Senior Occupational Therapist – Independent Workforce Team in Essex

The Independent Workforce Team (IWT) is a unique team that is largely made up of Independent Practitioners including Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, and Assistants. We operate with a small and dedicated core team with over 45 Independent Practitioners working flexibly for us to deliver efficient and effective outcomes for Adults, Carers, and Families in Essex. The team has budget oversight for the equipment spend for Adult Social Care and we have the equipment approvals duty role within the team. This role will be predominantly carried out remotely, attendance at ECC office spaces will be required once a week and for occasional meetings.

The role will be responsible for supporting adults to live as independently as possible. Under supervision of the Team Manager, you will provide expert advice and guidance, support and professional consultation for independent practitioners, social care staff and partners, contributing to the development of the four key principles. Responsibilities may include moving and handling assessments, the provision of equipment, environmental assessments, adaptations (including major adaptation recommendations), functional assessments, liaising with partner colleagues in health and universal services and utilising wider Adult Social Care services. You will provide specialist advice and professional support for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants, contributing to the development and support of links with other sectors and partner organisations, including monitoring equipment approvals.

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Occupational Therapist with high standards of professional practice and an in-depth knowledge of relevant research, legislation, policy, moving and handling and practice methods.

• Assessment and identification of appropriate systems of support, facilitating service user choice which empowers people and enables them to live healthily and independently.
• Working within the statutory legal framework, policy and guidance within the Care Act 2015 and ensuring vulnerable people are safeguarded.
• Working collaboratively with statutory and non-statutory/voluntary agencies ensuring a joined-up approach which facilitates the authorisation and purchasing of appropriate services, as identified by the service user and carer.
• Providing specifications which evaluate the safe use of equipment and adaptations and comply with relevant legislation, policy and guidelines on safe working practices, thereby reducing risks.
• Building strong effective working relationships across the Council, with partners and members of voluntary agencies to help people age well.

About You

• Qualified Occupational Therapist with current Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and demonstrable capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards.
• Significant experience in a social care setting, demonstrating a comprehensive and up to date understanding of all relevant legislation, regulation and guidance.
• Strong leadership and behavioural skills with the ability to mentor and provide expert advice and guidance.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with partners, other agencies, the voluntary sector and the local community to achieve joint objectives.
• In depth understanding of the financial implications of interventions commissioned.
• Proven track record of clear decision making in order to highlight and limit the potential risks associated with intervention.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

Benefits: Many employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

Equal Opportunities: Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Contact: If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email Abbie.Mollison@essex.gov.uk