Details Reference: SCC/TP/287938/3053 Positions: 1 Salary: £29,697 per annum Category: Occupational Therapy Contract type: Permanent Working hours: 36 hours per week Posted on: 13 May 2025 Closing date: 1 June 2025 Directorate: Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships Location: Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, GU2 4BB Description This role has a starting salary of £29,697 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week. We are hiring a new Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to join our fantastic Guildford Locality team. The team is based in the town centre at Guildford Borough Council's offices and we endorse Surrey's agile way of working - aiming to have a minimum of 2 days a week in the office for full time staff. If you come and work with us, you will find yourself part of an extremely friendly, supportive team where you will benefit from peer support and a strong focus on your career development. You will become an integral part of a team that supports people to achieve good outcomes by focusing on personalisation and a strengths-based approach. Rewards and Benefits 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave A generous local government salary related pension Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more 2 paid volunteering days per year Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Role specific training such as adaptations About the Team You will join a supportive, skilled and creative occupational therapy team that values a good work ethic, honesty, reliability and the ability to apply and document sound and solid clinical reasoning to ensure we are providing a service we all can be proud of. About the Role As an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) you will have direct contact with the public. You may join the OT Team in the Duty Power Hour Sessions when you will be the first point of contact, gathering initial information and identifying the need for further assessment, as well as signposting people to other services. You will become accustomed to both service provision on the phone as well as visiting clients in their own home or care setting. You may also be trained to work in the Smart Working Occupational Therapy (SWOT) service, thereby providing a fast and efficient service to the clients at the point of contact. As an OTA, you will assess for and recommend basic daily living equipment to improve or maintain client's function, demonstrating the safe use of this equipment and manual handling to individuals and carers. You will also consider major adaptations within the client's home when basic equipment does not meet the client's needs. You will receive training and support, as well as regular professional supervision, to ensure your transition into the team. By building on the foundation of your experience and, by directing your knowledge and skills within OTA context, the team will support you to become confident and competent to fulfil the requirements of the role. Shortlisting Criteria To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following The ability to empathise with, and show compassion towards, individuals in need of social care assistance. Strong knowledge of the needs and challenges faced by adults requiring social care, and a commitment to supporting their well-being. Proven ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks effectively, ensuring timely and high-quality outcomes. Proficiency in basic IT skills such as Microsoft Office, email and file management alongside a demonstrated willingness to learn and adapt to new software systems. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly, concisely, and respectfully, both verbally and in writing. As part of your application, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions: * Looking at our advert, and considering the Council's commitment to ensuring that "no one is left behind", please tell us what it is about the role that has motivated you to apply? Please tell us about the relevant experience or transferable skills you have that you can bring to this role? What three qualities do you have that would make you a good Occupational Therapy Assistant and how do these qualities support Surrey County Council's culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and adaptability? Contact us Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact Ros Barham by e-mail and/or telephone at or on 01483 517262. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 01/06/2025 with interviews to follow. We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit. Local Government Reorganisation Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas. Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Our Values Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about . Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council. Our Commitment Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where: The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups. Files to download Reviewed: 21 May 2025 for latest news and events. © Surrey County Council 2025 ID: 187280 Top Sign up to our monthly newsletter Sign up to Surrey Matters and our wide range of topic specific newsletters for news, features and events in Surrey. Delivered straight to your inbox. Surrey County Council. Location : Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom