Occupational Therapist - First Contact Team, Adult Social Care

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council

Salary: £44,253 – £50,909 Per Annum, Plus Benefits

Location: Wokingham

Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time

Hours: 37 hours per week.

DBS Check: Enhanced

Closing Date: 22/11/2026 at 23:00

Reference: 713474

We have a fantastic opportunity available for an Occupational Therapist to join our dedicated Adult Social Care team at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time , permanent basis.

This is a fast-paced duty triage role, focused on short-term preventative support and managing risk at the first point of contact. We’re looking for someone who can work confidently at pace, carrying out visits, identifying practical quick wins, and completing manual handling assessments to achieve timely, positive outcomes for people.

As an Occupational Therapist you will work within the rules, guidance, and policies to support people in the best way possible. This includes getting to know individuals and their carers, assessing their needs, planning and reviewing care and support, and helping them stay independent, safe, and well.

This is an exciting time to join our award-winning Local Authority, with our service recently ranked one of the highest in the country following a CQC inspection.

Wokingham Borough Council has joined the Social Care Future (SCF) movement, a growing community working to transform adult social care. SCF’s vision is to help everyone, regardless of age, health, or disability, live in a home and community they love, surrounded by the people and activities that matter most to them.

You’ll become part of a supportive and collaborative team where you can build confidence, strengthen your clinical skills, and gain experience across a wide range of practice settings, equipping you to truly thrive in your role. Our hybrid working model gives you the flexibility you need, combining home working with meetings and in-person visits.

At Wokingham Borough Council, we’re committed to your growth. We offer tailored learning and development pathways for Occupational Therapists, helping you build your expertise and specialise in the areas that inspire you.

Staff Benefits

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

• ⭐Generous Annual Leave entitlement of 30 days per annum (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
• ⭐Local Government Pension Scheme
• ⭐GP Helpline
• ⭐Employee Assistance Programme
• ⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
• ⭐Free Onsite Gym (located at Shute End, Wokingham)
• ⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Car and Cycle to Work
• ⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts – savings on shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and more
• ⭐Move through Menopause Course
• ⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – running, football, cricket, and more
• ⭐Learning & Development Opportunities
• ⭐Employee Networks
• ⭐And more!

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and review the complex needs of people and their carers under the Care Act 2014, offering advice, guidance, and access to the right support to keep them safe and well.
• Use a strengths-based, person-centred approach, building respectful relationships and ensuring dignity, cultural needs, communication needs, and personal choices are always recognised.
• Carry out specialist assessments of daily activities, including eating, communication, posture, seating, home environment, equipment, transport, and community access.
• Use strong knowledge of adaptations and accessible environments, including building regulations, housing adaptations, and relevant legislation like the Disabled Facilities Grant.
• Complete manual handling risk assessments and provide safe equipment and interventions in line with Health and Safety requirements and best practice guidelines.

Candidate Requirements

• Professional degree level Occupational Therapy qualification or equivalent
• Strong IT skills including proficient user of Microsoft Office and client record systems
• Full EU driving licence (and access to daily use of a car)
• Willingness to undertake continuous professional development
• Good working knowledge of the statutory framework for the relevant care group and of an appropriate range of professional interventions

Our Area

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Wokingham Borough Council has committed to becoming a Marmot borough to embed prevention, early intervention and address inequalities in all aspects of our work. This is especially important given the significant and continued growth of our Borough and the diversity of its residents.

If you're enthusiastic, caring, and ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you, click the link below and apply today!

To request further information or to have an informal discussion about this role please contact Louise Pearce, Team Manager via email - Louise.Pearce@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing Date: 22nd November 2026, 11pm

Interview Date: TBC

AI In Applications

We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.

How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Further information on this vacancy

• Job Description

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