Gateshead Council
Occupational Therapist
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Occupational Therapy at the heart of community living.
Who We Are And What We Stand For
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Your expertise. Their independence.
Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council supports adults with care and support needs to live safe, independent and thriving lives. The service provides statutory assessments, safeguarding, prevention, and a wide range of community-based support in line with the Care Act 2014. Working in a strengths-based way, Adult Social Care focuses on wellbeing, independence and personalised outcomes, helping people to access the right support at the right time, whether through assessment and planning, enablement services, technology-enabled care, or wider community resources.
Because independence looks different for everyone.
As an Occupational Therapist, you’ll play a vital role in supporting people whose lives have been affected by illness or disability to regain, maintain, and maximise their independence. Working in partnership with individuals, families, carers and partner agencies, you’ll carry out holistic assessments and develop realistic, personcentred plans that enable people of all ages to live safely and confidently in their own homes and communities. Using your professional expertise, you’ll recommend and deliver practical occupational therapy interventions, ranging from specialist equipment and adaptations to reablement support, making a meaningful difference to everyday lives while working within the Care Act 2014 and relevant legislation.
What You'll Get To Do
- Work in partnership with people and carers to plan, implement and evaluate services provided based on assessed risks and needs, to ensure an effective and efficient service is provided in accordance with Council Policy.
- Prepare accurate reports and make firm recommendations for consideration, in relation to minor adaptations, specialist equipment and reablement plans.
- Provide practical advice on the use of equipment and adaptations with people, carers (both formal and informal) to ensure safe use of equipment/adaptations and to build confidence of users and carers.
- Recommend and organise the provision of specialist equipment, reablement and instruct people, carers and care providers in the use of equipment.
- Ensure accurate recording and data quality across all case records.
- Carry out occasional joint visits with a range of partners and stakeholders for the provision of feasibility surveys and advice.
- Develop knowledge about Council priorities and that practices that are in line with Council standards, expectations, policies, procedures and current legislation.
- Adhere to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Standards of the College of Occupational Therapy.
- Personally maintain standards and competencies in order to base service delivery on accurate and current information in the interest of quality care.
- Undertake Continuous Professional Development in line with the Health and Care Professions Council.
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What You'll Bring
- Degree in Occupational Therapy (BSc Hons or equivalent).
- Current Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration.
- Full UK driving licence with access to a car or access to mobility support.
- Experience or understanding of working within a health or social care environment.
- Knowledge of relevant Adult Social Care, Children’s and Housing legislation, including legislation relating to the provision of specialist equipment and adaptations.
- Understanding of the impact of disability on adults, children, older people and their carers, including the complexity of rehabilitation and reablement.
- Ability to carry out effective, personcentred assessments and set achievable goals to promote maximum independence.
- Strong communication, IT, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to support colleagues and participate in practice education.
If successful, this role requires a DBS and you will have to apply for an enhanced Disclosure.
What’s In It For You
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
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Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How To Apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.
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