Overview
Adults Occupational Therapist - Mental Health, Surrey County Council
The starting salary for this role is £42,239 per annum, working 36 hours per week. This role is based in Woking with a view to county coverage as part of the Enabling Independence Team. Surrey offers agile working with the ability to work flexibly from both the office and home. Applications from newly qualified OTs are welcomed and will be supported with full professional development.
Closing date for this advert is 05/10/2025 with interviews to follow.
Responsibilities
* Work directly with individuals to assess strengths, needs, and aspirations, managing the impact of physical and mental health conditions on daily life through proportionate assessments.
* Help clients build routines, manage home environments, and gain confidence in everyday tasks using occupational therapy approaches to foster independence, reduce isolation, and connect with meaningful community resources.
* Provide clinical insight and practical strategies to colleagues handling complex cases; contribute to skills gain programmes; support team learning through reflective practice and informal training.
* Apply key legislation (including mental capacity assessments and best interest decisions) and conduct specialist mental health evaluations; carry out moving and handling risk assessments and recommend equipment and major adaptations.
* Deliver rehabilitation interventions that empower individuals to live fulfilling lives; manage safeguarding responsibilities; coordinate with health, social care and voluntary sectors for community support and safe hospital discharge planning.
* Manage a caseload of adults; uphold high standards of person-centred care; participate in supervision and performance reviews; explore digital tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot) to enhance client engagement and practice efficiency.
Team and Setting
You will join a multi-skilled team including Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, a Senior Occupational Therapist, AMHPs, reablement workers, Assistant Social Care Practitioners, and an Occupational Therapy Assistant Team Manager. The Enabling Independence Team (EIT) focuses on supporting individuals living with mental health conditions and/or substance misuse with social care needs, grounded in strengths-based, goal-oriented practice.
Responsibilities and Role Details
* Apply OT approaches within the EIT model to support holistic and creative service delivery.
* Engage in supervision and performance reviews and contribute to service improvement and innovation.
* Utilise professional judgement to support safety and independence, including safeguarding and transition planning.
Qualifications and Shortlisting Criteria
* Professional qualification in Occupational Therapy and current registration with HCPC.
* Experience in a social care, health or community-focused multi-disciplinary setting with a good mental health working perspective.
* Ability to complete person-centred and proportionate OT assessments; familiarity with moving and handling equipment such as hoists and stand aids.
* Knowledge of current legislation (Care Act and Mental Capacity Act) and its application in social care practice; understanding of physical and mental health conditions and associated risk.
Surrey has both urban and rural areas; locality-based social care workers will be expected to have a valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area.
Benefits and Conditions
* 26 days' holiday, 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.
* A generous local government salary-related pension; up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year; paternity, adoption and dependents leave.
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for health and wellbeing; learning and development hub with resources; wellbeing and lifestyle discounts (gym, travel, shopping).
Additional Information
An enhanced DBS check for regulated activity and the Children and Adults’ Barred List checks are required for this role. Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation; roles will transfer with terms and conditions to one of the new unitary councils in April 2027.
Our commitment: We are a disability confident employer and welcome adjustments to support your application. We value inclusion and encourage you to apply.
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