At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to support adults with physical disabilities and enhance their quality of life.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a community-focused employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, flexible working, and a supportive environment for growth.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team dedicated to improving the community and achieving positive outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in occupational therapy and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35377 - 43239 £ per year.
As a Local Authority working for the community, improving the lives of our residents, we are looking for a motivated and talented Senior Occupational Therapist to join our PDOP team within Adult Social Care. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. We support hybrid working; it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.
About The Role: This role will be to support our Lead Senior Occupational Therapist and to work on our busy OT duty. The PDOP Team forms part of the Living Well Service of ASC where the Mental Health and Learning Disability and Neurodiversity (LDN) Team are also members. A Head of Service oversees all work and responsibilities of the Living Well Service. This role will also have a Neuro specialist focus to it and the successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Occupational Therapists and Team Manager to expand this specialist aspect of OT intervention. PDOP is a multi-disciplinary team comprised of Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and Social Care Co-ordinators. We provide the next step in assessment and support planning to people who are 18 years and over and have a long-term physical disability. PDOP is responsible for unplanned and unscheduled reviews and responds to any urgent enquiries that may be raised by community services, families, and service users. Whilst PDOP duty (Link Duty) does not offer an emergency response service and uses a robust risk review process to consider the urgency for social care/OT input, there are occasions when an immediate response may be required to ensure the safety of known service users. PDOP also acts as a direct feed for cases from the HUB where longer-term support may be anticipated.
You will take the lead on our busy OT duty working alongside our main duty team in PDOP. You will help triage urgency and risk of cases with the team manager and lead OT senior, and you will be supporting and mentoring other members within the Team.
You Will Be Efficient And Have Excellent Skills In:
- Strength-based outcomes;
- Positive risk taking;
- Working closely with other agencies to achieve positive outcomes for clients;
- Negotiation skills;
- Good communication skills.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on everyone to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of TEAM Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our Vision Is To Ensure That Reading Realises Its Potential As a Great Place To Live, Work And Play, And That Everyone Shares The Benefits Of This Success.
Our Values And Behaviours Guide How We Will Achieve This:
- Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
- Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency.
- Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our Offer: We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A Competitive Salary Alongside a Range Of Benefits Including:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
If you would like more information or an informal discussion, please contact Pippa Durant, PDOP Team Manager at pippa.durant@reading.gov.uk
Closing date: Sunday 23rd August 2026
Interview date: To be confirmed
Interview setup: In person – Civic Centre, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU
Visit: www.moretoreading.co.uk to find out more about Reading’s Community & Adult Social Care Services. It’s a chance to hear from the people who already work here and why they have chosen Reading as their professional destination.
Senior Occupational Therapist – Physical Disability and Older Peoples Team in Reading employer: Local Government South East
Reading Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives in Adult Social Care while enjoying hybrid working arrangements and generous benefits, including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, this role provides a meaningful career path in a vibrant community setting.
Contact Details:
Local Government South East Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Occupational Therapist – Physical Disability and Older Peoples Team in Reading
✨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 Local Government South East. 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 Local Government South East.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Occupational Therapist – Physical Disability and Older Peoples Team in Reading
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 Local Government South East:Take some time to research Local Government South East 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 Local Government South East
✨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 Local Government South East's values and approach.
