Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational Therapy Assistant 

Hackney, London (community-based role)
36 hours per week
Initial 3-month contract (with potential extension)
£30.81 per hour (Umbrella) / £22.85 per hour (PAYE, exclusive)

About the Role

Hackney Council is launching an innovative Reablement at Home pilot service, designed to help residents regain independence and achieve therapy-led goals in their own homes.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking service that is shifting Adult Social Care towards a “reablement-first” approach—focusing on independence, wellbeing, and reducing long-term care needs.

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will work closely with Occupational Therapists and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver short-term, outcome-focused interventions that empower individuals to rebuild skills, confidence, and autonomy.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out strengths-based OT assessments and reviews under supervision
• Support delivery of person-centred reablement plans (typically up to 6 weeks)
• Assist service users to regain independence in daily living activities (e.g. mobility, personal care, meal prep)
• Recommend and arrange equipment and minor adaptations
• Promote a “doing with” approach rather than “doing for”
• Monitor progress and adjust support in line with achieved outcomes
• Maintain accurate case records and reports using IT systems
• Work collaboratively with OTs, social workers, healthcare professionals, and carers

About the Service

• Short-term intervention (up to 6 weeks per service user)
• Up to 4 visits per day, tailored to individual needs
• Focus on hospital discharge support and preventing long-term care dependency
• Delivered in service users’ homes across Hackney
• Based at Hackney Service Centre with regular community visits

Requirements Essential:

• Trusted Assessor Qualification
• Experience in occupational therapy or reablement settings
• Knowledge of the Care Act 2014 and relevant legislation
• Experience supporting individuals with physical or sensory disabilities
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Ability to manage a varied caseload independently

Desirable:

• Experience recommending assistive technology / Telecare
• Understanding of adaptations and equipment provision

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong clinical reasoning and decision-making
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams
• Commitment to person-centred and strengths-based practice
• Confident using IT systems for case management
• Adaptable, proactive, and solutions-focused

Why Join This Project?

• Be part of a new, innovative service model shaping future care delivery
• Make a direct impact on hospital discharge pathways and independence outcomes
• Work within a supportive, multidisciplinary team environment
• Gain valuable experience in a high-profile local authority pilot

If you're an experienced Occupational Therapy Assistant looking to make a real difference in a progressive service, we’d love to hear from you.