Occupational Therapist, North Team

Are you seeking a fresh start or new direction? Do you have a passion for Occupational Therapy? Whether you're newly qualified, returning to practice, or an experienced therapist considering a change, we'd love to hear from you! Find out more about the rewarding and varied role of an Occupational Therapist within our North Team in Adult Social Care and Housing.

Why Join Us?

At North Somerset Council, we are dedicated to providing high-quality services and creating a fair, green, and inclusive community. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents while advancing your career in a supportive environment.

About the Team

You'll join a collaborative and innovative Social Care Team, which includes Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, and Adult Social Care Workers. Our hybrid working model offers a healthy work-life balance, with the support of experienced Senior Occupational Therapists, Team Managers, and our Principal Occupational Therapist. We prioritize staff wellbeing, offering regular reflective supervision and compassionate leadership.

As part of our commitment to professional development, we're introducing a clear career progression framework, supported by national initiatives. We also offer opportunities to move across teams, allowing you to broaden your experience without leaving the council.

A valid driving licence and access to your own transport (or suitable alternative) is essential for this role. This position is currently based at our Castlewood offices in Clevedon, which will be relocating by 2025 to a new site in North Somerset.

This position is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, as per the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Support for All Levels

• Newly Qualified or Returning to Practice: We use the Skills for Care "New to Social Care Framework" to support your transition, and for those returning to practice, we offer paid conditional probation while you complete your portfolio.

• Experienced Therapists: We provide opportunities to specialize in areas such as moving and handling, postural management, assistive technology, and student development.

Our Vision for Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy at North Somerset Council is guided by our dedicated Principal Occupational Therapist, ensuring the profession's voice is heard across the organisation. We are passionate about bringing research into everyday practice through initiatives like the ConnectEd project with the University of Bristol, and our comprehensive learning and development offer is enriched by resources from Research in Practice.

We also host an annual Occupational Therapy conference to celebrate our profession, showcase innovation, and promote excellence in practice. You'll be supported with ongoing professional development and reflective supervision, empowering you to exercise sound professional judgment and make a real difference in people's lives.

Join us in harnessing the power of Occupational Therapy to improve the lives of residents in North Somerset. We look forward to helping you grow and succeed in your career!

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities for professional development
• Staff groups
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice cycle to work and Electric vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet .

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact either:

Claire Gumus, Team Manager, at Claire.gumus@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07825453770,

Catherine Prescott, Senior Occupational Therapist, at catherine.prescott@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07795812214, or

Lara Coleman, Senior Occupational Therapist, at lara.coleman@n-somerset.gov.uk

Important Information

Interview Date: To be confirmed.

We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.