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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in providing services that promote wellbeing and independence for individuals.
- Company: Join West Sussex County Council, dedicated to making a positive difference in communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for ongoing learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while working in a dynamic and collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Minimum of 3 GCSEs including English and Maths; NVQ Level 3 preferred.
- Other info: Full driving licence required; commitment to safeguarding and inclusivity is essential.
The predicted salary is between 22400 - 23200 £ per year.
About Us
West Sussex County Council is all about making a positive difference to the people we work with and their communities. As an employer, we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.
Our Independent Living Service embraces a strengths-based approach, working within a community-led support model. Our supportive and knowledgeable team build on the assets and strengths of the people we work with, their families, and local communities. Together, we focus on prevention, enablement, reablement and safety, to promote wellbeing and independence. We ensure that residents, families and communities have the right support in place, and at the right time.
About The Job
Salary: £26,409 to £27,711 per annum plus £561 per annum Crawley weighting
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Crawley
Interview Date: w/c 9th June 2025
This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside a qualified Occupational Therapist, helping to provide a range of services that promote wellbeing, independence, and safety. You will undertake strength-based assessments and provide advice, equipment, home adaptations, and support to individuals in need.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Undertaking Assessments: Carry out assessments for individuals to develop person-centred care plans aimed at improving wellbeing, under the guidance of a qualified Occupational Therapist.
- Providing Advice & Support: Offering practical support and advice, including home adaptations and the provision of assistive equipment.
- Collaboration: Work alongside a wide range of professionals and agencies, attending multi-disciplinary meetings and ensuring the delivery of effective interventions.
- Safeguarding & Compliance: Ensure that all work is compliant with relevant legislation and safeguarding policies, promoting safe and inclusive care.
What We’re Looking For:
To thrive in this role, you’ll need to be adaptable, organised, and compassionate. You will have:
- Experience and Qualifications: A minimum of 3 GCSEs, including English and Maths (or equivalent), and ideally an NVQ Level 3. Previous experience in occupational therapy or related roles is desirable.
- Skills & Competencies: Strong assessment and problem-solving skills, effective communication abilities, and a commitment to learning and development.
- Passion for Wellbeing: A genuine interest in supporting people to maintain or improve their independence and quality of life.
- Driving Licence: A full, valid driving licence is required, as travel across the county including to areas not easily accessed through public transport is required.
Experience and Skills
Please ensure you read the job description and cover the full list of required skills, qualifications and experience within your application as they are the shortlisting criteria your application will be considered against:
- Ability to undertake a strengths-based assessment with minimal guidance (in line with the Care Act 2014) to ascertain required information to support the development of a person-centred care and support plan with clearly defined outcomes.
- Ability to analyse and interpret information and prioritise needs in order to make recommendations/decisions which will have a positive outcome.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to provide clear and concise guidance and to demonstrate and explain practical activities.
- Ability to recognise the limits of own accountability and responsibility, and to seek appropriate support, advice and supervision.
- Ability to prioritise and organise work and meet agreed performance expectations and deadlines.
- Relevant lived experience, or experience of providing advice, guidance and education to others with a focus on promoting independence and preventing dependence.
- An awareness and practical understanding of a range of interventions that can be used to achieve change.
- Experience of forming effective relationships with people with a range of needs and an understanding of the effects of a disabling condition on a person.
- Knowledge of the use of and the risk and safety factors associated with disability and equipment/adaptation provision.
- Valid, full driving licence.
Rewards and Benefits
For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.
Further Information
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to HCPC registration, an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check. West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged.
For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran's Guaranteed Interview Scheme (if you meet all the essential criteria), this can be found on our application help page.
Occupational Therapy Assistant employer: West Sussex County Council
Contact Detail:
West Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Therapy Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the strengths-based approach mentioned in the job description. Understanding this model will help you demonstrate your alignment with the values of West Sussex County Council during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Occupational Therapy Assistants, especially those who have worked in similar settings. They can provide insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions in the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations related to assessments and providing support, as these are key responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to ongoing learning in Occupational Therapy. Mention any relevant courses, workshops, or self-study you've undertaken, as this will highlight your dedication to professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Therapy Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Occupational Therapy Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to include any relevant experience in occupational therapy or related fields. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to undertake assessments, provide support, and work collaboratively with other professionals.
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your strong assessment and problem-solving skills, effective communication abilities, and commitment to ongoing learning. Provide concrete examples of how you've used these skills in past roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Sussex County Council
✨Understand the Strengths-Based Approach
Familiarise yourself with the strengths-based approach that the Independent Living Service employs. Be prepared to discuss how you can apply this method in your assessments and care plans, focusing on the assets of individuals rather than their limitations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain a practical activity or provide guidance, so practice articulating your thoughts beforehand.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to discuss any previous experience you have in occupational therapy or related fields. Share specific examples of how you've supported individuals in maintaining or improving their independence, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to prioritise needs. Think of examples where you've had to analyse information and make decisions that positively impacted someone's wellbeing, and be ready to share these during the interview.
