About the job

Key information

• Fixed term opportunity to 31/03/2025
  (potential extension for a further 6 months pending agreed funding)
• Main work base will be an agreed Council office.
• Role offers a stepping stone into leadership, management, and project lead opportunities in commissioning or operations.
• 30 days annual leave entitlement
• Option for hybrid working (3 days in the field and 2 days in an office base).

What will I be doing?

We are seeking a skilled advocate for digital transformation aligned to innovative Occupational Therapy practice. This person will focus on improving and simplifying digital enablement for people. They will help develop the community provider market using Technology Enabled Care (TEC), embracing Optimal Handed Care (OHC) practices and having access to the Somerset Independent Living Centres (SILCs). Their goal is to do the right thing for individuals, carers, and communities, while also creating a better working environment for Care staff to deliver the best care possible.

The Lead will be a key contributor in supporting the council to achieve our target of Digital Social Care Records (DISC) compliance of 80% in 12 months. This currently stands at 69% and supported by the DISC project team. In addition, deliver the second phase of the OHC programme with targeted Domiciliary Care Providers, the evolving reablement offer and as part of the D2A pathway.

With your support and expertise, well-informed and skilled carers will be able to spend more time with the people and families they support. Care staff will feel more valued, better trained in key aspects of their role, and will embrace a person-centred care approach.

Areas of responsibility will include:

• Supporting the commissioners with designing and implementing a complex programme of work, focused on prevention.
• Promoting and managing an element of the (DISC) project resource(s).
• Visiting and meeting with Domiciliary Care Providers to promote the advantages of using Optimal Handed Care and using digital care records.
• Providing ongoing access to OHC (moving and handling) training, plus an E-learning package (TSA) with the support of the
• TEC lead in Adult Social Care (ASC) and the DISC project team.

The team

You’ll be working with Providers, the DISC Project support team, the TEC Clinical Lead and Adult Social Care Commissioners. The DISC project team is a small business change team who are very supportive and knowledgeable about the DISC project. In addition, the ASC commissioning team who have extensive experience and knowledge of the Care market and are very supportive team and you will be working closely with designated commissioners for TEC, OHC and the SILCs.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But to be successful in the role you:

• Should be an experienced Occupational Therapist (OT) professional, skilled in communicating with carers, care providers, and other professionals to emphasize the importance of DISC, OHC, and TEC.
• Must be ROSPA Level 4 trained in Moving and Handling, plus an interest in the benefits of using TEC/digital services (Care records, using computers etc).
• Need to be a qualified Occupational Therapist and be registered with HCPC
• Will have access to/use of a vehicle is an essential requirement for this role.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

What is in it for me?

At Somerset Council, we work hard to attract the best staff and we want to make sure that once you are on board, you are well supported and rewarded for the work you do.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• This grade offers 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and the option to request to buy up to 2 weeks additional annual leave pro rata
• Hybrid working options where the role allows.
• A clear career pathway with apprenticeships, professional, leadership and academic programmes and qualifications, regular CPD opportunities and a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme
• A new comprehensive induction programme supported by Practice Development Advanced Practitioners, plus a confidential and impartial welcome call to ensure your induction goes smoothly.
• Ongoing support & development opportunities – regular CPD events arranged and delivered by our dedicated Adult Social Care Learning and Development team, including an annual Carnival of Practice event with key speakers such as the Chief Social Worker, a team of Advanced Practitioner – Practice Development roles to support our workforce, personalised personal development plans, a corporate coaching and mentoring scheme.
• Local Government pension scheme
• Employee support networks that acknowledge and celebrate the richness of diversity and equality within our workforce.
• Guaranteed Interview Schemes – Disability Confident, Veterans, Care Leavers
• Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services and events to support a healthy work/life balance inc. a free online gym offer, dedicated Mental Wellbeing Ambassadors and much more!
• Relocation of up to £8,000, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.
• Access to the Blue Light Card which offers thousands of discounts online and on the high street.
• My Staff Shop which offers a variety of discounts including cinemas, shopping, restaurants, gym discounts and more!
• Discounted lease car options via salary sacrifice, along with discounts on fuel
• Cycle to work scheme

DBS check

This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.

Supporting documents and information

This is a Grade 10 post with a current starting salary of £34,834 – £39,186 per annum. Appointments are normally made at the bottom of the salary scale.

Closing date for applications: Sunday, 13 October 2024.

Interviews on Wednesday, 16 October 2024.

Got a question about becoming Somerset Council’s Community Digital and Practice Implementation Lead? Get in touch with Nigel Pluckrose – Occupational Therapy (OT) Service Manager – ASC Commissioning and Operations. 078162 19439 or email: nigel.pluckrose@somerset.gov.uk

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button – we can’t wait to hear from you.

Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early if we have received a sufficient number of applications, so don’t delay, apply today!

Apply on the Somerset Council website

Apply now