We are looking for an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist to join our team, providing professional occupational therapy to children, young people and families living in Surrey.
The post is based at Woodhatch Place in Reigate but is a community-based hybrid role which involves visiting children in their homes, working from home and using Surrey County Council offices as required.
Our Offer to You
26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (pro rata for part-time hours) plus bank holidays
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
A generous local government salary related pension
Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residentsAbout the Role
As a Children's Occupational Therapist, you will play a vital role in helping children and young people with disabilities to be safer, more independent, and more fully included in family, school, and community life. Through specialist assessment, equipment provision and environmental adaptations, you will help remove barriers, create practical solutions, and make a lasting difference to the lives of children and their families.
The Children with Disabilities Occupational Therapy Service is a well-established, supportive and highly experienced team of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants with expertise in complex disability, specialist equipment, housing adaptations and children's social care practice.
In this role, you will hold a caseload of children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. Through specialist occupational therapy assessments, you will identify barriers to participation, independence and family wellbeing, recommending interventions that support children to achieve the best possible outcomes.
You will have the opportunity to develop your skills across a broad and varied range of practice, including specialist equipment provision, moving and handling, minor and major adaptations, housing projects and multi-agency working. This role offers a unique opportunity to build expertise within children's social care occupational therapy while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families across Surrey.
Your key responsibilities as a Children's Occupational Therapist will include:
Completing occupational therapy assessments.
Identifying barriers to participation, independence and family wellbeing.
Recommending and reviewing specialist equipment.
Assessing minor and major adaptations.
Completing proportionate risk assessments.
Working closely with children, families, schools, health services, housing providers and other professionals.
Contributing to person-centred plans that improve outcomes for children and young people.
Recording clear, evidence-based professional reasoning and recommendations.You will receive regular supervision from a Senior Occupational Therapist and have access to learning and development opportunities that support creativity, innovation and continuous professional growth.
As part of an upcoming service restructure, the Occupational Therapy Service will transition into the Families First Partnership Programme management structure, working alongside the Children with Disabilities Social Work Team. This position will sit within the East Surrey Children with Disabilities Occupational Therapy Service.
Developing Your Career With Us
We are committed to supporting Occupational Therapists at every stage of their professional journey.
Whether you are newly qualified or looking to expand your experience in children's services, you will benefit from a structured induction programme, regular professional supervision and access to a broad range of learning and development opportunities. Working alongside experienced Occupational Therapists and Assistants, you will be supported to build confidence, develop specialist expertise and progress your career.
Newly qualified Occupational Therapists are encouraged to apply. We offer a supportive preceptorship experience with protected development time, regular supervision, opportunities to shadow experienced colleagues and a gradual increase in caseload complexity. This enables you to develop your knowledge and confidence within children's social care practice while receiving the support you need to succeed.
You will gain experience across specialist equipment provision, moving and handling, major and minor adaptations, Disabled Facilities Grant-funded projects, safeguarding and complex multidisciplinary working. Our aim is to help you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to build a rewarding and successful career within an experienced and supportive team.
Your Application
Previous experience within children's occupational therapy is welcomed but is not essential. We also encourage applications from Occupational Therapists with transferable skills and experience gained in adult services, health, education, community or other social care settings.
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills:
A degree, diploma or equivalent qualification in Occupational Therapy
Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Strong assessment, communication, and problem-solving skills
A commitment to working collaboratively with children, families, and partner agencies
The ability to manage a varied caseload and work independently with appropriate supportAn enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Surrey has both urban and rural areas and candidates will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area.
If you are passionate about helping children and young people with disabilities achieve greater independence and reach their full potential, we would love to hear from you.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 01.11.2026 with interviews planned to follow.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation and will move to new authorities in April 2027. This role is currently employed by Surrey County Council and will remain so until then. If you are employed by Surrey County Council on 1 April 2027, your employment will transfer under TUPE arrangements to one of the new councils, with your current terms and conditions protected. The provisional allocation for this post is East Surrey subject to final confirmation through the wider transition process later this year.
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs
Salary description
£43633.00 - £46624.00 per year