At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals to enhance independence and wellbeing through strengths-based occupational therapy.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Occupational Therapy service in Walsall.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and support for your career stage.
- Other info: Opportunities available across various teams with a structured induction programme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Therapy and HCPC registration required.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
Walsall is a great place to be an Occupational Therapist. We recognise the strengths of individuals and our communities, ensuring the person requiring support is at the centre of all decision‑making. Using a strengths‑based, person‑centred approach we can have the right conversation at the right time and together promote individuals' aspirations, enhance independence and wellbeing, and maximise autonomy. Strengths‑based practice is about connecting with people to find out what really matters. It supports people, carers, families and communities to find the solutions that are right for them, building on their strengths and what is working well already. There are many exciting opportunities to develop your occupational therapy career in Walsall. We are looking for Occupational Therapists to join our Occupational Therapy Service, covering the whole of Walsall, working closely with social work colleagues and multi‑agency partners.
Benefits
- A supportive and forward‑thinking Occupational Therapy service
- Hybrid working and flexible working arrangements
- Robust supervision, Annual Performance Conversations and Personal Development Plans
- Access to continuous professional development opportunities
- Payment of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration fees
- Opportunities to contribute to service development and innovation
Roles and Responsibilities
Localities Team – Optimal Handed Care Project
- Manage a varied caseload across Walsall, supporting adults within the community.
- Complete strengths‑based occupational therapy assessments in homes and community settings.
- Undertake detailed moving and handling assessments.
- Review existing double‑handed care packages.
- Identify opportunities for safe optimal/proportionate handed care.
- Recommend equipment, techniques, and adaptations to support independence.
- Work collaboratively with care providers, families, and professionals.
- Support safe, dignified, and person‑centred care delivery.
Enablement Team – Occupational Therapist Role
- Work with adults with learning disabilities, mental‑health challenges, neurodiverse needs, and young people transitioning into adulthood requiring support for budgeting, cooking, and managing their home environment.
- Deliver strengths‑based assessments and maintain clear, timely, and accurate documentation.
- Provide minor adaptations and equipment, recommend specialist equipment, and facilitate major adaptations through Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs).
- Complete manual handling assessments and provide expert advice to ensure safe and effective support arrangements.
- Contribute to housing‑related assessments, including rehousing reports, and signpost individuals to relevant services and community resources.
- Apply safeguarding responsibilities and the Care Act to ensure interventions are lawful, proportionate, and centred on the person's wellbeing.
Prevention & Early Intervention Team – Occupational Therapist Role
- Support adults with physical disabilities that impact functional ability.
- Promote independence, reduce risk (including falls), and prevent escalation to more intensive interventions such as formal care packages, hospital admission, or further functional decline.
- Deliver high‑quality, strengths‑based assessments and documentation.
- Provide minor adaptations and equipment, recommend specialised equipment, and facilitate major adaptations through DFGs.
- Complete manual handling assessments and advise on safe support arrangements.
- Contribute to housing‑related assessments and rehousing reports, ensuring individuals are signposted to relevant services.
- Ensure understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the Care Act, applying lawful, proportionate, person‑centred interventions.
Support for Your Career Stage
New to social care or returning to practice: We offer a structured 6‑month enhanced induction programme to support your transition into adult social care.
Experienced Occupational Therapists: You will find opportunities to:
- Contribute to service development
- Share expertise across teams
- Support innovative projects such as Optimal Handed Care
Applicants appointed to posts that require an enhanced DBS clearance must declare any periods of time that they have lived, studied or worked abroad and be prepared to provide an Overseas Criminal Records Certificate (OCRC) or a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC) relating to any time they were overseas.
Qualifications
- Hold a degree in Occupational Therapy
- Are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Have knowledge of relevant legislation including the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Are committed to strengths‑based and outcome‑focused practice
- Are experienced Occupational Therapists, ideally with a minimum of two years' post‑qualifying experience
- Bring post‑qualifying experience working with adults with learning disabilities, mental‑health needs, and/or individuals transitioning into adulthood
Vacancies
We currently have four vacancies across our services: one within the Localities Team (Optimal Handed Care Project), two within the Enablement Team, and one within the Prevention and Early Intervention Team. Applicants are asked to clearly state their preferred team within their personal statement.
Additional Information
This post is covered by the Government's Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers.
Occupational Therapists in Walsall employer: Walsall Council
Walsall offers an exceptional environment for Occupational Therapists, fostering a supportive and innovative work culture that prioritises the strengths of individuals and communities. With flexible working arrangements, robust professional development opportunities, and a commitment to person-centred care, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those they support. Join us in a collaborative setting where your expertise will contribute to service development and enhance the wellbeing of our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapists in Walsall
✨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 Walsall Council. 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 Walsall Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapists in Walsall
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 Walsall Council:Take some time to research Walsall Council 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 Walsall Council
✨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 Walsall Council's values and approach.
