Job Title: Occupational Therapist (Community Social Care)

2 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Purpose

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for delivering high-quality, person-centred occupational therapy services to adults with disabilities, vulnerable adults, and older people within the community. The role focuses on promoting independence, wellbeing, prevention, choice, and control through assessment, intervention, specialist equipment provision, and adaptation recommendations.

The postholder will work collaboratively with health, social care, statutory, and third-sector partners to support integrated service delivery and ensure individuals achieve the best possible outcomes. The Occupational Therapist will undertake professional assessments, provide specialist advice, manage a caseload of varying complexity, and ensure practice is delivered in accordance with relevant legislation, professional standards, policies, and procedures.

The postholder is expected to adhere to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency, maintaining professional competence and contributing to service improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment and Intervention

• Assess the needs of adults with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term conditions, and age-related needs within their home and community environments.
  
• Complete comprehensive occupational therapy assessments and develop person-centred care plans.
  
• Recommend and facilitate the provision of specialist equipment, assistive technology, and complex major adaptations.
  
• Undertake assessments in accordance with relevant legislation, local policies, national guidance, and eligibility criteria.
  
• Conduct moving and handling assessments and develop risk management plans to promote safe practice.
  
• Review interventions and ensure equipment and adaptations continue to meet assessed needs.
  

Case Management

• Manage and prioritise an allocated caseload effectively, ensuring timely service delivery.
  
• Identify and manage risks while promoting independence and positive outcomes for service users.
  
• Coordinate interventions and monitor progress to ensure the achievement of agreed objectives.
  
• Escalate complex cases, safeguarding concerns, and high-risk situations appropriately.
  

Partnership Working

• Work collaboratively with social workers, healthcare professionals, housing services, community organisations, carers, and other agencies.
  
• Contribute to integrated multidisciplinary services that support adults to remain independent within their communities.
  
• Provide specialist occupational therapy advice and consultation to staff, service users, carers, and partner agencies.
  

Safeguarding and Risk Management

• Recognise safeguarding concerns and ensure timely referrals to appropriate safeguarding and social care teams.
  
• Undertake risk assessments and implement measures to minimise identified risks.
  
• Support service users and carers in understanding and managing identified risks.
  

Record Keeping and Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and professional records in line with organisational requirements, data protection legislation, and professional standards.
  
• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, council policies, equality legislation, and customer care standards.
  
• Participate in audits, service reviews, and quality assurance activities.
  

Professional Development

• Maintain professional registration and competence through continuous professional development (CPD).
  
• Keep up to date with developments in occupational therapy practice, legislation, assistive technology, and community services.
  
• Contribute to service development initiatives and quality improvement projects.
  

Additional Responsibilities (PO4 Grade)

• Provide supervision, support, and guidance to Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, students, and other staff as required.
  
• Undertake complex occupational therapy and moving and handling assessments involving high-risk and specialist cases.
  
• Provide clinical supervision and professional leadership to directly managed staff.
  
• Contribute to workforce development, staff training, and performance improvement.
  
• Support service management through data collection, performance monitoring, and service evaluation activities.
  
• Participate in employee investigations, capability processes, and appeals in accordance with council policies.
  
• Demonstrate advanced professional judgement and autonomy in managing highly complex cases and service challenges.
  
• Act as a resource for specialist knowledge and best practice within the Occupational Therapy Team.
  

Essential Qualifications

• Degree, Diploma, or recognised qualification in Occupational Therapy.
  
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
  
• Membership of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) or willingness to maintain professional standards in line with RCOT guidance.
  
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to community occupational therapy practice.
  

Additional for PO4

• Evidence of advanced professional development and specialist practice.
  
• Demonstrated capability in supervision, mentoring, and leadership responsibilities.
  

Essential Experience

• Experience of undertaking occupational therapy assessments within adult social care, community health, or related settings.
  
• Experience of recommending and arranging specialist equipment and major adaptations.
  
• Experience of carrying out moving and handling assessments and risk management.
  
• Experience of working with adults with complex physical disabilities, long-term conditions, or age-related needs.
  
• Experience of multidisciplinary and partnership working across health, social care, and external agencies.
  
• Experience of maintaining accurate case records and managing a varied caseload.
  
• Knowledge and experience of safeguarding adults and risk assessment processes.
  

Additional for PO4

• Minimum of two years' effective practice at an equivalent Occupational Therapist level.
  
• Experience of supervising, supporting, or managing staff.
  
• Experience of handling complex cases requiring advanced clinical reasoning and problem-solving.
  
• Experience of contributing to service development, performance management, and quality improvement initiatives.
  
• Experience of undertaking staff investigations, performance management activities, or supporting management functions.
  

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation including the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding frameworks.
  
• Ability to apply occupational therapy theory and evidence-based practice to complex situations.
  
• Excellent assessment, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with service users, carers, colleagues, and partner organisations.
  
• Ability to manage conflict and challenging situations effectively.
  
• Competent IT and case management system skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
  
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and person-centred practice.
  

Personal Attributes

• Professional, compassionate, and service-user focused.
  
• Flexible and adaptable approach to service delivery.
  
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
  
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
  
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
  
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and sound professional judgement.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Woolwich
  
• Working Hours: 35 hours per week
  
• Pay Rate: £29.92 per hour (UMB)
  
• Enhanced- DBS Required
  
• We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
  

·         Closing date: Soon – early applications are encouraged