At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead assessments for disabled residents and design tailored housing solutions.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Harrow, committed to supporting vulnerable residents.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, supportive environment, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Mobile role with travel across the borough; driving licence required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those with physical disabilities.
- Qualifications: Dip COT or Degree in Occupational Therapy; HCPC registered.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 € per year.
The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a dedicated and resilient Housing Occupational Therapist to lead the assessment of disabled residents and their carers within our Housing service. This specialist role ensures that those with physical disabilities are assessed for adaptations promptly and that individual schemes are designed to meet specific needs while delivering excellent value for money.
As a subject matter expert, you will provide essential advice, training, and guidance to housing staff, managing a complex workload that spans housing applications, allocations and the specification of major adaptations. Your expertise will be vital in determining property suitability, influencing the design of new‑build homes to achieve Lifetime Homes Standards, and leading complex Carers’ assessments under the Care Act 2014.
Working within a strengths‑based framework, you will be responsible for creating robust documentation that prioritises independence and well‑being. This is a mobile role requiring regular travel across the borough to conduct home assessments and visit equipment stores; a valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential. Candidates must also possess the physical ability to safely manage the manual aspects of the role, including the delivery and fitting of low‑level equipment.
Harrow offers a supportive professional environment with clinical supervision tailored to your experience and capabilities. This is an impactful opportunity for a proactive clinician to influence care planning and housing solutions for Harrow’s most vulnerable residents. This position offers flexible scheduling with the option for either part‑time (18 hours per week) or full‑time (36 hours per week) commitments.
About You
- Dip COT (state registered) or Degree in Occupational Therapy.
- Registered with HCPC.
- Enhanced DBS check is required.
- Ability to maintain and demonstrate Royal College of Occupational Therapy guidelines and standards of practice, including maintaining accurate and comprehensive records.
- Good understanding of relevant legislation including Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005, and ability to work in accordance with the Care Act statutory guidance and MCA Code of Practice.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent, or has the equivalent relevant work experience.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Housing Occupational Therapist employer: Harrow Council
The London Borough of Harrow is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for Housing Occupational Therapists. With a focus on professional development, flexible working options, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable residents, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to innovative housing solutions. The borough's commitment to clinical supervision and adherence to best practices ensures that staff are well-equipped to excel in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Occupational Therapist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the housing and occupational therapy sectors. Attend local events or online webinars to connect with potential employers and learn about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous work, especially any projects related to housing adaptations or assessments. This will give you an edge during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses, especially around the Care Act 2014 and your approach to complex assessments. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter, which can make a great impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Occupational Therapist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Housing Occupational Therapist role. Highlight your qualifications, especially your Dip COT or degree in Occupational Therapy, and any relevant experience you have in housing services.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about helping disabled residents and how your expertise aligns with the needs of the London Borough of Harrow. Be sure to mention your understanding of the Care Act 2014 and how you can contribute to their mission.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your ability to manage complex workloads and create robust documentation. Mention any experience you have with assessments and adaptations, as well as your knowledge of relevant legislation. This will show us that you’re ready for the challenges of the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrow Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the framework within which you'll be working, and it’ll impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully assessed needs or implemented adaptations for disabled residents. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a Housing Occupational Therapist, you'll need to communicate effectively with both residents and housing staff. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, and be ready to discuss how you’ve trained or guided others in the past.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that involve real-life scenarios you might face in the role. Think about how you would approach a home assessment or manage a complex case. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
