Occupational Therapist in Rochdale

We are looking for two Occupational Therapists to join a new six-month pilot within the EPiC Lives adults transformation programme, working within our Short Term and Assessment and Reablement Service (STARS). The roles will support young people and working-age adults to prepare for adulthood, to build confidence and increase their independence. STARS is a short-term intensive reablement programme that supports people to live at home following a hospital stay or a change in their care and support needs. The service helps people regain independence, rebuild confidence and relearn skills that may have been affected by illness, disability, changes in circumstances or loss of confidence. The work is fast paced, practical and highly rewarding.

About the pilots: The EPiC Lives programme is developing a new approach to enablement and reablement for working-age adults aged 17 to 64. The pilot will test two linked offers: an Enablement Programme focused on independence, life skills and confidence, and an expanded STARS offer with additional support workers and enhanced Occupational Therapy input. The pilots will support people with a range of needs. The aim is to make prevention and enablement the default starting point, supporting people to achieve more independent outcomes before long-term care is considered. The pilot will strengthen links with Technology Enabled Care, supported accommodation and Trainer Flats, giving people opportunities to practise everyday skills in the right environment with the right support around them.

About the role: As the Occupational Therapist for the pilot, you will provide specialist assessment, intervention and professional guidance to help people do more for themselves, remain connected to their communities and reduce avoidable reliance on long-term care. You will work with people whose circumstances may have changed due to hospital discharge, increased need, a breakdown in support, transition into adulthood or a planned review. You will manage your own caseload, work alongside social care colleagues and the Integrated Health Team, and provide support and guidance to other workers involved in the pilot.

• Complete strengths-based Occupational Therapy assessments focused on independence, daily living skills, risk, wellbeing and meaningful outcomes.
• Develop practical, person-centred enablement and reablement plans with individuals, families, carers and partner agencies.
• Support people to build confidence and skills in areas such as personal care, domestic tasks, community access, routines, travel, education, employment and social inclusion.
• Promote creative use of equipment, adaptations, Technology Enabled Care and community resources to maximise independence.
• Provide professional advice, coaching and guidance to colleagues across STARS, Preparing for Adulthood and wider partner teams.
• Contribute to pilot monitoring, evaluation and evidence of impact, including outcomes achieved, learning from practice and opportunities for service improvement.
• Work collaboratively with social care, health, housing, community mental health, voluntary sector partners and other services to support smooth pathways and timely intervention.

About you: We are looking for a motivated and reflective Occupational Therapist who is passionate about strengths-based practice, prevention and helping people achieve outcomes that matter to them. You may already have experience in reablement, community services, adult social care, transitions or working with people with complex needs, or you may be looking to develop your skills in a supportive and innovative environment. You will need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council as an Occupational Therapist and able to practise safely and effectively within your scope of practice. You will bring good assessment, communication and partnership-working skills, with the ability to balance positive risk‑taking, independence and safeguarding. The post holder must be able to demonstrate an ability to travel around the Borough of Rochdale. This post is subject to a satisfactory two-year reference history, Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, medical clearance, evidence of essential qualifications and proof of legal working in accordance with Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.

What we offer: The OTs have their own Practice Development Group (PDG) and work closely across the borough to support and share learning. Clinical supervision is from an advanced practitioner OT. The opportunity to help shape a new and innovative model of enablement and reablement for working-age adults in Rochdale. A friendly, supportive and knowledgeable team that values shared learning, professional curiosity and reflective practice. Close working with colleagues across STARS, Preparing for Adulthood, social care, health, housing and voluntary sector partners. A rewarding role where your Occupational Therapy skills can make a visible difference to people’s independence, confidence and quality of life.