About this role
Job summary
The role of Discharge to Assess OT is pivotal in supporting safe and timely hospital discharges by enabling individuals to regain or maintain independence in their own homes.
The post holder will work closely with the Hospital Social Work Team and the Reablement and Independence Service, delivering strength-based, person-centred interventions that promote recovery and reduce reliance on long-term care. The role involves assessing, implementing, evaluating, and reviewing care plans for service users and carers, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes.
Main duties of the job
Main Accountabilities:
Conduct holistic assessments to identify the needs of service users and carers within their home environments, ensuring recommendations are appropriate and within available resources. Actively involve carers in the assessment and planning process, considering their needs alongside those of the service user to achieve the best possible outcomes. Independently manage a specialist clinical caseload, maintaining accurate and up-to-date clinical records in line with professional standards. Ensure all interventions and recommendations are informed by current manual handling guidance and best practice. Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to guide effective treatment, support timely progression through the service, and facilitate appropriate discharge planning, including in-reach work. Promote the use of Assistive Technology and digital tools such as AskSARA to enhance independence and reduce reliance on formal care services, embedding a strengths-based approach. Work collaboratively with colleagues across health and social care, including the Hospital Social Work Team and the Reablement and Independence Service, to ensure coordinated care.
About us
As part of Slough Borough Council, you will join an organisation focused on improving outcomes for residents, communities and the local environment. Our Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities works collaboratively with residents, carers, families, colleagues and partner organisations to provide high-quality, person-centred support. The team is committed to strengths-based practice, professional curiosity and making a positive difference in peoples lives.
You will be part of a friendly, supportive and inclusive working environment where colleagues share knowledge, work together and take pride in delivering services that matter. We value a strong work ethic built on compassion, accountability, innovation and respect. Staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, learn from one another and play an active role in helping the Council move forward together.
Working with us offers the opportunity to develop your career while being supported to balance work and personal commitments. Alongside a competitive salary, employees benefit from flexible and hybrid working arrangements, annual leave entitlement, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, wellbeing initiatives, employee networks and opportunities to contribute to meaningful change for the people of Slough.
Job description Job responsibilities
Recent experience demonstrating ability to assess and evaluate care in rehabilitation and long-term condition management.Experience of working with people of diverse cultural and religious communitiesExperience of diffusing conflict and complaints.Experience of case-management in clients with long-term conditions.Proven ability in implementing Clinical Governance.Problem solving/decision making skills based on client needs and goals.Demonstrates positive attitudes and behaviours, taking a strength based approach to assessments.Comprehensive knowledge of appropriate and available Occupational Therapy assessments and approaches, including outcome measures and goal setting.General knowledge of safe installations and use of Assistive Technology, disability equipment and adaptations
Person Specification
Knowledge and understanding Essential
Knowledge of relevant legislation, national guidelines and best-practice for a range of conditions. Comprehensive knowledge of appropriate and available Occupational Therapy assessments and approaches, including outcome measures and goal setting. General knowledge of safe installations and use of Assistive Technology, disability equipment and adaptations
Desirable
N/A
Experience Essential
Recent experience demonstrating ability to assess and evaluate care in rehabilitation and long-term condition management. Experience of working with people of diverse cultural and religious communities Experience of diffusing conflict and complaints. Experience of case-management in clients with long-term conditions. Experience of contributing to service/quality improvement. Experience of working within a community or acute therapy team. Moving and Handling case work experience.
Desirable
N/A
Qualifications Essential
Degree/Diploma/Msc in Occupational Therapy. HCPC Registered. Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Desirable
Masters level qualification in specialist area.
Skills and abilities Essential
Proven ability in implementing Clinical Governance. Problem solving/decision making skills based on client needs and goals. Excellent assessment and recording skills Demonstrates positive attitudes and behaviours, taking a strength based approach to assessments. Willingness to take responsibility and use initiative, according to level of experience and delegations Ability to communicate effectively with people with complex difficulties and in difficult situations. To be proficient in the use of ICT systems and packages Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and influence others. Excellent time management skills, including the ability to work to deadlines. The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English. Ability to work in a fast paced environment and concentrate in conditions requiring emotional demands. Ability to work autonomously, prioritising and organising own work and caseload, including delegation. Physically capable of carrying, transporting and fitting equipment in peoples homes, within manual handling constraints and guidelines Knowledge of relevant legislation, national guidelines and best-practice for a range of conditions.
Desirable
N/A
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Slough Borough Council
Address Slough Borough Council
Observatory house
25 Windsor Road, Slough
Berkshire
SL1 2EL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.slough.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)