Advanced Occupational Therapist (0-25 Disability Service)

at  South Gloucestershire Council

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

You will make a difference as an Advanced Occupational Therapist (OT) by ensuring a positive approach in supporting and meeting the needs of the service users and families to promote independence to disabled children and young people.

What will you be doing?

• You will be responsible for carrying out assessments for children and young people aged 0-18 years who have severe and complex disabilities. The assessment is to determine the degree of their disability and to identify the most suitable method to support in overcoming or reducing the effect through the provision of specialist, equipment and adaptation of the home.
• You must be vigilant to safeguarding issues and must report any concerns about the safety or welfare of a service user.
• You will be required to advise and support children or young people and their family about the Disabled Facilities Grants system and alternative means of financing adaptations. You will need to encourage and assist the family to explore the pros and cons of an adaptation. And you will work closely with the architects to check the plans and specifications to ensure the design meets the child’s current and predicted needs.
• You will be expected to complete Housing Needs reports and viewing potential properties when appropriate.
• The role will require you to carry out and write up Risk Assessments, Handling Assessments and Handling Plans as appropriate.
• You will need to prioritise and manage a busy caseload with complex cases.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• You will have a Diploma or Degree in Occupational Therapy, including registration with the Health Care Profession Council (HCPC).
• You should have a sound knowledge and skills as an Occupational Therapist, with at least 2 years post qualification Occupational Therapy experience within a social care setting. Or have a significant Occupational Therapist experience working with children with disability
• You should have an interest in working with children and families.
• You should have the awareness and understanding of the relevant legislation in relation to the provision of equipment and adaptations at home and the Disabled Facilities Grants process, with an understanding of medical conditions and terminology.You must have the ability to communicate effectively in a variety of ways and levels. This includes ability to communicate effectively with clients who are experiencing stressful life situations.
• 
  You will be expected to travel throughout the authority and surrounding area so must have a full valid driving licence with regular access to a vehicle.or have alternative appropriate means of travel.
  Please note that due to the nature of this role it is a requirement of employment that an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is obtained for this post.

• You will be responsible for carrying out assessments for children and young people aged 0-18 years who have severe and complex disabilities. The assessment is to determine the degree of their disability and to identify the most suitable method to support in overcoming or reducing the effect through the provision of specialist, equipment and adaptation of the home.
• You must be vigilant to safeguarding issues and must report any concerns about the safety or welfare of a service user.
• You will be required to advise and support children or young people and their family about the Disabled Facilities Grants system and alternative means of financing adaptations. You will need to encourage and assist the family to explore the pros and cons of an adaptation. And you will work closely with the architects to check the plans and specifications to ensure the design meets the child’s current and predicted needs.
• You will be expected to complete Housing Needs reports and viewing potential properties when appropriate.
• The role will require you to carry out and write up Risk Assessments, Handling Assessments and Handling Plans as appropriate.
• You will need to prioritise and manage a busy caseload with complex cases