This role has a starting salary of £40,929 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.
We are hiring a new Occupational Therapist to join our fantastic Guildford Locality team, which is committed to the ongoing development of its staff.
We have an OT group who are supportive and passionate about the impact of occupational therapy with the wide range of people we work with. The team is based in Guildford Borough Council offices and we endorse Surrey’s agile way of working, aiming to have a minimum of 2 days a week in the office for full time staff.
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 dependants 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
You will join a supportive, skilled and creative team that values a good work ethic, honesty, reliability and the ability to apply and document sound and solid clinical reasoning to ensure we are providing a service we all can be proud of. As such, if you are a pragmatic, driven, creative Occupational Therapist (OT), wanting to make a difference, then this may be the right environment for you to flourish in.
We offer a competitive starting salary, equivalent to that of a Band 6 OT in a health care setting. For newly-qualified OTs we offer a supportive preceptorship programme. In addition, we are open to flexible working patterns which may support your work-life balance.
We offer a large variety of training courses which will increase your knowledge and enable you to provide a service you can feel proud of. We are a supportive team that provides informal supervision on a daily basis and regular formal supervision. In addition to peer support, we shall provide the practical tools you need to manage your work. You will not be expected to work in isolation, however we do aim to equip you to work autonomously and with confidence.
About The Role
You will work alongside a variety of clients who have differing and/or complex needs by using a strength-based approach. Clients may be elderly and frail, experience a learning disability, physical or sensory impairment, or have mental ill health. This diverse role will facilitate your development and equip you with a large range of skills to enable you to undertake frontline holistic occupational therapy practice within a social care setting. You will have the opportunity to put into practice assessments such as the moving and handling risk assessments and intervention, with the aim of supporting and empowering our clients to live meaningful lives within the community.
Joining us you will work closely with your team members, as well as with other organisations and agencies, to provide an integrated service in order to support vulnerable adults and their carers in a community-based setting. This community-based role requires you to visit clients predominantly in their homes, as well as other settings such as residential care and nursing homes.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- Professional qualification in Occupational Therapy and current registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Experience of working within a social care, health or community focused multi-disciplinary setting
- Ability to complete person centred and proportionate OT assessments
- Familiarity with moving and handling equipment such as hoists and stand aids
- Knowledge of medical conditions and the likely impact on the individual, carer and family
- Knowledge of current legislation, including the Care Act and the Mental Capacity Act and its application to practice in a social care setting
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.
Contact us
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 Ros Barham by e-mail and/or telephone at
[email protected] or on 01483 517262.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 09/07/2025 with interviews to follow.
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.
