Job Description

Band 5 Occupational Therapy Social Care Trusted Assessor fixed term for 9 months



Due to maternity leave we are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for an experienced Therapy Assistant Practitioner (TAP) to progress and develop their skills. We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic, and creative TAP to be a part of our well-established Occupational Therapy team. You will be joining an innovative and agile Children and Young People's Therapies (CYPT) Service committed to delivering high quality intervention and transforming lives.



We are looking to recruit a part time fixed term TAP to work in our Social Care team. This post is based at Danestrete Health Centre in Stevenage and will work in our North and East team.



Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust provides integrated Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, and Physiotherapy Services for families across the county. Our CYPT service provides opportunities for collaborative working, joint training and shared learning amongst each profession. Our service is commissioned by health, social care and education, allowing us to provide a seamless pathway from early years through to home, school and further education settings, to enable a child to meet their full potential in participating in activities of daily living.



Experience working with children is prefrable but not essential.



The successful applicant will be able to work with CYP and families to identify the equipment and adaptation needs of CYP who have complex needs and disability, at home.



The applicant will agree to attend formal and in house training to develop their skills to Trusted Assessor level. This is to ensure that you can prescribe suitable assessments to meet the needs of CYP. You will prescribe equipment, complete housing assessments for rehousing or complete assessments for simple housing adaptations. The successful applicant will be able to work independently and autonomously in the community environment, with access to a qualified therapist for supervision and professional support.



Once trained, you will be able to write housing reports and be able to order equipment from the equipment provider without direct supervision, being responsible for your own caseload. Working conditions can require a high level of emotional effort and physical skills.

We offer:

Regular clinical supervision, managerial supervision and have a well-established appraisal system

CPD opportunities, including in service masterclasses

Opportunities to work alongside other therapists/assistants to deliver intervention to children/young people requiring support

An initial induction period where you will have the opportunity to observe and shadow your team.

Formal degree apprenticeship pathway to become an Occupational Therapist



We're delighted that you're exploring a career with HCT.



Why Join Us?



We're committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and rewarding work environment -- one where you'll feel valued and empowered to make a real difference.



At HCT, we put patients, their families, and carers at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is simple yet powerful: Outstanding Services and Healthier Communities . Our dedicated staff take pride in being Innovative, Caring, and Agile , working together to turn this vision into reality.



A Rewarding Place to Work



Working with us comes with a host of benefits designed to support you:



Generous annual leave (27 days rising to 33)

Flexible working arrangements to help balance personal and professional life, including up to 5 days of carers leave (pro rata)

Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 confidential support for personal or work-related issues

Cycle to Work & Car Lease Schemes to make your commute healthier or easier

Blue Light Card & NHS Discounts on a wide range of shopping, holidays, and services

Health and wellbeing support , including free flu jabs, Physiotherapy referrals, eye care vouchers, and regular wellness clinics

Occupational Pension Scheme with competitive benefits

Enhanced sick pay above statutory entitlements



We celebrate diversity and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds, ages, and communities to apply..



Please see attached, which details the responsibilities within this post. Also attached is the Person Specification.



Successful candidates will need to be enthusiastic and motivated. Good communication, clinical reasoning and organisational skills are essential. You must be a team player but be able to work autonomously and have the ability to champion the needs of your patients.



If you are keen to be part of our well established and professional therapy team, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Caroline Griffiths, Clinical Quality Lead on 07825316108 for an informal chat and further details about this opportunity.



Applicants wanting to work full time are preferred. Part time or job share applicants will be considered.



A full valid driving licence and access to a car to use regularly for business purposes is essential (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).



Interview date is set for 6th August 2025 ..