At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents with functional assessments and sensory rehabilitation to promote independence.
- Company: Join the progressive Occupational Therapy service at Southend City Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to equal opportunities and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in health and social care.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, experience in health or social care, and a driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
The Occupational Therapy service in Southend City Council is a progressive place to work, and we are always developing and improving our services in line with the needs of the community. We work with adults and children and their families to help them achieve positive outcomes through a strengths‑based approach. At Southend, our values and behaviours are just as important as our skills and knowledge. The Occupational Therapy service is dynamic and innovative with a diverse range of opportunities to work across in our rotation.
- OT Referral Hub
- Early response
- Reablement
- Able2
- Community Strengths
- Healthy at home
- Housing
- Childrens
Your new role
Southend City Council Adult Social Care is offering an exciting career development post, starting as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (Level 7) with progression through a fully supported 2‑year Sensory Rehabilitation apprenticeship to qualify as a Sensory Rehabilitation Worker (Level 8). In this fixed‑term OTA role, you will support residents by completing strengths‑based functional assessments within people’s own homes to reduce, prevent and delay the need for care and support, support hospital discharge and prevent admission. Alongside traditional OT interventions such as equipment, minor adaptations, advice and signposting, you will also develop sensory‑awareness skills, supporting basic sensory needs under supervision while training. As you progress, you will undertake sensory assessments and deliver person‑centred sensory rehabilitation interventions, promoting independence, maximising strengths and connecting people with community assets to ensure the right support at the right time.
What you’ll need to succeed
To be shortlisted for this position, it is essential that you hold GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade C / 4 or above. You need to have experience of working with adults, ideally within health, social care or community settings. Have an understanding of strengths‑based, person‑centred approaches, along with an awareness of how sensory impairment (vision and/or hearing loss) can impact daily living. Also, you need a basic understanding of promoting independence, wellbeing and the ability to complete assessments within people’s own homes. You will be required to meet apprenticeship entry criteria, with the commitment and ability to successfully complete a two‑year Sensory Rehabilitation apprenticeship and progress into a qualified Sensory Rehabilitation Worker role. It is essential that you hold a driving licence and have use of a car.
What you’ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the “Why Work For Us?” tab.
Equal opportunities
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
R2R103879 - Occupational Therapy Assistant - Fixed Term Contract Nov 2028 employer: South End City Council
Southend City Council offers a dynamic and innovative work environment for Occupational Therapy Assistants, with a strong commitment to employee development through a fully supported apprenticeship programme. The council values flexibility, inclusivity, and community impact, providing generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave and excellent training opportunities, making it an ideal employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103879 - Occupational Therapy Assistant - Fixed Term Contract Nov 2028
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Occupational Therapy field, especially those connected to Southend City Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to strengths-based approaches and sensory rehabilitation. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping others! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported individuals in previous roles. This will highlight your commitment to promoting independence and wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates about the Occupational Therapy Assistant role there.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103879 - Occupational Therapy Assistant - Fixed Term Contract Nov 2028
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'strengths-based approach' and 'person-centred', to show we’re on the same page.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate to health, social care, or community settings. We want to see how you’ve supported adults and promoted independence in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your GCSEs in English and Maths, as well as any relevant training or certifications. If you have experience with sensory impairments, make sure to include that too – it’s a big plus for us!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Know Your Strengths-Based Approach
Make sure you understand the strengths-based approach that the Occupational Therapy service values. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in your previous roles, especially when working with adults or in community settings.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience with assessments and promoting independence. Highlight any relevant situations where you supported individuals with sensory impairments, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Role's Progression
Familiarise yourself with the two-year Sensory Rehabilitation apprenticeship and what it entails. Be prepared to express your enthusiasm for learning and how you plan to grow into the Sensory Rehabilitation Worker role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the council's approach to community engagement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
