Location
London Borough of Sutton, The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton.

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£44,685 per annum

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is located less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Situated in zone 5 with excellent transport links, Sutton offers award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and excellent schools. The borough enjoys high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, delivering quality services while addressing financial challenges and involving residents in key local issues and high street developments.

About the Borough (continued)
Sutton is investing heavily in the health, wellbeing, and education of its residents and future generations, as outlined in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. Home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton is developing the London Cancer Hub, aiming to be the world’s leading life-science district specialising in cancer research and treatment. This vision is expected to create around 13,000 jobs and contribute £1.2bn annually to the UK economy. Alongside regeneration projects including new homes and schools, Sutton is committed to working closely with residents and vulnerable groups to maintain independence and balance support with independent living.

About the Service and Team
Guided by the Team Manager and Principal Occupational Therapist, the new Occupational Therapy Hub in Sutton unifies Occupational Therapy and Sensory services within social care. The Hub provides professional leadership and support for practitioners, career development opportunities including apprenticeships, and a unique Preceptorship for new or returning therapists. Sutton is proud to be one of the only London boroughs to offer an Occupational Therapy Preceptorship, supporting newly qualified or returning therapists. The Hub focuses on strength-based assessments to enhance independence and wellbeing, covering reablement, disabled facilities grant assessments, optimal care, and housing needs assessments, making it a comprehensive community service.

About the Role
We are seeking Enabling Independence Officers (EIO) to join the Occupational Therapy Team at Sutton Adult Social Care. Based in the Occupational Therapy Hub, you will primarily complete occupational therapy assessments and reviews to empower adults to live as independently as possible. Using your Trusted Assessor skills and experience, you will deliver strength-based and preventative support to residents.

Key Duties
- Conduct assessments to determine occupational therapy needs
- Provide effective advice and guidance following assessments
- Supply appropriate equipment and minor adaptations to support independence
- Recommend simple major adaptations
- Collaborate with social workers, healthcare providers, and the NHS to ensure optimal care in line with the Care Act

With support from Occupational Therapists and OT Managers, you will manage a caseload of residents, compile support plans, and play a vital role in enhancing quality of life and wellbeing. We seek individuals passionate about making a difference, with strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and sensitivity towards individuals facing challenging circumstances.

Transformation and Development
Adult Social Care is undergoing significant transformation to meet rising demand, improve care quality, and create positive working environments. New leadership and experienced managers are driving meaningful change to deliver exceptional care and foster an inclusive, diverse, and stable workplace for career growth.

Our Offer to You
We are committed to nurturing talent and supporting your career development in a friendly, collaborative environment. Your ideas and contributions will be encouraged and supported by a dynamic management team. Benefits include:

- Generous annual leave entitlement of 26-31 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption, and dependents leave
- Two volunteering days per year
- Flexible working arrangements under the Smarter Working Scheme (role dependent)
- Adjustable and agile working using Google Chromebooks
- Access to a learning and development portal with a range of courses
- Discounts at local shops, restaurants, gyms, and leisure centres
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
- Zip car scheme
- Confidential health, wellbeing, and counselling support

Application Process
Apply online outlining your skills, abilities, and experience relevant to this role. Please ensure your CV details are correctly uploaded. The closing date is indicative; early application is advised as the vacancy may close once sufficient applications are received. We anonymise applications to reduce bias and encourage diverse interview panels to promote fairness. We are committed to removing barriers and enhancing workforce diversity.

Additional Information
We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. We offer family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, and inclusive staff networks. As a disability confident employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. We are an accredited London Living Wage Employer, paying the London Living Wage to all employees regardless of contract type or length. Sponsorship for work visas is considered on a case-by-case basis subject to eligibility and budget.

Experience
- Trusted Assessor Level 3 training and/or experience (opportunity to train to Level 4 available)
- Prior experience conducting assessments in an occupational therapy setting
- Knowledge of relevant social care and occupational therapy legislation and policies
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

About You
- Excellent communication skills to effectively engage with residents, families, and professionals
- Understanding of safeguarding and adult protection issues
- Empathy and sensitivity towards individuals in difficult circumstances
- Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice

Qualifications
- Trusted Assessor Level 3 training or equivalent experience preferred
- Willingness to undertake further training and development supported by supervisors and management