Locum Community Occupational Therapist

Senior Assessment Officer (Blue Badge Assessor)

Brief Job Overview

Tripod Partners are recruiting an experienced Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist for a locum opportunity as a Senior Assessment Officer (Blue Badge Assessor) within the Independent Living Service at Manchester City Council. This role offers the opportunity to support adults with disabilities and long-term health conditions by undertaking specialist assessments that promote independence and improve access to essential services.

Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will carry out person-centred assessments, develop tailored support plans, and work collaboratively with colleagues and partner organisations to ensure service users receive appropriate support. You will also contribute to the development of staff and students while helping to deliver a high-quality, responsive assessment service.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments for Blue Badge applications and other Independent Living Service assessments in line with national guidance and local policy.
• Carry out functional and mobility assessments to determine eligibility and identify individual support needs.
• Develop person-centred support plans that promote independence, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with service users, families, carers, and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
• Assess, manage, and respond appropriately to current and emerging risks affecting service users.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and legally compliant case records and assessment documentation.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to colleagues, service users, and partner organisations.
• Work closely with City Council departments and external agencies to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Support the supervision, mentoring, and development of students, trainees, and less experienced colleagues.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and the ongoing development of the Independent Living Service.

About You

You will be a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist with experience undertaking functional assessments and promoting independence for adults with a wide range of physical and mobility needs. You will be confident making evidence-based decisions, managing a varied caseload, and working effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

You will possess excellent communication, assessment, and problem-solving skills, together with a commitment to delivering person-centred, strengths-based practice.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy.
• Current HCPC registration.
• Experience carrying out functional assessments within health or social care.
• Knowledge of person-centred assessment and support planning.
• Excellent clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams.
• Ability to assess, manage, and respond to risk appropriately.
• Strong communication, report-writing, and organisational skills.
• Experience supervising or supporting students or junior staff is desirable.
• Knowledge of Blue Badge eligibility guidance or Independent Living Services is advantageous.

Contract & Salary

• Role: Senior Assessment Officer (Blue Badge Assessor)
• Sector: North West Social Services
• Contract Type: Locum
• Contract Length: Ongoing
• Salary: £32 per hour
• Location: Manchester City Council

How to Apply

If you are an HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist with experience in functional assessment and promoting independent living, Tripod Partners would welcome your application.

To apply for this Senior Assessment Officer (Blue Badge Assessor) role, apply using the form on the page.

Code: U.XMS 000B 2482 / 1.029006.B20520