At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Reablement Team to provide specialist therapy support and maximise independence for individuals.
- Company: Central Bedfordshire Council, committed to a caring and dynamic work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive learning environment and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career as a Senior Occupational Therapist.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered and experienced Occupational Therapist with community travel capability.
The predicted salary is between 41042 - 44296 £ per year.
Team: Reablement Services
Job Family: Supporting - CBG11
Salary: £41,042- £44,296 per annum, pro rata + MRS £7,000 per annum, pro rata
Hours: Full time - 37 hours per week (Part time/Job Share would be considered)
Location: Hybrid working and any CBC offices, including Priory House, Shefford. You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month.
Contract type: Hybrid – Fixed Term Contract / Secondment Opportunity - Maternity cover ending August 2027
Closing date: 26th July 2026
Interview Date: 30th July 2026
About the role: An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior OT to join the Reablement Team and Step-up Step-down units in Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC). This is a Senior Practitioner role which will include managing a caseload. You will be assisting and supporting the team in the development of an effective and confident workforce in line with the Directorate’s values and priorities, supervising and creating a positive team ethos, setting an example in all aspects of work to ensure the exemplary reputation of the Council is upheld.
The role involves:
- Provide specialist therapy support to the Community reablement service and step up /down units at Redwood and Evergreen to maximise a person’s physical functionality and maximise independence. This may include (but is not limited to) - assessment, implementation and revision of person specific goals and plans.
- Provision of passive and/or active treatment plans as indicated by assessment and the demonstration of the person and/or carers in the implementation of those plans.
- Prescription of relevant assistive equipment and TEC to support the person in maximizing their potential and maintaining safety.
- Assessment and advice regarding moving and handling associated with the person in receipt of services.
- Advice and input to the Service on the development and role of the service, particularly regarding the promotion of the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy roles within the service.
- Supervision of therapists within the reablement team.
- Liaison with health and social care colleagues, regarding ongoing care and support plans, specific moving and handling techniques, referrals to specialist services where appropriate.
Working for us, you can expect to be valued for your positive and dynamic practice, be assisted to continue to develop as a practitioner within a supportive learning environment and operate within a ‘can do’ culture. Your contribution in helping us to succeed could enable you to discover your greatness. You will have skills that help us achieve the delivery of excellent person-centred approaches. You will value sound evidence-based practice and understand that best practice results in best value. You will know the importance of enabling people to be supported to be as independent as possible for as long as possible and that having a strong connection with local services and communities can make a real difference to people's lives and overall wellbeing.
If you are an experienced Occupational Therapist wanting to take the next step in your career and want to be part of a team delivering a responsive, flexible, and resilient service underpinned by a caring, compassionate, and confident operating culture, then we want to hear from you. You must be a registered and experienced Occupational Therapist and be able to travel around the county independently, able to work in the community covering the Central Bedfordshire region. Promoting independence, with a proactive and enabling approach is our ethos.
Our Offer: We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our Rewards and Benefits page. Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.
You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies in this Recruitment Pack. Our Competency Framework and Qualification Guidance are to be read in conjunction with our Recruitment Pack. For an informal discussion about this position, please contact: Anthony Prior via Anthony.prior@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk to arrange a discussion.
Safeguarding: Central Bedfordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers and contractors to share this commitment. This post is subject to the disclosure of criminal records.
To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council's policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline.
Our National Careers Service team offer a free monthly workshop covering CV writing and how to complete the statement sections of the Central Bedfordshire Council online application form. This MS Teams workshop is open to anyone from the UK and lasts around 1.5 hours. Please book your place here. More information about this service can be found here: Support getting into work or learning | Central Bedfordshire Council.
Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles. Successful applicants that may require a visa will need to consider the options for obtaining and/or maintaining the legal right to live and work in the UK. Please confirm you have right to work in the UK.
Career opportunities Senior OT (Reablement/SUSD) employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Central Bedfordshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional development and innovation. Employees benefit from a collaborative environment focused on digital transformation, with opportunities for growth in SAP technologies and a commitment to work-life balance in a vibrant community setting.
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Career opportunities Senior OT (Reablement/SUSD)
✨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 Central Bedfordshire 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 Central Bedfordshire Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Career opportunities Senior OT (Reablement/SUSD)
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 Central Bedfordshire Council:Take some time to research Central Bedfordshire 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 Central Bedfordshire 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 Central Bedfordshire Council's values and approach.
