Occupational Therapist

About Southwark

Southwark is an ambitious, vibrant, culturally diverse and progressive council with a ‘can do’ attitude. As a Council, we are successful, passionate and forward-thinking. We value our people, celebrate diversity and seek to find effective and creative ways of supporting our communities. We are committed to our ‘Fairer Futures for All’ promise which ensures that our residents and businesses are central to everything we do. We currently have several vacancies across the older persons & physical disability service we wish to fill.

The Role:

We are looking for experienced, autonomous and motivated practitioners who want to make a real difference to the lives of our residents whilst consolidating their professional knowledge.

The Case Management Team offers longer-term, strength-based interventions for adult physical disabilities/ complex cases which can involve challenging social situations, housing/access difficulties or deteriorating neurological conditions.

Occupational Therapy services have a high profile in the organisation, and are sited within an integrated structure which also includes Social Work, and Sensory Impairment Services. Children’s Occupational Therapy Services is a separate work-stream within our structure, and we accept referrals for physical functional support from the borough’s Learning Disability Service.

Essential aspects of the Occupational Therapy role include:

1. To visit people with physical, and/or mental health needs, at their home, or permanent residence and complete Occupational Therapy assessments of function, help overcoming environmental/social barriers and provide tailored support.
2. To complete manual handing assessments of need and ensure residents, and their formal and informal carers, are supported to provide personalised care through robust OT assessments. To prescribe appropriate equipment to improve safety and maximise independence, choice and control.
3. To assess and provide minor and major adaptations to ensure residents can remain in their own homes, for as long as possible, promote health and prevent hospital admissions. To work closely with Housing colleagues and other professionals in meeting identified needs.

About You:

You will have experience of supporting adults with physical and cognitive disabilities.

You will be able to complete assessments under the Care Act 2014.

You will have a knowledge of OT theory, specialist assessments and interventions and be able apply this within holistic, person-centred and strengths-based approaches to promoting service users’ independence.