Description
We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.
This full-time, permanent role has a starting salary of £33,552 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.
We have a great opportunity for an Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our fantastic Children with Disabilities Occupational Therapist (OT) Team based from our Reigate office, Woodhatch.
Our Offer to You
1. 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
2. Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
3. A generous local government salary related pension
4. Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
5. Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
6. An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
7. Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
8. Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
9. A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About The Role
This is an exciting time to join Surrey County Council's Children with Disabilities Occupational Therapy Service as we continually improve outcomes for the children we work with. Working closely with our colleagues in health and education, the Children with Disabilities Service aims to safeguard and promote the welfare and development of children with disabilities, whilst supporting them to be cared for by their families at home.
The Children with Disabilities Occupational Therapist (OT) Team includes full and part-time OTs and several Occupational Therapy Assistants. We work across the whole of Surrey at the moment, but with planned Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), this will potentially become two separate OT teams working in either the East or West Surrey authority when it is created. The team is a part of the wider Children with Disabilities Service, which includes Social Workers.
The role of an Occupational Therapy Assistant is to provide significant support to qualified OTs, under the supervision of a Senior Children's Occupational Therapist, working directly with children, young people, and their families.
As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, your main responsibilities will include:
10. Undertaking complex tasks on cases which includes: OT assessments, supporting rehousing, seating, equipment and moving and handling reviews
11. Working with partners in the provision of targeted services
12. Participating in duty systems as required
13. Supporting the team by ensuring up to date knowledge of equipment, new products and theoretical advances
14. The review and adjustment of OT equipment
15. Contributing to improving practice standards and personal competence through continuous professional development
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with :
16. GCSE level of attainment, or equivalent alternative
17. Experience of working with children and families
18. Understanding of relevant legislation affecting working with children, including the Children Act (1989) and the Children and Families Act 2014
19. A commitment to working with children to improve the quality of their lives
20. The ability to plan, manage, and prioritise a caseload
21. Willingness and ability to work some evenings if required in line with service needs
Surrey has both urban and rural areas and Occupational Therapy staff are expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:
22. Please tell us about your motivations for applying for the role of Children's Occupational Therapy Assistant.
23. Please tell us about, and provide examples of, your experience of working with children with disabilities.
24. Please tell us how you work effectively with families, carers, and other professionals to ensure a child's Occupational Therapy support plan is progressed and communicated?
25. Please give an example of an activity or strategy you've used to make an activity engaging for a child who was reluctant to participate?
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and to get an insight into working at Surrey.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 05/02/2025 with interviews planned to follow.
Contact Us
We look forward to receiving your application,