This is a 2 year fixed term contract or secondment opportunity.
This is an exciting opportunity for a housing Occupational Therapist to develop and support local district and borough councils. As an OT, you will be working alongside Environmental Health and Housing Officers within the quadrants to facilitate the safe and early discharge of people from hospital, residential/nursing placements, and hospices.
This post will provide the opportunity to work with adults and children with life-limiting conditions and life-altering injuries to prevent formal care placements where their home environment is not currently suited to their assessed needs.
This work is essential to ensure discharges are not delayed because of the need for adaptations and issues related to housing needs.
Your role will involve:
* Completing holistic assessments that include all housing factors impacting on the individual and their household.
* Working alongside Health colleagues to assist with processing referrals to achieve safe, early discharge and prevent delays.
* Referring to universal services where appropriate and liaising with other colleagues, including Family Operations, to meet the needs of the individual.
* Seeking to resolve needs associated with specific impairments by the provision of equipment, support, and signposting to alternative services where appropriate.
* Making recommendations based on assessed need, for the provision of certain property types, adaptations, and equipment, taking account of both Health and Housing policy and legislation.
* Progressing and supporting recommendations where specialist input is required.
* Working alongside Housing Officers to support Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funded recommendations.
* Ensuring referrals are progressed effectively so that adaptations are completed efficiently.
* Being creative in developing the services provided by Housing by working with local and district councils to provide the best possible solutions for those adults and children who have the greatest need, thereby reducing the length of time spent in hospital, hospice, or residential/nursing care.
* Managing cases that have been assessed by a Health or Social Care OT to support the Housing Officer.
About You
To apply, you'll need a degree or diploma in Occupational Therapy, or equivalent qualification, with current Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration.
You'll bring experience of Occupational Therapy, modelling good practice and providing advice and guidance in complex situations. As a subject matter expert in relevant professional practice, you should have a comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations, and guidance. Also, the ability to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community to provide a supportive framework for vulnerable adults. The post holder must be confident in person-centred and positive risk-taking approaches.
This role involves travelling throughout Essex. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means - is essential.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC), you will be required to register with the DBS update service.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
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