Overview
We have an opportunity for a permanent Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant (SOTA) position within our county-wide Learning Disabilities and Autism (LD&A) Occupational Therapy team. This rare vacancy has arisen following the successful progression of the current post holder onto the Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship Degree course. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced OTA who is passionate about supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism to live more independently and meaningfully. We offer a hybrid working model with a minimum of two office days per week, including one whole-team day.
The starting salary for this role is £33,552 based on a 36 hour working week.
Responsibilities
* Work under the supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist to carry out assessments and evaluate needs.
* Prescribe minor adaptations and equipment to support individuals in daily life.
* Have a working knowledge of the Disabled Facilities Grant process and implement straightforward major adaptations such as wet rooms.
* Support the delivery of skills development interventions and contribute to planning of support strategies to promote independence and meaningful participation.
* Help individuals build independence and confidence through the acquisition and maintenance of essential life skills, enabling meaningful participation in daily activities; promote the use of technology to assist individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism.
* Provide guidance and support to other Occupational Therapy Assistants and facilitate peer support meetings.
* Champion inclusive and accessible practices, including the use of easy-read materials and autism friendly approaches.
Shortlisting criteria
* Previous experience working as a Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant or as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
* The ability to empathise with, and show compassion towards, individuals in need of social care assistance
* Strong knowledge of the needs and challenges faced by adults requiring social care, and a commitment to supporting their well-being
* The ability to manage multiple tasks whilst delivering high-quality work
* Proficiency in basic IT skills such as Microsoft Office, email and file management, alongside a demonstrated willingness to learn and adapt to new software systems
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly, concisely, and respectfully, both verbally and in writing
Application questions
* Looking at our advert, and considering the Council's commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind, please tell us what it is about the role that has motivated you to apply?
* Please tell us about the relevant experience or transferable skills you have that you can bring to this role?
* What three qualities do you have that would make you a good Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant and how do these qualities support Surrey County Council's culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and adaptability?
Contact us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
For an informal discussion, please contact Claire Waite at claire.waite@surreycc.gov.uk or Ran Rai at Ranjit.Rai@surreycc.gov.uk.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 14/09/2025 with interviews to follow.
We look forward to receiving your application; please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Rewards and Benefits
* 26 days’ holiday (prorata for part-time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years’ service and 31 days after 5 years’ service
* Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
* An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
* Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
* Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
* A generous local government salary related pension
* Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
* 2 paid volunteering days per year
* Learning and development hub with resources
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
* The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
* The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
Our Behaviours
The Surrey Way behaviours guide our council to work together effectively and deliver our best for our customers and communities, and for each other. Our Life at Surrey handbook provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.
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