Occupational Therapist

Job Description

2 months contract with a Local Authority

West Sussex County Council is seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist to join the Regaining Independence Service (RIS) on a temporary basis. This community-based role focuses on supporting adults to maintain or regain independence following illness or functional decline, using a strengths‑based and reablement approach.

• Undertake strengths‑based occupational therapy assessments to identify needs, risks, and outcomes in line with the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Develop, implement, and review person‑centred intervention plans to support individuals to live independently at home and within their communities.
• Work collaboratively with reablement providers, NHS colleagues, voluntary organisations, carers, and families to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Apply a risk enablement approach, balancing safety with independence using evidence‑based practice.
• Contribute to and support safeguarding enquiries where required.
• Recommend, demonstrate, and support the use of community equipment and adaptations, including transporting equipment when necessary.
• Supervise and support unregistered practitioners, and provide mentoring to students and apprentices.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant electronic case records, ensuring confidentiality and data protection standards are met.
• Work autonomously, managing a varied caseload and prioritising workload effectively.

• Proven experience working in community, reablement, or adult social care settings.
• Strong knowledge of adult social care legislation, including the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.
• Experience of risk assessment, risk management, and safeguarding within a community setting.
• Ability to analyse complex information to inform decision‑making and care planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting junior staff or students.
• Confident IT skills for electronic record‑keeping and reporting.

• The closing date: today 02 / 01 / 2026.
• The post is based in Horsham, with countywide travel, and involves a mix of home working, office working, and home visits once induction is complete.
• A full driving licence and access to a car are essential.
• Qualified Occupational Therapist with HCPC registration.
• Hours:
  
  37 hours per week.

• Proven experience working in community, reablement, or adult social care settings.
• Strong knowledge of adult social care legislation, including the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act.
• Experience of risk assessment, risk management, and safeguarding within a community setting.
• Ability to analyse complex information to inform decision‑making and care planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting junior staff or students.
• Confident IT skills for electronic record‑keeping and reporting.