Occupational Therapist – Adult First Contact Service

Location: London Borough of Sutton – St Nicholas Way, Sutton
Area: South London Social Services
Rate: £37.85 per hour Limited/Umbrella
Job Type: Locum
Contract: Ongoing
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 3 days office-based, 2 days remote
Code: U.OR111497.025008. B20917

Job Overview

The London Borough of Sutton is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist to join the Adult First Contact Service (AFCS).

The Occupational Therapist will act as a professional lead at the front door of Adult Social Care, responsible for screening, triaging and prioritising incoming referrals. The role will focus on providing person-centred, preventative and strength-based interventions, identifying individuals at risk of developing social care needs and supporting them to maintain or regain their independence.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary duty team, the OT will provide professional advice and guidance to Enabling Independence Officers and Trusted Assessors, while assessing and recommending appropriate equipment, adaptations and support pathways.

Key Responsibilities

• Screen and prioritise complex referrals received through the Contact Centre, using professional judgement to determine the most appropriate pathway.

• Complete proportionate, person-centred and strength-based assessments at the first point of contact.

• Identify preventative solutions that promote independence, wellbeing and safe living within the community.

• Provide professional guidance, advice and quality assurance to Enabling Independence Officers and Trusted Assessors.

• Work collaboratively with Social Workers, health professionals, Housing and other partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.

• Assess and recommend appropriate equipment, minor adaptations and major adaptations to reduce risk and maintain independence.

• Demonstrate equipment and ensure individuals, families and carers understand its safe and appropriate use.

• Undertake assessments for individuals who meet the relevant criteria for major adaptations and Disabled Facilities Grant applications.

• Assess, recommend and process complex major adaptations, including structural alterations, extensions, through-floor lifts and specialist bespoke equipment.

• Work with Housing Services where rehousing may be required to maintain independence, including advising on suitable property design, allocation and adaptations.

• Apply minor and major adaptations procedures in line with individual circumstances, eligibility requirements and Council policies.

• Present appropriate cases to the OT Quality Assurance Panel and advise residents regarding eligibility and funding arrangements.

• Prepare accurate briefs and sketch diagrams for building surveyors, including proposed adaptation layouts and specialist equipment requirements.

• Provide specialist professional consultation and undertake joint visits with Housing, Environmental Health, Social Care, care providers and other relevant agencies.

• Work flexibly across service areas and locality teams in response to service requirements.

Skills & Experience

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Occupational Therapy.

• Current HCPC registration.

• Significant post-qualification Occupational Therapy experience.

• Ideally, experience within a Local Authority, Adult Social Care, community or duty/front-door setting.

• Strong experience in screening, triaging and completing holistic assessments.

• Experience assessing for equipment, adaptations and moving and handling needs.

• Ability to work using strength-based, preventative and person-centred approaches.

• Sound understanding of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and adult safeguarding.

• Experience assessing and recommending minor and major adaptations.

• Good understanding of promoting independence and preventing, reducing or delaying the need for long-term care.

• Excellent professional judgement, communication and multidisciplinary working skills.

• Ability to manage complex referrals and make proportionate, evidence-based recommendations.

• Willingness to work flexibly across different service areas and locality teams.

Additional Information

This is an ongoing locum opportunity offering hybrid working, with 3 days office-based in Sutton and 2 days working remotely.

The successful candidate will bring strong Occupational Therapy expertise, sound knowledge of adult social care legislation and a proactive approach to promoting independence and preventing escalation of care needs.