Occupational Therapist

Job Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3YU - Hybrid
• Salary: £38,510 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, Flexible working options available
• Contract: Fixed Term or Secondment for 12 months

At Suffolk County Council, we recognise that our staff are our greatest asset, and we strive to support them to be the best they can be.

When you join Adult Social Care as an Occupational Therapist within the Flexible Care and Support Team, you will undertake high-quality assessments of adults' physical, psychological and environmental needs, exploring creative solutions to promote independence, wellbeing and choice.

The role offers a varied and rewarding workload, including undertaking targeted reviews, working closely with Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs), supporting the reduction of Occupational Therapy waiting lists, and, for the right candidate, contributing to the supervision and development of unqualified Occupational Therapy staff.

You will also work collaboratively with external care providers to promote safe moving and handling practices, optimise care packages and double-up care arrangements, and identify opportunities to maximise the use of equipment and assistive technology.

Our service is flexible and responsive, providing support across a range of Occupational Therapy service areas within West Suffolk to meet changing service demands.

We are committed to offering you flexible working options and benefits such as:

• part time hours
• permanent and temporary posts
• flexible working and hybrid working options
• 6 protected days to undertake CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
• extra support during the first year of employment (ASYE) for Newly Qualified
• strong and diverse training offer
• supportive and experienced teams
• opportunities for development and career progression across the council
• inclusive and creative culture.

Appointing you as an Occupational Therapist at either:

• Newly Qualified (Grade 5) level at £38,510 per annum(rising to experience after completion of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
• Experienced (Grade 5) level at £39,481 - £42,123 per annum.

What you will need

A relevantOccupational Therapy qualification and an HCPC registration.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The Flexible Care and Support Team (FCST) is based in West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds and works closely with local integrated Neighbourhood Teams and key health and community partners. We are an innovative team that reflects local need and works flexibly across West Suffolk to respond to emerging demand across the Neighbourhood Adult Social Care locality teams. Being a flexible team means that the exact nature of the activity can change during peaks in demands and throughout the year such as during holiday pressures. The Occupational Therapists within FCST work collaboratively with Area Teams to support waiting list management by undertaking assessments, progressing occupational therapy interventions and reviews, and providing timely recommendations for adults awaiting allocation. This helps improve access to OT services, reduce delays, and ensure individuals receive the right support at the right time to maximise independence and achieve positive outcomes.

Empowering Everyone

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

To find out more

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Nancy Cushing by emailing Nancy.cushing@suffolk.gov.ukor calling 01284 741340.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see ourHow to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read ourguidance for using AIto understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 27 October 2026.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

About us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).