Occupational Therapy Assistant

About Us

West Sussex County Council is all about making a positive difference to the people we work with and their communities. As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.

Our Independent Living Service embrace a strengths-based approach, working within a community-led support model. Our supportive, and knowledgeable team build on the assets and strengths of the people we work with, their families, and local communities. Together, we'll focus on prevention, enablement, reablement and safety, to promote wellbeing and independence. We'll ensure that residents, families and communities have the right support in place, and at the right time.

Take a look at our Careers in Social Care Occupational Therapy campaign page for further information on the work of the team - Careers in social care occupational therapy - West Sussex County Council

About The Job

Salary: £26,409 to £27,711 per annum plus £561 per annum Crawley weighting
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Crawley
Interview Date: w/c 9th June 2025

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside a qualified Occupational Therapist, helping to provide a range of services that promote wellbeing, independence, and safety. You'll undertake strength-based assessments and provide advice, equipment, home adaptations, and support to individuals in need.

Our Occupational Therapy Assistants need to be resilient, adaptable, organised and able to work in a fast-paced environment. You'll need to work efficiently and accurately record your work using electronic systems. Our Occupational Therapy Assistants need to be committed to ongoing learning about Occupational Therapy and how to implement it in practice.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking Assessments: Carry out assessments for individuals to develop person-centred care plans aimed at improving wellbeing, under the guidance of a qualified Occupational Therapist.
• Providing Advice & Support: Offering practical support and advice, including home adaptations and the provision of assistive equipment.
• Collaboration: Work alongside a wide range of professionals and agencies, attending multi-disciplinary meetings and ensuring the delivery of effective interventions.
• Safeguarding & Compliance: Ensure that all work is compliant with relevant legislation and safeguarding policies, promoting safe and inclusive care.

What We're Looking For:

To thrive in this role, you'll need to be adaptable, organised, and compassionate. You will have:

• Experience and Qualifications: A minimum of 3 GCSEs, including English and Maths (or equivalent), and ideally an NVQ Level 3. Previous experience in occupational therapy or related roles is desirable.
• Skills & Competencies: Strong assessment and problem-solving skills, effective communication abilities, and a commitment to learning and development.
• Passion for Wellbeing: A genuine interest in supporting people to maintain or improve their independence and quality of life.
• Driving Licence: A full, valid driving licence is required, as travel across the county including to areas not easily accessed though public transport is required.

Experience and Skills

Please ensure you read the job description and cover the full list of required skills, qualifications and experience within your application as they are the short listing criteria your application will be considered against:

• Ability to undertake a strengths-based assessment with minimal guidance (in line with the Care Act 2014) to ascertain required information to support the development of a person-centred care and support plan with clearly defined outcomes.
• Ability to analyse and interpret information and prioritise needs in order to make recommendations/decisions which will have a positive outcome.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to provide clear and concise guidance and to demonstrate and explain practical activities.
• Ability to recognise the limits of own accountability and responsibility, and to seek appropriate support, advice and supervision.
• Ability to prioritise and organise work and meet agreed performance expectations and deadlines.
• Relevant lived experience, or experience of providing advice, guidance and education to others with a focus on promoting independence and preventing dependence.
• An awareness and practical understanding of a range of interventions that can be used to achieve change.
• Experience of forming effective relationships with people with a range of needs and an understanding of the effects of a disabling condition on a person.
• Knowledge of the use of and the risk and safety factors associated with disability and equipment/adaptation provision.
• Valid, full driving licence.

Rewards and Benefits

For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.

Further Information

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to HCPC registration, an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check.

West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged.

For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran's Guaranteed Interview Scheme (if you meet all the essential criteria), this can be found on our application help page.

Note for Recruitment Agencies: We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!