Occupational Therapist Independent Living Service

An opportunity has arisen for an Occupational Therapist within the Council's Independent Living Service. The service provides aids and adaptations to help people to live independently at home for longer. The role will involve working with service users and carers to plan and implement services in accordance with assessed needs and risks, recommend and organise the provision of specialist equipment in homes and instruct service users, carers and care providers in its use, to provide specialist advice to other professionals, liaise with other agencies, prepare reports and make recommendations in relation to major adaptations and to assist in the training and supervision of support staff. What you'll ge to do:

• Work in partnership with service users and carers to plan, implement and evaluate services based on assessed risks and needs.
• Adhere to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Standards of the College of Occupational Therapy.
• Carry out comprehensive assessments requiring specialist Occupational Therapy knowledge, particularly for home adaptations.
• Undertake Continuous Professional Development in line with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirements.
• Recommend and coordinate the provision of specialist equipment, providing instruction to service users, carers and care providers on its use.
• Support the training and supervision of Occupational Therapy support staff to ensure effective and efficient service delivery in line with Gateshead Council policy.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to professionals regarding the needs of service users, carers and care providers.
• Participate in the delivery of an Occupational Therapy duty service.
• Liaise effectively with relevant agencies to ensure appropriate and joined-up service provision.
• Contribute proactively to the ongoing development and improvement of service delivery.
• Prepare accurate reports and make clear recommendations for Senior Officers regarding major adaptations.
• Maintain professional standards and competencies to ensure service delivery is informed by accurate, up-to-date knowledge.
  
  Degree in Occupational Therapy (BSc Hons or equivalent).
• Current Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration and British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT).
• Full UK driving licence with access to a car or access to mobility support.
• Experience or understanding of working within a health or social care environment.
• Knowledge of relevant Adult Social Care, Children's and Housing legislation, including legislation relating to the provision of specialist equipment and adaptations.
• Understanding of the impact of disability on adults, children, older people and their carers, including the complexity of rehabilitation and reablement.
• Ability to carry out effective, person-centred assessments and set achievable goals to promote maximum independence.
• Strong communication, IT, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to support colleagues and participate in practice education.
  
  Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff. Supporting independence, one home at a time. Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council supports adults with care and support needs to live safe, independent and thriving lives. The service provides statutory assessments, safeguarding, prevention, and a wide range of community-based support in line with the Care Act 2014. Working in a strengths-based way, Adult Social Care focuses on wellbeing, independence and personalised outcomes, helping people to access the right support at the right time, whether through assessment and planning, enablement services, technology-enabled care, or wider community resources.


• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).