Locum Best Interest Assessor Occupational Therapy Assistant

Social Care Assistant

Job Overview

We are recruiting an experienced Social Care Assistant to join Redbridge Council in Ilford. This locum position plays a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care under the Care Act 2014 and related legislation.  

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with experience in health and social care — including those with an Occupational Therapy Assistant background — to contribute to promoting independence and wellbeing for adults and carers within an integrated health and social care service.

Key Responsibilities

– Undertake holistic, person-centred assessments, support planning, and reviews for adults with a range of health and social care needs.  

– Carry out statutory duties in line with the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, and Safeguarding Adults principles.  

– Use a strengths-based approach to enable individuals to maximise independence and maintain wellbeing.  

– Assess for and arrange minor adaptations, assistive technology, and equipment to promote safe living at home.  

– Support service users to remain independent through local community resources and personal networks.  

– Work collaboratively with health colleagues to support timely hospital discharge, prevent admissions, and promote proactive care planning.  

– Manage and prioritise a caseload, ensuring timely assessments and interventions.  

– Allocate and monitor personal budgets to support independence and personalised outcomes.  

– Promote effective communication and integrated working with health, housing, and voluntary sector partners.  

– Identify, assess, and manage risk in collaboration with service users and carers, implementing safeguarding measures where necessary.  

– Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with organisational policies and performance standards.  

About You

You’ll be a dedicated and flexible professional with a background in health or social care, ideally experienced in working with adults in community settings. You’ll have strong communication and assessment skills, a commitment to person-centred practice, and the ability to balance caseload priorities effectively in a fast-paced, integrated environment.

Requirements

– Relevant qualification or experience in social care, rehabilitation, or occupational therapy assistance  

– Understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding principles  

– Experience in community-based assessments, planning, and reviewing support  

– Knowledge of adaptive equipment and assistive technology (desirable)  

– Strong communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills  

– Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team  

– Experience working within a local authority or NHS integrated service (desirable)  

Contract & Salary

– Contract type: Locum  

– Contract length: Ongoing  

– Working hours: Full-time  

– Location: Redbridge Council – Ilford, East London  

– Salary: Negotiable (advertised at £25.93 per hour)

Code:  U. OR14426. 003010.B18326