I’m Lydia, I’m an Occupational Therapist and I work with Care Direct, the OT team in North Devon.
When did you start at Devon County Council (DCC)?
I started my job in September 2020, so quite recently.
What made you choose to work for DCC?
I chose to work in the community for social services because I love working in the community. I came from working in an independent school so, it’s quite a different change for me.
Can you give an overview of your role?
I visit clients that are referred to Occupational Therapy for a range of different things. I asses them at home, have a chat with them, find out what’s important to them, establish their needs, and work out a way of meeting their needs whether or not it be through equipment, adaptation or referrals to other services. This is to support their well-being, their independence and their safety at home.
What support have you received as an Occupational Therapist?
I’m currently completing a preceptorship programme, supported by one of our band 6 Occupational Therapists and the wider team. To meet a wide range of competencies and to gain a whole load of experience in different things.
What’s your favourite part of what you do?
The favourite part of my job is to meet a wide range of people in their own homes, get to know them, understand what’s important to them and what they would like to be able to achieve.
What benefits do you enjoy?
I enjoy the benefits of flexible working from home, in the office and being able to visit clients with the appropriate PPE and safety measures in place at the moment. I’m lucky that I’m able to continue visiting people that are necessary to visit, as well as doing telephone assessments. I feel comfortable using my own car for work with the essential car users’ scheme and the mileage allowance. That’s definitely a benefit.
What else do you enjoy about your job?
I love my job and I love the team that I work with, working with other services and a variety of clients.
What do you enjoy about living and working in Devon?
I really enjoy working and living in Devon. I enjoy my work/life balance, being at the coast with the beaches, my friends and my family.