Post Ref: CC580
Please note: Priority applicants will be seen in the first instance.
The aim and ethos of the Initial Screening team is to work with new and known people, over the age of 18, to re-engage them in their own community; promote self-help, enabling individuals to remain in control of their own lives, to be experts of their own conditions and circumstances, make positive choices, take positive risks and be supported to draw on their own strengths and existing networks to receive the support they need.
What will you be doing?
As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will join an experienced and supportive multi-disciplinary team of, Social Workers, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Service Coordinators, Wellbeing Navigators and Social Care Advisors.
We are looking for a hard-working individual who has experience in supporting vulnerable and/or disadvantaged people to self-help and promote independence, who is confident to have skilled, strength based, conversations ensuring that vulnerable and/or disadvantaged people are supported appropriately; they will make decisions that are in accordance with relevant policy guidance. They will deploy the correct use of legislation aimed at maintaining the independence of vulnerable adults and assist them to maximising their own abilities and networks of support.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant in this role will contribute to the effective delivery of a high-quality service providing a strength-based preventative approach. Ensure individuals are provided the correct information and are able to make informed decisions. Key to this approach is promoting independence and reducing dependency, ensuring that accurate, effective, information is provided in a timely way that looks to prevent/reduce/delay needs and looks to future proof an ageing well agenda
The Occupational Therapy Assistant will have the skills to complete assessments of vulnerable and/or disadvantaged adults with a range of physical and cognitive disabilities for the provision of equipment and/or recommend adaptations to properties in line with the Authority’s guidelines, using a strength-based approach.
Ensure that individuals remain at the heart of their work and they will empower vulnerable adults to make choices and to maintain their own autonomy wherever possible.
Have quality strength-based conversations, gathering and interpreting information to enable people to live as independently as possible, in line with current legislation and policies; where appropriate to determine eligibility under The Care Act 2014 and council policy.
Undertake holistic, functional telephone assessments and environmental assessments of individuals and their carers/families with support from your supervisor if needed.
Carry an independent caseload to assess for, demonstrate and instruct individuals and/or carers in the safe use of disability equipment, completing reviews where necessary.
Complete assessments of minor adaptation work and less complex major adaptations within agreed spend limits, with support from your supervisory where appropriate.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Fiona Gordon, Team Manager on 01422 393751
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants to posts that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.
Closing Date: 21st May 2023
Interview Date: TBC
We may utilise digital interview methods.
As part of our Vision (https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision/) we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working / job share opportunities for both full and part time staff.
On 30 January 2019, the Council declared a climate emergency in a bold move to step up its action to tackle climate change.
Calderdale Council embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and we are committed to providing an environment that is inclusive. We encourage applications from people who share our commitment to challenge inequality and promote diversity across Calderdale. We particularly welcome applications from communities that are currently under-represented in our organisation, including Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic applicants. All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.
For support on your application please read our Application Booklet or visit our Employment Hub | Calderdale Council
We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to the advertised closing date, an early submission is advised.