About this role
Job summary
Are you passionate about working with children and young people with disabilities? West Berkshire Council have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Childrens Occupational Therapy Team within Childrens Social Care. Our team strive to enable children and young people to participate, function and thrive in family life within their home environment.
We are looking for an experienced Childrens Occupational Therapist to join us and help make a difference to the lives of children and families in our local area. We are a friendly and dynamic team working in Community Social Care in the beautiful setting of West Berkshire. The successful applicant must have relevant Occupational Therapy experience working with children who have disabilities and complex health/sensory needs.
Main duties of the job
The Role
As a Childrens Occupational Therapist, you will deliver child-centred assessments and interventions for children and young people. You will recommend and prescribe specialist equipment, including seating, bathing, toileting, and safety equipment for sensory needs.
You will assess requirements for minor and major home adaptations and progress these through the Disabled Facilities Grant process. Working with housing teams and associations, you will help secure suitable housing and improve access to essential facilities.
The role includes completing moving and handling risk assessments, producing care plans, and prescribing equipment such as hoists and slings to ensure safe practice for children, parents, and carers. You will work collaboratively with Social Workers, Family Support Workers, and a wider multi-disciplinary team.
About You
You must be an Occupational Therapist registered with the HCPC, with experience in a similar role. You will have a strong understanding of relevant legislation, safeguarding, and how disability impacts children and families.
You will demonstrate excellent assessment, intervention, and report writing skills, as well as strong communication and organisational abilities. Experience in Sensory Integration is desirable.
About us
Why Work for West Berkshire Council?
West Berkshire Council offers a range of excellent employment benefits, including:
Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance. A £3000 market supplement on top of your salary. Access to a wide range of relevant training and professional development opportunities. 29 days Annual leave, rising to 34 days after 5 years in service. Local government pension scheme. Family-friendly policies to support your personal and professional commitments. A range of local discounts on shopping, services, and leisure activities. And much more!
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jo Nightingale, Occupational Therapist Assistant Team Manager, on 07876 394780 or email [email protected]
If you are dedicated, compassionate, and committed to improving the lives of children and families, we invite you to apply for this rewarding position. Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a difference in your community.
Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career.
Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Home - Work With Us - West Berkshire Council
Job description Job responsibilities
1. To work as a member of the Children with Diabilities Team, with the main functions of assessment, leading to: - provision of equipment, recommendations for adaptations, independence training and advice to parents/carers.
2. To work within the context of current legislation and policies. To work in a flexible manner providing an effective and comprehensive service to children with disabilities and their families.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
One year post qualification in Occupational Therapy E 1 IT Skills E 2
Desirable
Degree Level Education D
Experience Essential
Experience gained within a Local Authority Occupational Therapy Setting. E 1 Interest in working with children and families in an integrated social work and occupational therapy team E 2 Experience of Paediatric Occupational Therapy. E 1
Knowledge and understanding Essential
Knowledge of relevant legislation and policy issues. E 1 Skills and abilities Ability to use Outlook, and a web browser to access information E 1 Basic ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc) E 2 Work-related personal qualities Ability to work as part of a team. E 1 Self-motivated and able to work independently to complete tasks. E 1 Ability to work flexibly and to take responsibility for managing work and time efficiently. E 2 Good communication skills both written and oral. E 3 Commitment to working with disabled children and their families. E 4 Willingness to undertake further training specific to the role of a Paediatric O.T. working within Children with Disabilities Team. E 5 Other work-related requirements Enhanced DBS check E 1 HCPC registered E Must hold a current driving license and have a car. E 2 Flexible working hours, including evenings. Must be available to carry out visits at any time during working hours. E 3 This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2017; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.
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 West Berkshire Council
Address Council Offices
Market Street
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 5LD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.westberks.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)