At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents with functional assessments and sensory rehabilitation to promote independence.
- Company: Progressive Occupational Therapy service at Southend City Council.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a commitment to equal opportunities and personal development.
- 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.
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.
- 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 in Southend-on-Sea employer: South End City Council
Southend City Council offers a progressive and supportive work environment for Occupational Therapy Assistants, with a strong focus on employee development through a fully supported 2-year Sensory Rehabilitation apprenticeship. The council values a strengths-based approach to care, providing flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to training that empowers staff to make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in a dynamic team where your contributions are valued and you can grow both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103879 - Occupational Therapy Assistant - Fixed Term Contract Nov 2028 in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Southend City Council and their Occupational Therapy service. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to occupational therapy. This can give you insider knowledge about the role and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to strengths-based approaches and sensory rehabilitation. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about joining the team at Southend City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103879 - Occupational Therapy Assistant - Fixed Term Contract Nov 2028 in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the strengths-based approach mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our dynamic team!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with adults in health or social care settings. We love to see examples of how you've promoted independence and wellbeing in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention any skills related to sensory impairment and assessments. We’re looking for candidates who understand the impact of sensory issues on daily living, so make that clear in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
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 Southend City Council 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.
✨Understand the Role's Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of an Occupational Therapy Assistant and the progression to a Sensory Rehabilitation Worker. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the team and what you hope to learn during the apprenticeship.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Occupational Therapy service and its future developments. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
