At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults and children with disabilities to live independently in the community.
- Company: Join a friendly team dedicated to empowering vulnerable residents.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional training, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Be part of a changing borough with a vibrant community and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care or equivalent required.
The predicted salary is between 39634 - 48442 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our innovative and friendly Access and Enabling Independence Service. We support Adults and Children with disabilities across London Borough of Barking and Dagenham to live as safely and independently in the community.
This diverse role will facilitate your development and equip you with a range of skills to enable you to undertake frontline holistic occupational therapy assessments within a social care setting. You will work alongside Occupational Therapists to support and empower residents with various medical conditions who are often vulnerable, to live meaningful lives within the community.
You will have the opportunity to put into practice the legislation underpinning and build on or develop experience in the assessment for specialist equipment, major adaptations, housing needs and intervention, with the aim of supporting and empowering our service users to live meaningful lives within the community.
Special requirements for this post include:
- This post carries a requirement to have an Enhanced DBS check for Children/Adults.
- You will have a minimum qualification of Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care or equivalent.
- You must be competent in completing assessments and clinical reasoning skills; have effective written and verbal communication.
- You should be able to plan, organise and evaluate your own workload, be self-motivated, work well in a team and with other professionals and outside agencies.
You will receive day to day support, supervision and training.
Barking & Dagenham is changing. It Starts Here. While this small corner of east London might have a reputation for needing development, scratch beneath the surface and you'll find active communities and a place that consistently punches above its weight. The borough is changing - and changing for the better.
We have award winning parks, centuries old manor houses full of relics and artifacts you can go and see, and the ruins of one of Anglo-Saxon England's most powerful and wealthiest religious sites. We're even bringing beavers and white storks to the borough to help rewild the local landscape and boost biodiversity.
We're focused on what matters most to local people. We're creating the conditions for people to thrive - so everyone can enjoy a good quality of life, feel proud to call this place home, and be part of something bigger.
As an Investors in People Gold Award employer, we're serious about supporting our staff. From flexible working, professional training and career development to wellbeing initiatives we want our people to feel valued and supported in everything they do.
Occupational Therapy Assistant employer: Barking & Dagenham Council
Barking and Dagenham Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a real difference in the community by tackling environmental issues. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to training opportunities and a supportive team culture that values collaboration and innovation. Working in this vibrant borough not only provides job security but also the chance to engage with residents and contribute to a cleaner, safer environment.
Contact Details:
Barking & Dagenham Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapy Assistant
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Barking & Dagenham Council. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Barking & Dagenham Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapy Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Barking & Dagenham Council:Take some time to research Barking & Dagenham Council and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barking & Dagenham Council
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Barking & Dagenham Council's values and approach.
