At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities to enhance their independence and quality of life.
- Company: Brent Council, dedicated to improving lives in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Golden Hello bonus, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Qualified, HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with experience in assessments.
The predicted salary is between 44685 - 48003 £ per year.
Salary range: £44,685 - £48,003 p.a. inc. London weighting and a Golden Hello of £5000 and £3000 recruitment and retention allowance.
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Civic centre and other locations from time to time.
Help shape brighter futures for children and young people with disabilities in Brent. Every child and young person should have the opportunity to live as independently as possible, take part in the things that matter to them and enjoy a good quality of life. In Brent’s Children and Young People with Disabilities Team, our Occupational Therapists help make that possible – providing specialist support and practical solutions that can transform everyday life for children and their families.
The Post - Make a difference that can be felt every day. We’re looking for a skilled and motivated Occupational Therapist to join Brent’s Children and Young People with Disabilities Team, supporting children and young people with substantial physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities. Working with children and families, and a multi-disciplinary professional network you’ll use your specialist OT skills to develop practical, personalised solutions that promote independence, inclusion and participation.
In this varied and rewarding role, you’ll:
- Undertake specialist functional assessments, considering the needs of both children and their families.
- Recommend specialist equipment, seating and minor adaptations to support independence and safety.
- Undertake moving and handling assessments and develop appropriate plans.
- Contribute to major home adaptations, working with Housing colleagues, surveyors and architects.
- Work closely with families, schools, health professionals and other agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
- Manage a varied caseload, including children and young people with complex needs.
Your work will have a tangible impact – helping children participate more fully in everyday life, increasing their independence and improving quality of life for them and their families. You’ll be supported too, with independent clinical supervision, continued professional development and close links with OT colleagues across Brent Council.
The Person - Bring your expertise. Make it count. You’ll be a qualified, HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist with the clinical judgement, compassion and creativity to deliver excellent outcomes for children and young people with disabilities within a social care setting. You’ll have experience of undertaking comprehensive OT assessments and be confident developing practical, evidence-based solutions around areas such as equipment, moving and handling and adaptations.
You’ll be:
- Child-focused and committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with disabilities.
- Clinically confident, with the ability to undertake detailed assessments and make evidence-based recommendations.
- Creative and solution-focused when responding to complex functional and environmental needs.
- A strong communicator, able to build effective relationships with children, families and multidisciplinary professionals.
- Organised and able to effectively manage and prioritise a varied caseload.
- Able to produce clear, high-quality OT reports, care plans and recommendations.
- A reflective practitioner who values supervision, professional development and high standards of practice.
Most importantly, you’ll understand that great Occupational Therapy is about more than equipment or adaptations – it’s about helping children and young people do more, participate more and experience greater independence in their everyday lives. If you’re looking for a Children’s OT role where you can use the breadth of your professional skills and see the real-world difference your work makes, we’d love to hear from you.
How to apply
Please note: this is a rolling recruitment campaign. Applications will be reviewed weekly, with successful applicants invited to interview on a weekly basis. We encourage you to apply early so we can progress your application as soon as possible.
You will need to submit a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria outlined in the application guidance linked below:
This is a key part of the selection process, and applications without a supporting statement may not be considered. You may also upload a CV to support your application, but it cannot replace the supporting statement.
Interested in applying? Click "Apply Now" to begin your application.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. If you are interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Applications from candidates who have applied for this role in the last 6 months will not be considered.
Additional Information
If you are interested in applying for this job, please start by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. You must provide a supporting statement as part of your application that clearly shows how you meet the criteria on the Person Specification. We will accept a CV in support of your application, however, you should still provide a supporting statement.
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourages applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application.
We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.
Brent has a positive approach to flexible working.
As a disability confident employer Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including “non-visible” disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us.
Occupational Therapist employer: Borough of Brent
The Borough of Brent is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive in their political careers. With a strong emphasis on flexibility and work-life balance, the role of Policy & Communications Assistant provides generous annual leave and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist
✨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 Borough of Brent. 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 Borough of Brent.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist
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 Borough of Brent:Take some time to research Borough of Brent 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 Borough of Brent
✨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 Borough of Brent's values and approach.
