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- Tasks: Join our Guildford Locality team as an Occupational Therapist, supporting diverse clients in their homes.
- Company: Be part of Surrey County Council, dedicated to community welfare and innovative local government solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, flexible working, lifestyle discounts, and a supportive learning environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Must have a professional qualification in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration.
- Other info: Opportunities for volunteering and a preceptorship programme for newly-qualified OTs.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 41000 £ per year.
This role has a starting salary of £40,929 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week. We are hiring a new Occupational Therapist to join our fantastic Guildford Locality team, which is committed to the ongoing development of its staff. We have an OT group who are supportive and passionate about the impact of occupational therapy with the wide range of people we work with. The team is based in Guildford Borough Council offices and we endorse Surrey's agile way of working, aiming to have a minimum of 2 days a week in the office for full time staff.
Rewards and Benefits
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Team
You will join a supportive, skilled and creative team that values a good work ethic, honesty, reliability and the ability to apply and document sound and solid clinical reasoning to ensure we are providing a service we all can be proud of. As such, if you are a pragmatic, driven, creative Occupational Therapist (OT), wanting to make a difference, then this may be the right environment for you to flourish in.
We offer a competitive starting salary, equivalent to that of a Band 6 OT in a health care setting. For newly-qualified OTs we offer a supportive preceptorship programme. In addition, we are open to flexible working patterns which may support your work-life balance.
We offer a large variety of training courses which will increase your knowledge and enable you to provide a service you can feel proud of. We are a supportive team that provides informal supervision on a daily basis and regular formal supervision. In addition to peer support, we shall provide the practical tools you need to manage your work. You will not be expected to work in isolation, however we do aim to equip you to work autonomously and with confidence.
About the Role
You will work alongside a variety of clients who have differing and/or complex needs by using a strength-based approach. Clients may be elderly and frail, experience a learning disability, physical or sensory impairment, or have mental ill health. This diverse role will facilitate your development and equip you with a large range of skills to enable you to undertake frontline holistic occupational therapy practice within a social care setting. You will have the opportunity to put into practice assessments such as the moving and handling risk assessments and intervention, with the aim of supporting and empowering our clients to live meaningful lives within the community.
Joining us you will work closely with your team members, as well as with other organisations and agencies, to provide an integrated service in order to support vulnerable adults and their carers in a community-based setting. This community-based role requires you to visit clients predominantly in their homes, as well as other settings such as residential care and nursing homes.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- Professional qualification in Occupational Therapy and current registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Experience of working within a social care, health or community focused multi-disciplinary setting
- Ability to complete person centred and proportionate OT assessments
- Familiarity with moving and handling equipment such as hoists and stand aids
- Knowledge of medical conditions and the likely impact on the individual, carer and family
- Knowledge of current legislation, including the Care Act and the Mental Capacity Act and its application to practice in a social care setting
Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 09/07/2025 with interviews to follow.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas. Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Occupational Therapist - Guildford Locality Team employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapist - Guildford Locality Team
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the Guildford locality. Research the demographics and common challenges faced by clients in this area, as understanding your potential clients will help you demonstrate your commitment to making a difference during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Occupational Therapists from the Guildford Locality Team. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which you can leverage to tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with person-centred assessments and how you've applied them in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your clinical reasoning and ability to work autonomously, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your knowledge of relevant legislation, such as the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act, during your interactions with the hiring team. Being able to articulate how these laws impact your practice will demonstrate your readiness for the role and your commitment to ethical standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapist - Guildford Locality Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your professional qualification in Occupational Therapy and current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Emphasise any relevant experience in social care or community-focused settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for occupational therapy and your understanding of the diverse needs of clients. Mention specific experiences where you have successfully completed person-centred OT assessments.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your familiarity with moving and handling equipment, knowledge of medical conditions, and understanding of current legislation such as the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in the healthcare field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Occupational Therapy
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the field of occupational therapy. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact on clients in the past, and demonstrate your commitment to helping individuals lead meaningful lives.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Brush up on key legislation such as the Care Act and the Mental Capacity Act. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to your practice and how you would use them to support clients effectively.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a supportive team, be ready to share experiences that showcase your ability to collaborate with others. Discuss how you’ve worked in multi-disciplinary settings and the importance of teamwork in delivering quality care.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about practical scenarios related to assessments and interventions. Think through how you would approach moving and handling risk assessments and be ready to explain your clinical reasoning behind your decisions.
