Occupational Therapy Assistant job at Durham Full Time

Applications are invited from a motivated and organised person to join our small and supportive Occupational Therapy Intake Team. This team acts as the first point of contact and triage service for Adult Services Occupational Therapy, playing a key role in ensuring individuals receive timely, appropriate support.

This is an office-based role focused on triaging referrals, gathering and analysing information, and supporting early intervention through telephone-based assessments and reviews.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

• Act as a first point of contact for referrals into the Occupational Therapy service
• Triage incoming information to determine appropriate pathways and urgency
• Conduct telephone assessments to identify needs and risks
• Complete reviews of existing cases where appropriate
• Provide and arrange basic equipment to support independence
• Offer information, advice, and guidance to service users and carers
• Signpost or refer individuals to other relevant services when necessary
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in line with service requirements

We encourage you to contact Daniella McCluskey via email at [email protected] for an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working in health, social care, or a related setting
• Demonstrates strong communication skills, particularly over the phone
• Is confident in gathering and analysing information to support decision-making
• Has good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Is able to work independently as well as part of a small team
• Is empathetic, person-centred, and committed to supporting individuals to remain independent

Knowledge or experience of Occupational Therapy services, equipment provision, or triage processes would be advantageous but is not essential.

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews are expected to be held on 27th May 2026.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

HOW TO APPLY

Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the Person Specification section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.

If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email [email protected]

All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from [email protected]. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you dont miss any updates.

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