At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children to maximise independence and wellbeing through tailored care and equipment.
- Company: Join Hampshire County Council's dedicated Children and Families Occupational Therapy Service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and access to professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in health and social care.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a passion for helping others and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive team environment with career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 25200 £ per year.
Job Reference: HCC623015
Salary Range: £27,780 - £30,564 per annum
Work Location: Havant, Alton, Basingstoke, Totton or Eastleigh (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37 (part-time hours will be considered)
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 9 February 2026
Interview Date: 18 and 20 February 2026
The Role: Joining our countywide Children and Families Occupational Therapy Service as an Occupational Therapy Assistant is an excellent introduction into health and social care. You will play a key role in supporting children and young people to maximise their independence and wellbeing. Working alongside Grant Officers and Social Workers across Hampshire, you will make a real difference for disabled children across Hampshire. You will manage a varied caseload, working closely with families to assess needs and provide specialist equipment and home adaptations that improve quality of life. Your expertise and compassion will help children with conditions such as Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and chromosomal disorders thrive at home.
What you will do:
- Assess daily activities including personal care: Ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of children is in place through equipment provision, minor and major adaptations.
- Provide person-centred care: Tailor your care planning to meet the unique needs of each child.
- Promote independence: Encourage children and young people to make personal care choices and support their self-care and independence.
- Build relationships: Establish supportive connections with children, their families, and colleagues.
What we are looking for:
- You do not need prior experience to join us as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, but a basic understanding of social services in the community is important. What matters most is your motivation to deliver compassionate support and your commitment to providing high-quality assessments and planning for children and young people.
- Passion and dedication: A genuine desire to help others and make a positive and lasting difference to their lives.
- Empathy and compassion: Understand and share the feelings of others to build trust and provide emotional support.
- Flexibility: Able to attend after-school appointments (between 3-5pm) either in the child's home, at school or another location that is convenient to them.
- Communication skills: Clear and effective communication with children, families, and colleagues.
- Team player: Enjoy working closely with others to provide a high-quality service.
- Respect and patience: Treat children and young people with dignity and adapt to their individual needs.
Career growth and development: We invest in your future. Our Occupational Therapy Assistants can be considered for our Occupational Therapy apprenticeship scheme, leading to a career as a Qualified Occupational Therapist. Additionally, you will have opportunities to obtain a Trusted Assessor qualification, fully funded by the council.
Make a difference and feel proud of the work you do: Play a vital role in enhancing children's independence, developing their skills, and improving their quality of life.
Supportive environment: You will join a supportive team that values collaboration and continuous learning. With regular supervision from an experienced Occupational Therapy Manager and access to ongoing training, you will have everything you need to succeed and develop your skills.
Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Travel Requirements: You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire and it is essential that you have a current driver's licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.
The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children's Services, references will be requested prior to interview.
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
Occupational Therapy Assistant in London employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapy Assistant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of occupational therapy, especially those already working in the role. A friendly chat can lead to insider tips and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to the role. Think about how you can showcase your empathy and passion for helping children. We want to see that genuine desire to make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for more opportunities and resources. Applying through us not only gives you access to the latest roles but also connects you with a supportive community ready to help you succeed!
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapy Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for helping children and young people shine through. We want to see your genuine desire to make a positive impact in their lives!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of social services and your commitment to compassionate care.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Familiarise yourself with how you can support children and young people in maximising their independence and wellbeing. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to discuss situations where you've demonstrated empathy and compassion. Share examples that highlight your ability to connect with children and families, as this is crucial for building trust and providing effective support.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the team dynamics or the specific challenges faced by the Occupational Therapy Service. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values.
✨Highlight Transferable Skills
Even if you don’t have direct experience, think about skills from previous roles that are relevant. Whether it’s communication, teamwork, or flexibility, make sure to articulate how these skills can benefit the team and the children you’ll be working with.