Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference. We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and experienced permanent Occupational Therapist to join our dynamic, innovative, and inclusive Occupational Therapy Team at Southend City Council. Southend OT team help children and adults with physical disabilities and long-term conditions. Our vision is for people to live well in the community, to maintain their independence and to prevent or reduce dependency on social care services. This is a level 8 post with the expectation to work to support the OT team to deliver Occupational Therapy assessments and appropriate intervention in the right place at the right time. OTs at level 8 undertake assessments for equipment and adaptations, enabling safe management of people in the community, and ensuring the person, their care agency and their informal carers have any equipment or adaptations needed to manage safely. The team work using a person-focused, strength-based approach, helping people identify what is meaningful to them and exploring ways to overcome the functional and environmental challenges to meet their goals. About us The Occupational Therapy service in Southend 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. Find out more about the values we follow. Our Values and Behaviours – Southend-on-Sea City Council jobs (job-essentials.com) The Occupational Therapy service is dynamic and innovative with a diverse range of opportunities to work across in our rotation. Our current teams are - OT Referral Hub Early response Reablement Able2 Community Strengths Healthy at home Housing Childrens Take the exciting step to apply for this role, and you could be making an impact in one of these amazing teams. Each team offers very specific learning and development opportunities with enthusiastic and knowledgeable colleagues who can support you through induction and beyond. Should you be successful, we can work with you to ensure you meet your professional development needs in line with the RCOT Career Development Framework. Our service is committed to ensuring that you are supported in this challenging role with the appropriate level of training and support. Some examples of what we offer are Monthly formal supervision at a minimum Monthly peer supervision Monthly service meetings Regular statutory training Clinical Effectiveness workshops Career development workshops Shadowing opportunities Networking opportunities with external providers And many more What our staff say about working here ‘I started in the team in 2021 in the middle of covid and found the team to be so welcoming and generous even though we weren’t working in the office. There is such good knowledge across the service and everyone is happy to help you if you need support.’ ‘I have found working here has greatly developed my clinical skills and have had regular support from my senior to improve my knowledge and take on more challenging issues.’ ‘I came after completing a practice placement at Southend. City Council. I really enjoy the motivation of the team and know there is always someone there who can help when I need it.’ ‘I have been offered lots of opportunities to develop my clinical skills and now supervise an occupational therapy assistant, which has been a great experience’. What you'll need to succeed About you To be successful in the recruitment process, you will need to be an enthusiastic and passionate occupational therapist who has a range of skills and knowledge which enables you to work effectively with our residents. Skills Strong assessment and problem-solving skills The ability to develop close working relationships with the community and local services/providers Ability to work in a team and engage and participate within each service area. Robust clinical reasoning in line with evidence-based practice Ability to carry out strength-based and proportionate assessments A willingness to learn and develop yourself and bring your ideas to the table Ability to work proactively and independently and often from your home-based setting Excellent verbal and written communication skills Willingness to participate in service development and training for the wider service Knowledge Robust understanding of the Care Act 2014 and how this applies to your assessment, intervention and outcomes. Understanding of Safeguarding within the Care Act and the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Broad knowledge of medical conditions and how they impact the person and their lived experience. Familiarity with moving and handling practices and legislation Understanding of the Social Model of Disability and occupational therapy within a social services setting. Qualification and Registration It is essential that you have a qualification in Occupational Therapy (Diploma/Bachelor/Master’s degree), registration with the HCPC and a commitment to the standards and ethics of the College of Occupational Therapists. Travel This role involves travelling around the city of Southend. A driving licence and use of a car is essential. 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. If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. For a full JD on the post Click here If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.shays.com Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. 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.