Locum Senior Occupational Therapist - Colchester

Temporary position for 6 months initially, but this could be extended.

Full Time - Please note, this is a temporary assignment and pay rates are non-negotiable

£207 PAYE/ £237 Umbrella per day

With us, you can achieve more – for yourself as well as those you work to support.

We’ll give you the tools and resources you need to enable vulnerable adults to live healthily and independently. And, as you continue to grow your expertise, you’ll play a key role in the development of our North Discharge to Assess Team.

North Essex covers our offices in Colchester and Clacton. It is a diverse area to work in encompassing rural, coastal and urban communities all with their own unique challenges. Essex County Council work closely with their partners in North Essex, those joining teams in this area are uniquely positioned to be increasingly involved in partnership projects across local authorities and the NHS.

The team are currently offering flexible working arrangements; with the option to consider working condensed hours over a 4 day period, or standard working hours over a 5 day period. Currently, the expectation is that you will be predominantly working from home, however you will be visiting adults in the community either in their own homes or in residential settings. You will also be supported by our North Occupational Therapy Hub, which connects you with Occupational Therapists from across the North quadrant for support and guidance. Within the Discharge to Assess service we offer regular case discussions and forums to share and learn best practice and support colleagues.

Discharge to Assess Team

This is a chance for an Occupational Therapist to take a step forward in their career or to expand their knowledge and experience in working within a Discharge To Assess Model. This model of practice is ever evolving and developing and as a member within the team you will be an influencer of change and progression. You will be supporting adults who have recently been discharged from hospital or supporting them to prevent an admission into hospital. The ethos being to support Adults to leave hospital, when safe and appropriate to do so, and continuing their care and assessment out of hospital.

Wherever possible Adults will be supported to return to their home for assessment. Your support will be focussed on enabling adults to remain as independent and self-caring as possible in their own homes. However, some Adults may have been discharged to a temporary care home environment to aid their recovery and for a period of assessment to be able to identify their short or long term care and support needs. You will be working in collaboration with health care professionals and care providers using a multi – disciplinary approach to ensure the adults receive the right support at the right time.

Senior Occupational Therapists are passionate in delivering expert and effective assessments of risk and therapeutic interventions which build resilience for vulnerable adults. The role will involve managing the more complex cases, quality assuring interventions to ensure safeguarding and balancing financial obligations.

We are looking for highly qualified Occupational Therapist, with the ability to demonstrate excellent practice and model this to other staff. Proven track record of working closely with the community is essential.

You will join a knowledgeable and supportive team, who are happy to share their knowledge and in addition, you will have opportunity to undertake training via the Essex Social Care Academy, and develop skills and understanding regarding your role and career progression. Regular Team Meetings, Practice Meetings and supervision will also enable you to develop your skills. In addition we offer flexible working over 37 hours/week. The working pattern for this team is Monday to Friday covering core hours of 9am to 5:30pm. As of February 2022, the team are undergoing consultation to start working over a 7 day period, which may include working one weekend in six.

What sets our Occupational Therapists apart is the sheer diversity of the work. Join us and you could find yourself making an impact in housing, community sector coalition, commissioning, provider quality, organisational safeguards, mental health or learning disabilities, to name a few.

The Role

Under supervision of the Team Manager, you will be expected to provide expert advice and guidance, support and professional consultation for independent practitioners, social care staff and partners, contributing to the development of the four key principles.

You will bring the highest standards of professional practice and will have a sound depth of knowledge in relevant research, legislation, policy, moving and handling and practice methods. You will be required to provide specialist advice and professional support for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants, contributing to the development and support of links with other sectors and partner organisations.

Your responsibilities will also include:

• Assessment and identification of appropriate systems of support, facilitating service user choice which empowers people and enables them to live healthily and independently.
• Working within the statutory legal framework, policy and guidance within the Care Act 2015 and ensuring vulnerable people are safeguarded.
• Working collaboratively with statutory and non-statutory/voluntary agencies ensuring a joined-up approach which facilitates the authorisation and purchasing of appropriate services, as identified by the service user and carer.
• Providing specifications which evaluate the safe use of equipment and adaptations and comply with relevant legislation, policy and guidelines on safe working practices, thereby reducing risks.
• Building strong effective working relationships across the Council, with partners and members of voluntary agencies to help people age well.
• Delivering a high level of expertise in particular areas of practice and leads on those areas, contributing to the development of the four key principles.
• Supporting the team through quality assurance, case discussions and supervisions.

About You

To apply, you should be a qualified Occupational Therapist with a current HCPC registration.

You’ll bring significant experience of Occupational Therapy, modelling good practice and providing advice and guidance in complex situations. We’re also looking for your ability to mentor both newly-qualified and experienced team members. As, as a subject matter expert in relevant professional practice, you should have a comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations and guidance.

With experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members, carers and other multi-agency professionals, we’re looking for your ability to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community to provide a supportive framework for vulnerable adults.

You’ll also bring:

• Evidence of continuing professional development and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards.
• An in-depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages.
• The ability to make clear decisions, to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.

This role involves travelling around Essex and beyond. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means - is essential.

What we offer in return

We’ll support you to be to your best, with the resources, training and development to empower you. You can add to your expertise, with a range of opportunities offered by our award-winning Essex Social Care Academy. And, with flexible working options and other lifestyle benefits, we’ll enable you to make the most of your life outside work, too.

Whatever you want to achieve in your social care career, you can do it here.