Occupational Therapy Team leader- Initial Contact Team

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.

We have a simple vision and strategy that defines what we are trying to achieve, our purpose and our approach which underpin the principles of Adult Social Care, and we continue to work in support of this.

In a simple sense all our work, at whatever level should continue to support the strategy of: ‘Providing support, in the least intrusive manner possible, based on the assets, resources and abilities that are available to people’.

Our Values

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

What is the job role?

Can you and lead a team? Are you a good decision maker? Are you creative? If yes, this could be an ideal opportunity for you! 

We are recruiting a Team Leader (Occupational Therapy Qualified) managing the Initial Contact Team in Adult Social care. 

Working with a diverse network of professionals, as a Team Leader you will provide leadership of this service/function. 

This is a full-time post (37hours) and you will lead an inclusive team of Initial Contact Assessment workers who respond to new referrals in Adult Social Care from people age 18 and upwards. This is an exciting time to join this fantastic and committed team as the service has recently been through some changes and we continue to develop the model and response.   

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Who are we looking for?

Are you a qualified Occupational Therapist that has a very good knowledge and understanding of Care Act 2014 and associated legislation, with experience of working in Adult Social Care?  

To be successful you will have sound knowledge and understanding of Occupational Therapy pathways, the importance of a promoting independence approach whilst having the skills to lead an inclusive team of staff in a busy front-line team are crucial. 

The Initial Contact Team respond to new referrals into Adult Social Care (including Occupational Therapy, referrals for Care and support for adults and Older people). You will need to ensure that appropriate initial assessment which is sensitive to reflect the needs of the diverse community in the city. 

As a team leader you will be responsible for leading the team and providing support and line management for staff. The successful candidate will need to develop links with  Other wider teams Intake, PI & Case management teams and promote a strength-based approach during the screening process, utilising the persons functional strengths and community assets and focusing on a therapy first model.    

You will need an understanding of how Adult Social Care works as an entire system to ensure that onward referrals are appropriate.    

Within our team, men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds are currently under-represented across our middle management, as a result, we would like to encourage men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds to apply for this post.  This does not prevent any other applicants with a protected characteristic or a non-protected characteristic from applying. 

In return we can offer you a varied and fulfilling role where you can influence and evolve and continue to develop and support the initial contact team function.   

If you are interested and believe you have the relevant blend of experience, skills and knowledge to take on the role, we would be pleased to  receive your application 

Should you want informal discussion re the role please contact Sandra Walton on 02476977105 

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.

Interview date(s): Tuesday 10th December 2024

About Coventry

Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.

We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.

At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.

To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.

If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies