Occupational Therapist in Housing

This is an exciting opportunity for a housing Occupational Therapist with experience in major adaptations 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 of 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 and major adaptations, modelling good practice and providing advice and guidance in complex situations. As, 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.

What We Offer In Return

We’ll support you to be your best…

• Training and development to empower you from our award-winning Essex Social Care Academy.
• With us you can make your career work for you with flexible working options
• With us you can get the support you need with employee wellbeing and counselling
• Lease Car scheme
• Up to £8000 for relocation *
• With us you can have peace of mind with life assurance of three times annual salary
• Payment of professional fees for approved professions
• Local Government Pension Scheme. View Key Facts and FAQ’s about the LGPS
• Volunteering leave
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with service
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - access to free and confidential information, support, and guidance from a team of highly qualified professionals.
• Employee Networks – communities to support you, connect you and help influence change at ECC

*T&Cs Apply.

For more information please contact Abbie.Mollison@essex.gov.uk

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

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.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/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.

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