Senior Occupational Therapist - REQ002653

Job title: Senior Occupational Therapist

Salary: PO3 £42,839 - £46,142

Hours: 1 Full Time Position & 1 Full Time Secondment Opportunity

Contract: Permanent & Temporary

Location: Merrion House, Leeds covering citywide appointments / viewings.

As a Senior Occupational Therapist, you’ll thrive on assisting people into suitable homes which will greatly improve their quality of life.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Senior Occupational Therapist, you will bring strong leadership and clinical expertise to the role. You will be confident in your decision-making, with excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships across teams. You’ll be a supportive and approachable team player who can manage time effectively and prioritise competing demands.

You will have experience in line management or team supervision, as you will be responsible for allocating work across your area team, ensuring that cases are matched to staff with the appropriate qualifications and experience. Your ability to lead, support, and develop others will be key to maintaining high standards of service delivery.

About the role

As a Senior Occupational Therapist within the Health & Housing service, you will lead an area-based team, ensuring that Leeds City Council tenants with disabilities are re-housed into properties that meet their needs—enabling them to live as independently as possible.

You will oversee the allocation of work, support staff development, and ensure that assessments and interventions are delivered in line with legislation and best practice. You’ll work closely with Lettings Teams, Senior Surveyors, and the Principal Health Manager to assess properties and determine suitable adaptations, contributing to the council’s wider housing and health objectives.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements

a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidancefor further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Jenny Haslock, Principal Health Manager. Call 07891273547 or email jennifer.haslock@leeds.gov.uk

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job Purpose: Under the general direction of a Team Manager to provide a high quality and comprehensive Occupational Therapy service to disabled adults, children and young people, carers and community in accordance with the organisational needs, policy and practices of the Directorate and within statutory guidelines

The post holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities within the City Council’s Policies and Procedures, in particular the Council Policies on Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, and also within the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Code of Practice.

This is an experienced Occupational Therapy role with specific responsibilities for managing a caseload of higher levels of challenge and complexity, which will include assessment and management of risk and to provide casework advice, support and guidance to other team members

Responsibilities

To undertake a range of complex Occupational Therapy assessments. Assessments should have an occupational focus and aim to reduce barriers to inclusion.
To undertake reablement assessments which have an occupational emphasis. To be responsible for the care planning for the whole process.
To manage and monitor a workload of complex and diverse cases within the parameters of agreed policies and practices together with professional guidance and support from team managers to safeguard and promote the welfare of individuals, families and carers.
To develop, implement and review outcome focussed Occupational Therapy intervention to meet assessed needs and promote independent well-being and inclusion within delegated levels of responsibility.
To identify specialist housing needs of disabled people and their families and support them in accessing suitable housing/adaptations
To organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
To provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex evidence, for example, recommendations for major adaptations and specialist/bespoke equipment.
To complete moving and handling and hoist training, and then carry out complex moving and handling assessments, and provide subsequent advice and training to disabled people, carers and staff as appropriate.
To carry out complex moving and handling assessments, make appropriate recommendations for specific equipment, to reduce the risk for carers.
To deliver, fit and collect equipment as appropriate, including necessary moving and handling of equipment.
Following assessment provide/recommend complex and bespoke services to disabled adults, older people, children and young people which remove barriers to social inclusion, to improve quality of life for disabled people and their carers.
To obtain the views of the disabled person during the assessment process and take into account their views when making recommendations for service provision.
To take a lead for the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already in receipt of services.
To provide comprehensive knowledge of specialist equipment and complex adaptations to users, carers and less experienced members of the team.
To provide expert advice, support and guidance on casework to less experienced team members, both registered and unregistered.
To provide support and professional supervision to new graduate OT’s, OT’s and unregistered staff and to ensure the person achieves the appropriate skills and competencies.
To attend regular personal and professional Supervision with identified Supervisor.
To provide practice education for OT students, including student placements and other student related activities.
To maintain up to date accurate case notes and other records, write reports as required.
To assist with recruitment and selection of new graduate OT’s, Community OTs and unregistered staff.
To contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
To use management information systems, keep them up to date and be able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.
To be responsible for analysing information to support the ongoing needs of service users, their families and carers.
To work with other services within the council to deliver efficient and effective solutions to barriers faced by disabled people.
To work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal
To disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service.
To develop and maintain effective relationships with disabled people, their families and carers: provide advice and support, promote independence and early intervention, as necessary; help resolve conflict, where appropriate.
To work with individuals, families, carers and communities to help them make informed choices and decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.
To develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of disabled adults, older people, children and young people.
To contribute to safeguarding investigations, of disabled adults, older people, children and young people., in accordance with legislative requirements and Multi-agency Safeguarding procedures. Undertake risk assessments, identify needs and options.
To identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures seeking guidance if required.
To appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums.
To work to and within the prescribed standards of the College of Occupational Therapists and be responsible for promoting awareness of these.
To promote Occupational Therapy to colleagues both within and outside the Council.
Be responsible for the development of practice by maintaining a knowledge of related theories and legislation and using evidence on which to base professional practice.
To participate in training and development activities that ensures up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.
To be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures. Maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation
Maintain up to date personal CPD folder in order to retain registration with the HCPC.
Under the direction of the team manager undertake specific pieces of work in relation to customer feedback, representations, complaints, multi-agency projects or service developments and make recommendations or action plans to implement these to improve service delivery.
To deputise for the Disability Team Manager as and when required.
To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Directorate policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Health and Safety policy and procedures.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements

Specific Responsibilities within Environment and Housing

To understand and contribute to the annual service plans of the Health & Housing service that creates opportunities for all disabled people and their families to live independently in quality, affordable, safe and stable housing of their choice across all tenures.
To have a knowledge of the various cross tenure funding streams and the scope of the adaptations and re-housing services within Council.

Skills Required

To undertake a range of complex Occupational Therapy assessments. Assessments should have an occupational focus and aim to reduce barriers to inclusion.
To undertake reablement assessments which have an occupational emphasis. To be responsible for the care planning for the whole process.
To manage and monitor a workload of complex and diverse cases within the parameters of agreed policies and practices together with professional guidance and support from team managers to safeguard and promote the welfare of individuals, families and carers.
To develop, implement and review outcome focussed Occupational Therapy intervention to meet assessed needs and promote independent well-being and inclusion within delegated levels of responsibility.
To identify specialist housing needs of disabled people and their families and support them in accessing suitable housing/adaptations
To organise work activities taking account of the need to prioritise tasks and responsibilities ensuring statutory legislation and service priorities are met.
To provide written and verbal reports which are concise, informative and based on analysis of complex evidence, for example, recommendations for major adaptations and specialist/bespoke equipment.
To complete moving and handling and hoist training, and then carry out complex moving and handling assessments, and provide subsequent advice and training to disabled people, carers and staff as appropriate.
To carry out complex moving and handling assessments, make appropriate recommendations for specific equipment, to reduce the risk for carers.
To deliver, fit and collect equipment as appropriate, including necessary moving and handling of equipment.
Following assessment provide/recommend complex and bespoke services to disabled adults, older people, children and young people which remove barriers to social inclusion, to improve quality of life for disabled people and their carers.
To obtain the views of the disabled person during the assessment process and take into account their views when making recommendations for service provision.
To take a lead for the enhanced screening of new referrals and people already in receipt of services.
To provide comprehensive knowledge of specialist equipment and complex adaptations to users, carers and less experienced members of the team.
To provide expert advice, support and guidance on casework to less experienced team members, both registered and unregistered.
To provide support and professional supervision to new graduate OT’s, OT’s and unregistered staff and to ensure the person achieves the appropriate skills and competencies.
To attend regular personal and professional Supervision with identified Supervisor.
To provide practice education for OT students, including student placements and other student related activities.
To maintain up to date accurate case notes and other records, write reports as required.
To assist with recruitment and selection of new graduate OT’s, Community OTs and unregistered staff.
To contribute to the promotion of improved outcomes for individuals, families, carers and groups from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
To use management information systems, keep them up to date and be able to provide concise and accurate information about circumstances and plans within the requirements of data protection.
To be responsible for analysing information to support the ongoing needs of service users, their families and carers.
To work with other services within the council to deliver efficient and effective solutions to barriers faced by disabled people.
To work to the prescribed standards for service provision and maintain performance and develop practice and experience in line with personal targets as agreed with line manager through supervision and appraisal
To disseminate knowledge and contribute to the delivery of a high standard of service.
To develop and maintain effective relationships with disabled people, their families and carers: provide advice and support, promote independence and early intervention, as necessary; help resolve conflict, where appropriate.
To work with individuals, families, carers and communities to help them make informed choices and decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to service planning.
To develop and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals within the directorate and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach to the care management and safeguarding of disabled adults, older people, children and young people.
To contribute to safeguarding investigations, of disabled adults, older people, children and young people., in accordance with legislative requirements and Multi-agency Safeguarding procedures.
Undertake risk assessments, identify needs and options.
To identify and implement strategies for responding appropriately to concerns about practice or procedures seeking guidance if required.
To appropriately participate in meetings and relevant forums.
To work to and within the prescribed standards of the College of Occupational Therapists and be responsible for promoting awareness of these.
To promote Occupational Therapy to colleagues both within and outside the Council.
Be responsible for the development of practice by maintaining a knowledge of related theories and legislation and using evidence on which to base professional practice.
To participate in training and development activities that ensures up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development.
To be responsible for understanding and applying all relevant practice standards, policies and procedures.
Maintain an awareness of related theories and legislation
Maintain up to date personal CPD folder in order to retain registration with the HCPC.
Under the direction of the team manager undertake specific pieces of work in relation to customer feedback, representations, complaints, multi-agency projects or service developments and make recommendations or action plans to implement these to improve service delivery.
To deputise for the Disability Team Manager as and when required.
To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Directorate policies and procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under Health and Safety policy and procedures.
To actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s and Directorate policies on Equality and Diversity.
To undertake and other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade and purpose of the job as may be determined by the directorate.
Able to develop self and others including mentoring, supervision and development of student placements and other Disability Services staff
Able to lead and motivate others
Car driver

Knowledge Required

Appropriate Occupational Therapy professional qualification- Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy
Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Recent relevant professional development
Knowledge and understanding of a broad range of physical and mental health conditions.
Knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework appropriate to the needs of disabled people from a wide range of backgrounds
Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of statutory and voluntary agencies.
Of current, trends, policies, legislation and regulatory bodies in relation to vulnerable people within a social care setting
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of confidentiality and the needs and wishes of individuals, families and carers as appropriate.
Demonstrate an awareness of needs and safeguarding issues associated with people potentially at risk of harm.
Demonstrate an understanding of diversity issues within local communities.
A good understanding of the challenges of working within a multi-agency environment

Experience Required

Extensive relevant experience of working in a statutory/voluntary setting
Experience of fieldwork education
Experience of working in a multi professional teams
An in-depth knowledge of specialist equipment and complex major adaptations
An in-depth knowledge of complex moving handling issues and appropriate solutions
Demonstrated creativity in tackling and solving problems
Of working within and implementing a person-centred focused approach
Experience of supervising, supporting, encouraging and advising registered and unregistered staff
Use of reflective practice techniques to critically analyse information to inform decision making and planning
Producing written records and reports to a high standard for a variety of purposes with language suited to function
Managing a high level, complex and diverse caseload within agreed parameters, policy and procedure
Application of information gathering skills to make and contribute to assessments
Of advocacy and user involvement
Of using initiative
Of developing services to meet customer need

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

Committed to continuous improvement.
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council Equality & Diversity Policies.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health & Safety Policies.
Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development
Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct.
Take responsibility for improving practice through professional development
Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) upon commencement in post and maintain yearly registration.

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