Senior Occupational Therapist in Housing x 2
Fixed Term / Secondment, 2 year contract
Full Time, 37 hours per week
£48,205 to £57,988 per annum
Location: Basildon or Tendring
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 5th July 2026
We’re an adult social care service that aims to give citizens of Essex as much choice and control over the way they live their lives as possible. This role offers a chance for a passionate and experienced housing Occupational Therapist to work with local district and borough councils to facilitate safe and early discharge of adults and children from hospital, residential/nursing placements, and hospices.
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 property types, adaptations and equipment, taking account of 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 when solutions to meet assessed needs are not easily identifiable.
- Mentoring health and community OTs involved with complex adaptations to ensure best possible solutions are achieved.
- Providing training where required to ensure health colleagues understand the DFG process and adaptations that would enable effective and efficient discharge home.
- Being creative in developing services by working with local and district councils to provide the best possible solutions for those with the greatest need, thereby reducing time in hospital or residential care.
- Managing a small number of allocated and assessed cases to support Housing Officers.
- These responsibilities will support professional registration and CPD.
About You
- Qualified Occupational Therapist or equivalent with current HCPC registration.
- Significant experience in a social care setting, with up-to-date knowledge of legislation including the Care Act, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, and relevant housing regulations.
- Demonstrable experience of delivering major adaptations.
- Experience of mentoring new and experienced staff and serving as a subject‑matter expert in professional practice.
- Experience of chairing meetings involving clients, carers, and multi‑agency professionals.
- Ability to develop strong relationships with partners, agencies and the local community.
- Understanding of the financial implications of care package commissioning.
- Proven track record of clear decision‑making to highlight and limit risks associated with intervention.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
Travel around Essex and beyond is required; a driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.
What We Offer
- Ongoing opportunities for continuing professional development.
- Flexible working options.
- Employee wellbeing and counselling.
- Lease‑car scheme.
- Life assurance of three times annual salary.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Volunteering leave.
- 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Employee networks and communities.
- Payment of HCPC registration fees.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are a Disability Confident Leader and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements. We also invite veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements to apply.
