Occupational Therapy Assistant (Adults)

Transform lives, champion rights & support adults to achieve their full potential.

• Location: Countywide covering both East and West
• 4 x permanent and 2 x 18-month fixed term contract
• Full time, 37 hours per week
• Salary: £28,598 rising to £32,061 per annum
• Hybrid working opportunities
• Opportunity to join the path to becoming a fully qualified Occupational Therapist
• 28 days annual leave entitlement
• Must have access to/use of a vehicle
• At Somerset Council, we are proud to support our frontline workers with access to innovative AI technology. Our greatest asset is our dedicated workforce, and we need to ensure we evolve with technology and new ways to invest in them. We’re currently utilising Magic Notes, which has proven to help social workers reduce the amount of time spent on administrative work, allowing them to focus on using their skillset and creativity to support our shared vision of improving the life chances and outcomes for adults in Somerset

Regretfully we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. As such, we are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

These exciting new OTA roles will carry out valuable work to support the full client journey from Occupational Therapist identification of need for an adaptation to completion of any Disabled Facilities Grant adaptations. This will improve the client experience by contributing to timely completion of housing related grant applications and funded works and supporting the work of a range of specialist roles within Occupational Therapy Service to progress the application along DFG journey.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide home visiting and office-based services to older and/or disabled clients to assess housing, social, and financial needs.
• Advise clients on relevant financial help available including grants and loans.
• Work as a Trusted Assessor for provision of low-level aids and adaptations.
• Ensure clients are informed and understand procedures related to their grant application.
• Establish effective working relationships with health services, housing, and voluntary groups.
• Set up and maintain systems for comprehensive case records, ensuring data confidentiality and legal compliance.
• Provide performance information to the Operations Manager and other monitoring bodies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date computerised records and case notes.
• Participate in team meetings and training courses as required.
• Support the full client journey from initial OT identification of need to completion of DFG funded works.

• Previous experience in casework or similar client-facing role.
• Experience working in an office environment.
• GCSE English and Maths or equivalent Grade C or above.
• Ability to plan, monitor, and control a caseload methodically.
• Ability to keep accurate records.
• Numeracy and literacy skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Tactful and diplomatic attitude.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be.

At Somerset Council, we work hard to attract the best staff and we want to make sure that once you are on board, you are well supported and rewarded for the work you do.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• This grade offers 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and the option to request to buy up to 2 weeks additional annual leave pro rata
• Hybrid working options where the role allows
• A clear career pathway with apprenticeships, professional, leadership and academic programmes and qualifications, regular CPD opportunities and a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme
• A new comprehensive induction programme supported by Practice Development Advanced Practitioners, plus a confidential and impartial welcome call to ensure your induction goes smoothly
• Ongoing support & development opportunities – regular CPD events arranged and delivered by our dedicated Adult Social Care Learning and Development team, including an annual Carnival of Practice event with key speakers such as the Chief Social Worker, a team of Advanced Practitioner – Practice Development roles to support our workforce, personalised personal development plans, a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme.
• Local Government pension scheme
• Employee support networks that acknowledge and celebrate the richness of diversity and equality within our workforce
• Guaranteed Interview Schemes – Disability Confident, Veterans, Care Leavers
• Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services and events to support a healthy work/life balance inc. a free online gym offer, dedicated Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors and much more!
• Access to the Blue Light Card which offers thousands of discounts online and on the high street
• My Staff Shop which offers a variety of discounts including; cinemas, shopping, restaurants, gym discounts and more!
• Discounted lease car optional

Due to the nature of the role and the geographical area of the service across Somerset, which is a largely rural county, with limitations around public transport the ability to be able to travel to any location is essential. Therefore, applicants must have full access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes.

We recognise and welcome applications from disabled individuals who may require reasonable adjustments to meet this requirement, and we’re happy to discuss this from the first point of contact with the recruitment team.

This is a Grade 12 post with a current salary of £28,598 rising to £32,061 per annum. The starting salary would normally be at the minimum point of the grade.

Got a question about becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant with Somerset Council? Please contact Jessica Rundle - Occupational Therapy Service Manager – jessica.rundle@somerset.gov.uk

We are a socially active council and run many webinars and events, team away days, volunteering opportunities plus, hold regular staff Q&A sessions. We encourage professional development and training to support your learning and aspirations. And there are also a variety of networking groups and activities that you can join.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve so we will always welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our teams. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early if we have received a sufficient number of applications, so don't delay, apply today!

We are reclaiming narratives about social work and believe in the power of lived experiences of people (including workers) and sharing stories. To get a sense of this, listen to the Social Work Sessions podcast.

Somerset is situated in a beautiful, rural county in a central southwest location but with good city links. With scenic countryside, historic sites, charming towns and villages, family-friendly attractions, beaches, festivals (Glastonbury!) and events, outdoor activities, zoos, water parks and plenty of local produce to try, there’s something for everyone!

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