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- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for families and support our Occupational Therapists.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Oxfordshire County Council making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £31,537, up to 31 days leave, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Help children and families navigate housing needs while developing your skills in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Basic IT skills and experience handling complex issues are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working options available and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 37000 £ per year.
We are a team working across Oxfordshire providing assessment and ongoing support with home adaptations for children and young people up to the age of 18. Our team consists of qualified Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Support Officers and we work in partnership with local agencies to help meet children and families' housing needs.
Our service is looking for a second Support Officer to help provide the first point of call for all initial enquiries into our service as well as support for our small group of Occupational Therapists. The postholder would deal with initial enquiries and offer advice to families and other referrers, signposting to other services and sending out advice sheets. They would complete initial telephone assessments and record information to allow understanding of the needs of referred children and young people and their housing circumstances. This initial contact would guide our service's next actions (for example OT assessment at home, minor works referrals, rehousing recommendations).
Additionally, the role would involve following up on existing works in progress, with families and external agencies such as the District and City Councils and Home Improvement Agencies. There could be some opportunity, once experience had been developed, for visiting families and young people in their own homes to review some of the simple works that have been completed or to follow up on issues reported and then liaising with the appropriate agencies to help get these rectified.
This is an opportunity for someone with skills in using basic IT packages and experience in dealing with complex issues on a day-to-day basis who would like to work enabling our service to better meet the needs of the residents of Oxfordshire. The post can involve complex conversation over the phone and requires an ability to deal with a lot of information whilst ensuring important details are recorded accurately. We use IT to assist with this process.
Support and training will be provided on specific aspects of the job but the postholder will also have some opportunity to shape this role to ensure that it meets the varied needs of the service and the children, young people and families that we work with.
Rewards and benefits
- Salary starting at £31,537
- Up to 31 days annual leave each year
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Competitive employer contribution pension scheme
- Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
- Excellent learning and development opportunities
- Work with a small, supportive team
Contact details for informal discussion
Catherine Barker, catherine.barker@oxfordshire.gov.uk or Michael Roche (Tues and Weds), michael.roche@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are 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 will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
Occupational Therapy Support Officer (Childrens Housing) employer: Oxfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Oxfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapy Support Officer (Childrens Housing)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or through our website. A friendly chat can give you insights into the role and help you stand out during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your phone skills! Since you'll be handling initial enquiries, it’s crucial to be comfortable with complex conversations. Try role-playing with a friend to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show us your IT skills! Brush up on basic IT packages and think of examples where you've used them effectively. We love seeing how tech-savvy you are in supporting families.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapy Support Officer (Childrens Housing)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about supporting children and families.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Occupational Therapy Support Officer role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with our mission of providing support to children and young people in Oxfordshire.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves complex conversations and initial assessments, it’s crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to show us you can handle important details effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfordshire County Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Occupational Therapy Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like handling initial enquiries and supporting OTs. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves complex conversations over the phone, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially when dealing with sensitive issues or providing support to families.
✨Highlight Your IT Proficiency
The job requires basic IT skills, so be ready to discuss your experience with relevant software. If you’ve used any specific tools for recording information or managing data, mention those. It’s a great way to show you can handle the technical aspects of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of instances where you've dealt with complex issues and how you approached them. Be prepared to share these examples during the interview, as they’ll illustrate your ability to navigate challenges and find solutions, which is crucial for this position.
