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- Tasks: Help people adapt their homes for better living with a focus on health and safety.
- Company: Join Essex, a leading local authority dedicated to community transformation and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, training opportunities, and a generous leave package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: You need a degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration.
- Other info: This role involves travel across Essex; a driving licence is essential.
The predicted salary is between 31100 - 41700 £ per year.
This is a 12-month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity.
This is an exciting opportunity for a housing Occupational Therapist with experience in major adaptations to develop and support local district and borough councils. As an OT you will be working alongside Environmental Health and Housing Officers within the quadrants to facilitate the safe and early discharge of people from hospital, residential/nursing placements and hospices.
This post will provide the opportunity to work with adults and children with life-limiting conditions and life-altering injuries to prevent formal care placements where their home environment is not currently suited to their assessed needs. This work is essential to ensure discharges are not delayed because of the need for adaptations and issues related to housing needs.
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.
- Referring to universal services where appropriate and liaising with other colleagues, including Family Operations.
- Seeking to resolve needs associated with specific impairments by the provision of equipment, support and signposting to alternative services.
- Making recommendations based on assessed need, for the provision of certain property types, adaptations and equipment.
- Progressing and supporting recommendations where specialist input is required.
- Working alongside Housing Officers to support Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funded recommendations.
- Ensuring referrals are progressed effectively so that adaptations are completed efficiently.
- Being creative in developing the services provided by Housing by working with local and district councils to provide the best possible solutions for those adults and children who have the greatest need thereby reducing the length of time spent in hospital, hospice or residential/nursing care.
- Managing cases that have been assessed by a Health or Social Care OT to support the Housing Officer.
About You
To apply, you'll need a degree or diploma in Occupational Therapy, or equivalent qualification, with current Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration. You'll bring experience of Occupational Therapy and major adaptations, modelling good practice and providing advice and guidance in complex situations. As a subject matter expert in relevant professional practice, you should have a comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations and guidance. Also, the ability to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community to provide a supportive framework for vulnerable adults. The post holder must be confident in person-centred and positive risk-taking approaches.
This role involves travelling throughout Essex. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role - is essential. You will be required to register with the DBS update service.
What We Offer In Return
- Training and development to empower you from our award-winning Essex Social Care Academy.
- Flexible working options.
- Employee wellbeing and counselling support.
- Lease Car scheme.
- Up to £8000 for relocation.
- Life assurance of three times annual salary.
- Payment of professional fees for approved professions.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Volunteering leave.
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with service.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - access to free and confidential information, support, and guidance from a team of highly qualified professionals.
- Employee Networks - communities to support you, connect you and help influence change at ECC.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
To apply for this role, click the APPLY button below to be redirected to the application form.
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist in Housing
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local housing policies and regulations in Essex. Understanding how these impact the role of an Occupational Therapist will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current professionals in the field, especially those working in housing adaptations. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific case studies or experiences where you've successfully implemented major adaptations. This will showcase your practical skills and problem-solving abilities relevant to the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, such as Health colleagues and Housing Officers. Emphasising your teamwork skills will be crucial for this community-based role.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist in Housing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Occupational Therapy, particularly with major adaptations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements in similar roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Explain how your background and expertise align with the needs of the role, particularly your experience working with vulnerable adults and children.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree or diploma in Occupational Therapy and ensure you mention your current HCPC registration. This is crucial for demonstrating your eligibility for the position.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve positive outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Occupational Therapist in Housing. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks, such as completing holistic assessments and working alongside Housing Officers. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the job requirements.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience with major adaptations and how you've successfully supported individuals with life-limiting conditions. Use specific examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with other professionals.
✨Know the Legislation
Brush up on current legislation, regulations, and guidance related to housing and occupational therapy. Being knowledgeable about these aspects will show that you are a subject matter expert and can navigate complex situations effectively.
✨Demonstrate Person-Centred Approaches
Be ready to discuss how you apply person-centred and positive risk-taking approaches in your practice. Highlight any experiences where you've developed strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community to support vulnerable adults.
