Locum Acute Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist (Locum)

Location: West Sussex County Council – Horsham

Area: Sussex Social Services

Rate: £35–£38 per hour (umbrella, depending on experience)

Contract: Locum, Ongoing

Role Overview

An experienced Occupational Therapist is required to join the Regaining Independence Service (RIS). This is a therapy-led, community-focused service supporting people to maintain or regain independence following ill health or changes in circumstances. The role offers flexible working, with a mix of home working and office/home visits once induction is complete.

The service works in partnership with reablement providers, the NHS and wider council services, using a strengths-based, risk-enabled approach to achieve meaningful outcomes over a short, focused intervention period.

Main Responsibilities

• Undertake strengths-based occupational therapy assessments and implement outcome-focused plans.
• Support people to regain or maintain independence at home and within the community.
• Work in partnership with reablement providers, NHS colleagues, voluntary and private sector services.
• Apply a risk enablement approach using evidence-based practice.
• Analyse and interpret information to prioritise needs and plan effective interventions.
• Contribute to safeguarding enquiries where required.
• Carry out complex physical interventions, including transporting, demonstrating and using community equipment.
• Work flexibly and autonomously, using initiative to support people, carers and families.
• Travel across West Sussex, including areas not easily accessible by public transport.

Supervision & Development

• Supervise and develop unregistered practitioners.
• Mentor and coach students and apprentices.

Skills & Experience Required

• Experience working in a community or adult social care setting.
• Strong strengths-based assessment and care planning skills.
• Experience of managing risk within a risk enablement framework.
• Experience contributing to safeguarding enquiries.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload, recognise limits of accountability and seek supervision appropriately.
• Good IT skills for accurate, confidential record keeping.

Qualifications

• Diploma or BSc in Occupational Therapy (or equivalent).
• HCPC registration.
• Good working knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Care Act (2014) and Mental Capacity Act (2005).
• Full, valid UK driving licence and access to a car.

An excellent opportunity for a community-focused Occupational Therapist to make a real impact within a progressive, strengths-based service.

Code: U. OR20312. 002001.B19370