Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant - Learning Disability & Autism

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 £33,552 based on a 36 hour working week.

We have an opportunity for a permanent Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant (SOTA) position within our county-wide Learning Disabilities and Autism (LD&A) Occupational Therapy team. This rare vacancy has arisen following the successful progression of the current post holder onto the Occupational Therapy Apprenticeship Degree course. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced OTA who is passionate about supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism to live more independently and meaningfully. 

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

We are a highly regarded, supportive and friendly OT team, managed by an Occupational Therapist, and we work closely with our LD&A social work colleagues. As an established specialist Occupational Therapy Service within Adult Social Care, we are proud to offer a dynamic and supportive environment for our Occupational Therapy Assistants. Working closely with our Occupational Therapists and wider adult social care colleagues, you’ll be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and person-centred care. Our focus is on empowering adults to achieve their goals, enhance independence, and improve their overall quality of life.    

We offer a hybrid working model with a minimum of two office days per week, including one whole-team day.

About the Role   

As a Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will work under the supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist to carry out assessments. You will be responsible for evaluating needs and prescribing minor adaptations and equipment to support individuals in their daily lives. A working knowledge of the Disabled Facilities Grant process is expected, along with experience in implementing straightforward major adaptations, such as wet rooms.

Your role will involve supporting the delivery of skills development interventions and contributing to the planning of support strategies. You will help individuals build independence and confidence through the acquisition and maintenance of essential life skills, enabling meaningful participation in everyday activities.

You will also be expected to consider and promote the use of technology to assist individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism. In addition, you will provide guidance and support to other Occupational Therapy Assistants and facilitate peer support meetings.

A key part of your responsibilities will be to champion inclusive and accessible practices, including the use of easy-read materials and approaches that are friendly to individuals with autism.

Shortlisting Criteria  

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following

• Previous experience working as a Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant or as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
• 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.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks whilst delivering high-quality work
• 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.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following application 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 Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant and how do these qualities support Surrey County Council’s culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and adaptability?

Contact Details

We welcome informal conversations about the role, flexible working, or any support you may need with your application. 

For an informal discussion, please contact Claire Waite at claire.waite@surreycc.gov.uk or Ran Rai at Ranjit.Rai@surreycc.gov.uk. 

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 24/08/2025 with interviews to follow.

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 Behaviours

The Surrey Way behaviours are a guide that supports our council to work together effectively and deliver our best for our customers and communities, and for each other. Discover more about our behaviours.

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.