to travel across a wide geographical area (locality-based role in Surrey)
• Reasonable adjustments available for applicants with a disability or long-term health condition
• Job advert closes at 23:59 on 5 October 2025; interviews planned for 13–14 October 2025
• Disability Confident Employer: guaranteed interview for disabled applicants who meet minimum criteria and choose to disclose a disability; adjustments available during interview and/or role onboarding

Qualifications

Essential: Degree or equivalent qualification in Occupational Therapy and registration with HCPC.

Experience

Essential: Substantial post-qualification professional experience including working within a social care, health or community-focused multi-disciplinary setting.

Other Information

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check applicable as per Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975
• UK professional registration required

Employer details

Employer: Surrey County Council

Address: The Ashford Centre, Stanwell Road, Stanwell, Ashford, Weybridge, KT13 8DE

Employer's website: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/jobs