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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in achieving independence through assessments and personalised support plans.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council's Community Occupational Therapy team.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, plus experience in care or health services.
- Other info: Access ongoing training, wellbeing support, and exclusive staff discounts.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lancashire County Council is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapy Support Officer (OTSO) to join our Community Occupational Therapy team. The main base is at Lancashire House, Accrington but will be covering East Lancashire. This role is pivotal in collaborating with professionals and agencies to address the needs of individuals and their carers, promoting independence, enabling recovery, and safeguarding adults.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct functional assessments in partnership with service users, carers, and other agencies.
- Formulate personalized support plans using equipment and adaptations.
- Prioritize and manage a caseload with support from Occupational Therapists and the Team Manager.
- Work with individuals with complex needs, challenging behaviours, or difficult family dynamics.
- Maintain effective records using social care electronic systems.
- Contribute to team working and service development.
- Support new or less-experienced colleagues and contribute to their induction.
Qualifications and Experience
- GCSE Grade ‘C’ or equivalent in four subjects including Maths and English.
- Experience in an organization providing care/health services.
- Knowledge of support options, particularly equipment for people with physical disabilities.
- Good communication skills and ability to work within a team.
Reasons to Join Us
- Great Annual Leave: We offer up to 32 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 2 additional statutory days during the festive season. You can also purchase additional leave.
- Flexible Working opportunities.
- Financial Benefits: Our generous Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contribution. Our relocation reimbursement package to support people who need to move to the area to work with us.
- Training and Development: An excellent induction through our Social Care Academy and ongoing support for your career and professional development.
- Health and Wellbeing: A Wellbeing Support Programme for you and your family.
- Staff Discounts: You’ll get access to dozens of discounts through Vivup, our employee benefits partner. Our scheme covers a car lease scheme, shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, holidays, and more.
To Apply
If you would like to contact us for an initial informal and confidential chat: talent@lancashire.gov.uk Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for the role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence. We reserve the right to close a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications. The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful, you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab. You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and you must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability.
Occupational Therapy Support Officer (OTSO) employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapy Support Officer (OTSO)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Lancashire County Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to occupational therapy support. We should also think of examples from our past experiences that showcase our skills in managing complex needs and working within a team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for promoting independence and recovery during the interview. We can share personal stories or experiences that highlight our commitment to making a difference in people's lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapy Support Officer (OTSO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the OTSO role. We want to see how you can contribute to promoting independence and enabling recovery for individuals.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since good communication is crucial in this role, don’t forget to demonstrate your ability to work within a team and engage with service users. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've worked in care or health services before, make it known! We’re looking for candidates who understand support options and have experience with complex needs. Share specific instances where you’ve made a difference.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. Don’t forget to double-check that all required documents are attached, especially your supporting statement, as it’s essential for getting shortlisted!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Occupational Therapy Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with functional assessments, support plans, and the specific needs of individuals with complex requirements. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves collaborating with various professionals and service users, it's crucial to highlight your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in challenging situations. This will show that you can work well within a team and handle difficult family dynamics.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about past experiences where you had to manage a caseload or support someone with challenging behaviours. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Bring Evidence of Your Experience
Make sure to bring along any relevant documentation that showcases your experience in care or health services. This could include certificates, references, or even a portfolio of your work. Having tangible evidence will strengthen your case and show that you're serious about the position.
