Job Description

About the role

North Somerset Council is committed to promoting independence for those living in North Somerset as well as modernising our services to be able to meet our future demands. Following the internal progression for one of our current Senior Occupational Therapists, an opportunity on a permanent basis has arisen within our Single Point of Access (SPA) team to help lead continued service development for the residents of North Somerset. The single point of access team is the entry point to Adult Social Care services in North Somerset.

A significant proportion of referrals are resolved at SPA through the provision of telephone-based advice and guidance, signposting and prescribing equipment or minor adaptations, and also using assessment clinics where face to face assessment and support is required. When resolution is not possible in the SPA service, we refer people to our integrated teams and non-statutory organisations for their services.

Occupational Therapy (OT) is valued as key profession in Adult Social Services, helping us achieve the best outcomes for our service users. As one of three Senior OTs, you will work in a multi-disciplinary team alongside social workers, social care staff and in partnership with our local health colleagues, care providers and voluntary sector. You will be responsible for over-seeing the prioritisation, routing, response and progression of OT referrals for Adult Social Care, received by the contact centre, Care Connect.

As a Senior OT, you will be required to undertake the management and clinical supervision of OTs and Adult Social Care Workers in the team.

As we continue to strive to improve our offer of advice and support to our residents, you will also be required to contribute to and lead OT service improvements as part of ongoing team development. You will be involved in the development of early intervention and prevention services offered through our established Equipment and Demonstration Centre in Weston-super-Mare, through community-based clinic support and engaging with communities and groups about the role of OT in maximising independence.

About you

You will need to be an HCPC registered Occupational Therapist with sufficient experience relevant to the role. You should be a good communicator and able to build rapport over the telephone. You should be able to work proportionately and creatively to ensure we meet service user needs in a timely and effective way and guide others to.

Applicants should have an interest in leading service development and engaging with others to progress and embed positive change. You should be confident in your skills as an OT and in your ability to motivate and support staff and service users.

The role will involve working from home, working from the Equipment and Demonstration centre or out of office space within the Town Hall in Weston. There may be some travel around the area as part of community engagement and community-based clinics. Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide or access alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

About us

North Somerset includes the coastal towns of Weston-super-Mare, Portishead and Clevedon as well as the beautiful countryside of North Somerset. The geography of North Somerset is bordering Bristol at the gateway to the South West, and offers a great environment to live and work within.

Our vision

Our council vision is \xe2\x80\x98an open, fairer, greener North Somerset\xe2\x80\x99 and we have three key priorities:

• A thriving and sustainable place
• A council which empowers and cares about people
• An open and enabling organisation.

Our values

Our organisational values are important. They help guide us in how we work and provide services for our residents. Our people produced our values in collaboration with elected members. They provide a strong ethos and help us to deliver our ambitious agenda, working in partnership across the council and beyond:

• We act with integrity
• We respect each other
• We innovate
• We care
• We collaborate.

Our Benefits

We offer:

• A competitive salary,
• Family leave options,
• A pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection,
• Opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential,
• Generous leave entitlement (27 days pro rata, rising to 32 days pro rata) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days leave each year,
• Discounts on shopping, days out, travel and gym memberships,
• Agile and flexible working arrangements to help you enjoy a healthy work-life balance,
• 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Programme.

Want to know more and apply?

For an informal discussion, please contact Jodie Birchall, Team Manager, on 07917265627 or email, or

Sarah Shaw, Head of Service, on 07717517326 or email, .

If you like to find out more about the opportunities and support for Occupational Therapists in North Somerset Council please contact our Principal OT, Jo Hopkins, on 07789 943017 or email

Note: When filling out the application please ensure you provide evidence based on the Knowledge, Skills and Experience section of the Job family.

Anticipated interview date: Friday 04 August 2023

North Somerset Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of our community regardless of age, disability, sex, race, religion, belief or sexual orientation. North Somerset Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

North Somerset Council \xe2\x80\x93 Open, Fairer, Greener.

North Somerset Council