Job Description

Job Introduction

This full-time, permanent role has a starting salary of 29,697 per annum based on a 36-hour working week.

We are excited to be hiring a new

Occupational Therapy Assistant

to join our fantastic team. If you would like a rewarding job in Adult Social Care, and are looking for the opportunity to develop your career in this area, this could be the opportunity for you!


These roles are incredibly rewarding, and we are confident that with strong support from the team, your career will go from strength to strength. You will end each day with the satisfaction that you are making a difference, ensuring no one is left behind.

Rewards and Benefits

26 days' holiday (pro-rated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave A generous local government salary related pension Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more 2 paid volunteering days per year Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Role

We are a professional, caring and committed team, serving residents who find themselves in need of drawing on care and support, and who may have physical disabilities, illness, or sensory impairments. As a team we are made up of a variety of roles and backgrounds, and we support and encourage learning and development, at both an individual and team level.


We work closely with carers, family members and partner organisations to enable residents to live their best possible life, ensuring that no one is left behind. We are committed to ensuring carers and family members feel supported, given the vital role they perform in the lives of those who matter most to them.


As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will have direct contact with the public and be the first point of contact, gathering initial information and identifying the need for further assessment, as well as signposting people to other services. You will become accustomed to both service provision on the phone as well as visiting clients in their own home or care setting, thereby providing a fast and efficient service to the clients at the point of contact.

This is a varied role, and on a day-to-day basis you will be involved in the following:

Assessing for, and recommending, basic daily living equipment to improve or maintain client's function Demonstrating the safe use of equipment and manual handling to individuals and carers Considering major adaptations within the client's home when basic equipment does not meet the client's needs

This role will provide an exciting opportunity to join and work with our team of Occupational Therapists and to learn about the integral role they play within Adult Social Care. You will have opportunities to further develop your own skills to support our clients within this field.


You will receive training and support, as well as regular professional supervision to ensure your transition into the team is positive. By building on the foundation of your experience, and by directing your knowledge and skills within the occupational therapy context, the team will support you to become confident and competent to fulfil the requirements of the role.


If this is of interest to you, we would love to hear from you!

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position your CV and answers to the questions below will clearly evidence:

The ability to empathise with, and show compassion towards, individuals in need of social care assistance Strong knowledge of the needs and challenges faced by adults requiring social care, and a commitment to supporting their well-being Proven ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks effectively, ensuring timely and high-quality outcomes Basic IT skills such as the use of Microsoft Office, email and file management, alongside a willingness to learn and adapt to new software systems Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey information clearly, concisely, and respectfully, both verbally and in writing

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based occupational therapy staff will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

Application Questions

Looking at our advert, and considering the Council's commitment to ensuring that "no one is left behind", please tell us what it is about the role that has motivated you to apply. Please tell us about the relevant experience or transferable skills you have that you can bring to this role? What three qualities do you have that would make you a good Occupational Therapy Assistant and how do these qualities support Surrey County Council's culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and adaptability? Can you please tell us how you would contribute to creating a good team environment?

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact Dawn Olver, Assistant Team Manager (OT), by email at dawn.olver@surreycc.gov.uk.


The job advert closes at 23:59 on 22/06/2025 with interviews to follow.


An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.


We look forward to receiving your application - please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.


Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.


Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.

Our Values

Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values.


Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how, as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.