Job Description
2 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary
West Sussex County Council is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist to join the Regaining Independence Service (RIS) on a temporary basis. This community-based role focuses on supporting adults to maintain or regain independence following illness or functional decline, using a strengths‑based and reablement approach.
Key Duties / Accountabilities (Sample)
* Undertake strengths‑based occupational therapy assessments to identify needs, risks, and outcomes in line with the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
* Develop, implement, and review person‑centred intervention plans to support individuals to live independently at home and within their communities.
* Work collaboratively with reablement providers, NHS colleagues, voluntary organisations, carers, and families to achieve agreed outcomes.
* Apply a risk enablement approach, balancing safety with independence using evidence‑based practice.
* Contribute to and support safeguarding enquiries where required.
* Recommend, demonstrate, and support the use of community equipment and adaptations, including transporting equipment when necessary.
* Supervise and support unregistered practitioners, and provide mentoring to students and apprentices.
* Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant electronic case records, ensuring confidentiality and data protection standards are met.
* Work autonomously, managing a varied caseload and prioritising workload effectively.
Skills / Experience
* Proven experience working in community, reablement, or adult social care settings.
* Strong knowledge of adult social care legislation, including the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.
* Experience of risk assessment, risk management, and safeguarding within a community setting.
* Ability to analyse complex information to inform decision‑making and care planning.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
* Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting junior staff or students.
* Confident IT skills for electronic record‑keeping and reporting.
Additional Information
* The closing date: today 02 / 01 / 2026.
* The post is based in Horsham, with countywide travel, and involves a mix of home working, office working, and home visits once induction is complete.
* A full driving licence and access to a car are essential.
* Qualified Occupational Therapist with HCPC registration.
* Hours: 37 hours per week.
Requirements
* Proven experience working in community, reablement, or adult social care settings.
* Strong knowledge of adult social care legislation, including the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.
* Experience of risk assessment, risk management, and safeguarding within a community setting.
* Ability to analyse complex information to inform decision‑making and care planning.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
* Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting junior staff or students.
* Confident IT skills for electronic record‑keeping and reporting.
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