Job Description

Some key information

Location: Taunton

Starting salary

37,280

rising to

41,771

per annum 30 days annual leave entitlement Continual support and growth opportunities are provided Hybrid working options where the role allows

What will I be doing?

Our objective is to collaborate with individuals in cultivating wonderfully commonplace lives through our approach, signifying:



Empowering and aiding individuals in pinpointing their priorities and aspirations, enabling them to craft realistic plans for their future. This helps them maximise their self-reliance and embrace fulfilling lives according to their own paths.



Collaborating within multidisciplinary teams to devise inventive solutions that best meet an individual's unique needs.



We've established smaller community-based teams that will integrate and engage with their local neighbourhoods. These groups are complemented by specialised teams such as Mental Health Social Care, Learning Disabilities, and Adult Safeguarding.



There are openings available within our community neighbourhood teams and Somerset independent living centres. In these settings, you'll collaborate with fellow occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and receive support from advanced practitioners, all while operating within multidisciplinary teams.



More information about our Somerset independent living centres can be found in the below links:



Equipment to help you (somerset.gov.uk)

Are you or someone you know struggling at home with daily living tasks?

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But to be successful in this role you will:


Be a

qualified Occupational Therapist

and be

registered with HCPC

Have access to/use of a vehicle

is an essential requirement for this role Have knowledge and understanding of Social Care practice. Be solution focused to support people to be and remain independent. Be passionate about advocating for others. You will be encouraged to express your own ideas. Have previous leadership experience

What's in it for me?

At Somerset Council, we work hard to attract the best staff and we want to make sure that once you are on board, you are well supported and rewarded for the work you do.



We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:


This grade offers

30

days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and the option to request to buy up to 2 weeks additional annual leave pro rata

Hybrid working options

where the role allows A clear career pathway with apprenticeships, professional, leadership and academic programmes and qualifications, regular CPD opportunities and a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme A new comprehensive induction programme supported by Practice Development Advanced Practitioners, plus a confidential and impartial welcome call to ensure your induction goes smoothly Ongoing support & development opportunities - regular CPD events arranged and delivered by our dedicated Adult Social Care Learning and Development team, including an annual Carnival of Practice event with key speakers such as the Chief Social Worker, a team of Advanced Practitioner - Practice Development roles to support our workforce, personalised personal development plans, a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme. Local Government pension scheme Employee support networks that acknowledge and celebrate the richness of diversity and equality within our workforce Guaranteed Interview Schemes - Disability Confident, Veterans, Care Leavers Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services and events to support a healthy work/life balance inc. a free online gym offer, dedicated Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors and much more!

Relocation of up to 8,000,

subject to meeting eligibility requirements. Access to the Blue Light Card which offers thousands of discounts online and on the high street My Staff Shop which offers a variety of discounts including; cinemas, shopping, restaurants, gym discounts and more! Discounted lease car options via salary sacrifice, along with discounts on fuel Cycle to work scheme

Anything else I should know?

Due to the nature of the role and the geographical area of the service across Somerset, which is a largely rural county, with limitations around public transport the ability to be able to travel to any location is essential. Therefore, applicants must have full access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes.

We recognise and welcome applications from disabled individuals who may require reasonable adjustments to meet this requirement, and we're happy to discuss this from the first point of contact with the recruitment team.

This is a Grade 10 post with a current salary of

37,280 rising to 41,771

per annum. Appointments are normally made at the bottom of the salary scale.



We've introduced a Competency Framework aligned with career paths, offering access to professional, leadership, and academic programs and certifications.



Our focus is on emphasising preventive measures, exemplified by our Occupational Therapy Service's initiative to establish Somerset Independent Living Centres across the region.



Continual support and growth opportunities are provided through regular CPD events organised by our dedicated Adult Social Care Learning and Development team. Additionally, we host an annual Carnival of Practice event featuring prominent speakers such as the Chief Social Worker. To bolster our workforce, we have a team of Advanced Practitioners in Practice Development roles. Personalised development plans, a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme, further enrich our support system.



We are a socially active council and run many webinars and events, team away days, volunteering opportunities plus, hold regular staff Q&A sessions. We encourage professional development and training to support your learning and aspirations. And there are also a variety of networking groups and activities that you can join.



We're proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve so we will always welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our teams. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there's anything you want to talk about before you apply.

Got a question about becoming an Occupational Therapist with Somerset Council? Get in touch with Jess Rundle - Occupational Therapy Service Manager - 01823 357781/

jessica.rundle@somerset.gov.uk

Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early if we have received a sufficient number of applications, so don't delay, apply today!

A bit more about Somerset Council

We are reclaiming narratives about social work and believe in the power of lived experiences of people (including workers) and sharing stories. To get a sense of this, listen to the Social Work Sessions podcast.

Somerset is situated in a beautiful, rural county in a central southwest location but with good city links. With scenic countryside, historic sites, charming towns and villages, family-friendly attractions, beaches, festivals (Glastonbury!) and events, outdoor activities, zoos, water parks and plenty of local produce to try, there's something for everyone!

DBS information

This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.



Job Reference: SCC05968