Discharge To Assess Occupational Therapist

Job summary

The role of Discharge to Assess OT is pivotal in supporting safe and timely hospital discharges by enabling individuals to regain or maintain independence in their own homes.

The post holder will work closely with the Hospital Social Work Team and the Reablement and Independence Service, delivering strength-based, person-centred interventions that promote recovery and reduce reliance on long-term care. The role involves assessing, implementing, evaluating, and reviewing care plans for service users and carers, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes.

Main duties of the job

Main Accountabilities

Conduct holistic assessments to identify the needs of service users and carers within their home environments, ensuring recommendations are appropriate and within available resources.

Actively involve carers in the assessment and planning process, considering their needs alongside those of the service user to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Independently manage a specialist clinical caseload, maintaining accurate and up-to-date clinical records in line with professional standards.

Ensure all interventions and recommendations are informed by current manual handling guidance and best practice.

Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to guide effective treatment, support timely progression through the service, and facilitate appropriate discharge planning, including inreach work.

Promote the use of Assistive Technology and digital tools such as AskSARA to enhance independence and reduce reliance on formal care services, embedding a strengths-based approach.

Work collaboratively with colleagues across health and social care, including the Hospital Social Work Team and the Reablement and Independence Service, to ensure coordinated care.

About us

As part of Slough Borough Council, you will join an organisation focused on improving outcomes for residents, communities and the local environment. Our Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities works collaboratively with residents, carers, families, colleagues and partner organisations to provide high-quality, person-centred support. The team is committed to strengths-based practice, professional curiosity and making a positive difference in peoples lives.

You will be part of a friendly, supportive and inclusive working environment where colleagues share knowledge, work together and take pride in delivering services that matter. We value a strong work ethic built on compassion, accountability, innovation and respect. Staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, learn from one another and play an active role in helping the Council move forward together.

Working with us offers the opportunity to develop your career while being supported to balance work and personal commitments. Alongside a competitive salary, employees benefit from flexible and hybrid working arrangements, annual leave entitlement, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, wellbeing initiatives, employee networks and opportunities to contribute to meaningful change for the people of Slough.

Job responsibilities

• Directorate: Adult
• Pay Level: 7, £41,873 - £47, 238 (fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance) plus (14% Shift enhancement)
• Contract Type:Permanent
• Working Hours: Rota working across 7 days a week including weekends, bank holidays and out of hours as required. Rotas are subject to change based on the needs of the service. 
• Location: Observatory House/ Slough Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in the office). The role includes working from people’s homes in the community and visiting hospitals or care home setting if required as part of the discharge planning process.
• DBS requirement: Enhanced 
• Number of Hires: 2

The closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 18th September 2026

Interviews will be held week commencing 28th September 2026.

What you’ll be doing: 

We are hiring 2 professionals to join our dynamic Discharge to Assess (D2A) team, where you'll work closely with the Hospital Social Work Team and the Reablement and Independence Service to support individuals transitioning from hospital to home. This role focuses on enabling service users to regain or maintain independence through strength-based assessments and interventions, ensuring safe and timely discharges.

You’ll collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) of health and social care professionals in a fast-paced, supportive environment that values your clinical expertise, innovative ideas, and continuous professional development.

As a D2A Occupational Therapist, you’ll contribute to streamlining discharge pathways, reducing delays, and promoting single-handed, proportionate care planning. You’ll also support residents in care placements through in-reach work, ensuring continuity and quality of care.

We offer:

• Regular clinical supervision and training
• Opportunities to supervise OT Assistants
• Career development and CPD platforms
• A culture of collaboration, peer support, and specialism development

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a buzzing, forward-thinking service leading therapy-led projects and initiatives. If you're passionate about making a real impact, supporting independence, and helping people live healthier lives for longer, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Council: 

Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and environment. Every employee contributes to services for local people, directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and want residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives. 

What we offer: 

We offer a supportive place to grow your career, where your input is valued and heard. You will join a friendly, collaborative environment where ambition and innovation are encouraged. 

We support flexible and hybrid working to help colleagues achieve a positive work-life balance. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, recruit on merit and value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. 

Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1 April, subject to six months’ service and satisfactory performance, until the maximum spinal column point is reached. 

Alongside a competitive salary, we provide: 

• 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 2 years and 33 days after 5 years’ service. 
• The Local Government Pension Scheme 
• Wellbeing initiatives and employee networks that help us celebrate and promote equality. 
• Tax-free childcare and childcare services 
• Season ticket loan to help with rail or bus travel to and from work. 

Accessibility and Support: 

Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. If you need support during the application process or reasonable adjustments for interview, please contact our Recruitment Team: [email protected]. 

Information shared will be treated confidentially and used only to provide appropriate support throughout recruitment and beyond. 

Our staff networks represent diverse colleague groups and help make the Council a place where people feel included and can thrive. 

Follow the link HERE to learn more. 

Right to Work and Checks: 

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please contact [email protected] before applying. 

We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks. 

How we recruit at Slough Borough Council 

• Our 8 Core Skills  
• At Slough Borough Council, we are moving Forward Together. Our core skills reflect what we value and will form part of your interview. 
• Click here to find out more - How we recruit | Slough Borough Council 

How to Apply: 

Please click on the Apply button below to submit your application.  

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Join Slough Borough Council and help accelerate our transformation and growth. 

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early should we receive a number of suitable applications. 

Join Slough Borough Council – Move Forward Together! 

Person specification

Experience

Essential

• Recent experience demonstrating ability to assess and evaluate care in rehabilitation and long-term condition management.
• Experience of working with people of diverse cultural and religious communities
• Experience of diffusing conflict and complaints.
• Experience of case-management in clients with long-term conditions.
• Experience of contributing to service/quality improvement.
• Experience of working within a community or acute therapy team.
• Moving and Handling case work experience.

Desirable

• N/A

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Proven ability in implementing Clinical Governance.
• Problem solving/decision making skills based on client needs and goals.
• Excellent assessment and recording skills
• Demonstrates positive attitudes and behaviours, taking a strength based approach to assessments.
• Willingness to take responsibility and use initiative, according to level of experience and delegations
• Ability to communicate effectively with people with complex difficulties and in difficult situations.
• To be proficient in the use of ICT systems and packages
• Self motivated with the ability to work independently and influence others.
• Excellent time management skills, including the ability to work to deadlines.
• The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment and concentrate in conditions requiring emotional demands.
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritising and organising own work and caseload, including delegation.
• Physically capable of carrying, transporting and fitting equipment in peoples homes, within manual handling constraints and guidelines

Desirable

• N/A

Knowledge and understanding

Essential

• Knowledge of relevant legislation, national guidelines and best-practice for a range of conditions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of appropriate and available Occupational Therapy assessments and approaches, including outcome measures and goal setting.
• General knowledge of safe installations and use of Assistive Technology, disability equipment and adaptations

Desirable

• N/A

Qualification

Essential

• Degree/Diploma/Msc in Occupational Therapy.
• HCPC Registered.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Desirable

• Masters level qualification in specialist area.