The SMART Service (Supportive Multi-Agency Response Team) is looking to appoint a dedicated Occupational Therapist for this brand new and innovative team    

Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here.

The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us.

The Post

The Supportive Multi-Agency Response Team (SMART) was set up as a pilot for six months during the Covid Pandemic and became operational in September 2020. In February 2021, ongoing funding was approved for the SMART Service to become a permanent service provision within Brent. .It has been set up to work exclusively with those people whom do not obviously meet the statutory threshold for Local Authority involvement or secondary Mental Health interventions, but who are struggling to function due to their physical, mental health, housing circumstances and / or drug and alcohol dependencies.

The MDT consists of social worker, OT, Support Outreach Officers, a dedicated Community Housing Officer, Complex case workers for Substance abuse, Advanced Practitioner and a Team Manager.

The caseload capacity is restricted to enable practitioners to provide an intensive outreach approach. The focus is on strength based approach that is trauma informed. There is a primary worker and a secondary worker involved with each service user and frequently there are a number of professionals supporting the service user at one time.

This is a new and unique service in the London Borough of Brent and has been created to provide targeted support for individuals with intersecting complex needs, particularly those with vulnerability and experience of exclusion that impacts on their mental health and wellbeing. These individuals would not normally be eligible for support from adult social care, as they do not meet the criteria set out in the Care Act. They may be under primary care for mental health, and are less likely to be managed long term under secondary mental health, potentially due to their reduced ability to engage.

The Person

Utilising your strengths in communication and engagement you will support service users who traditionally have found it difficult to maintain a relationship with professionals.

In conjunction with the service user and the MDT you will be able to formulate a plan to enhance their independence through the use of ADL assessments that identify and support their housing needs, care and support needs and through the provision of equipment or through home adaptations.

You will be able to work alongside service users in order to assist them to make progress with their ADL’s and consider vocational pathways that will increase their wellbeing and functioning in the community.

You will be able to develop and maintain close professional relationships within the Local Authority, Primary and secondary care and to work closely with other homeless network agencies, charitable organisations and Voluntary and community groups.

You will need to be able to work creatively with an assertive outreach approach. You will enjoy working closely within a small team to maximise the opportunity for change for the service user.

For an informal chat please contact Rebecca Byrne by email: rebecca.byrne@brent.gov.uk

Closing Date:   15 June 2021 (23:00)

Interviews: 24 June 2021

Additional Information

Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application.

We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.

Brent has a positive approach to flexible working. 

As a disability confident employer Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@brent.gov.uk.  Please note the information you provide will be treated fairly and confidentially.

Please note CVs will not be considered as part of your application for this position.

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Job Description