Adults Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Introduction

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all. 

The starting salary for this role is £14,848.50 per annum (pro-rata to £29,697 FTE), working 18 hours per week.

We are hiring a new Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our fantastic Mole Valley Locality Team, based in Dorking.  We are 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 recovery-focused strengths-based approach. 

Our goal is for our service-users to be able to be more in control of their care, making informed choices and being active citizens in their community. 

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

About the Team

The team is an extremely supportive, friendly bunch! We are also a dynamic team, offering the very best service to our residents. All staff receive regular supervision and there are always experienced staff available to provide advice and guidance. The team sets great store by being responsive and strengths-based in supporting residents to reach a good outcome. The culture is one of nurturing and support, alongside achieving high standards in the work that we do.   

About the Role   

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Surrey, you will often be the first point of contact for the public, gathering initial information, offering guidance, and carrying out occupational therapy assessments. You’ll also signpost individuals to appropriate services or prescribe basic equipment to help them maintain independence and lead fulfilling lives within the community.

Using a strengths-based approach, you’ll work with a diverse range of clients, including those with complex needs. This varied role will support your professional development and help you build a broad skill set for holistic practice in a social care environment.

Under the supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist, you’ll assist with triaging cases, provide regular duty cover, and manage a caseload of non-complex cases involving basic equipment provision. You’ll collaborate with individuals, carers, professionals, and service providers to support vulnerable adults and their families—promoting independence, choice, and control at every stage.

Your work may involve supporting older adults, individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments, those with learning disabilities, and people experiencing mental health challenges. This is a rewarding opportunity to help people maximise their independence, with the guidance and support of experienced colleagues to help you reach your full potential.

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.

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

As part of your application, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions:

1. 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?
2. Please tell us about the relevant experience or transferable skills you have that you can bring to this role?
3. 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 Details  

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 Christine Sculfor by e-mail or on MS Teams.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 22nd June 2025 with interviews planned for the week commencing 30th June 2025.

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: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council

Our Values 
Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values. 

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook 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.