Job summary
A rare opportunity has become available to join the 'Outstanding' Integrated Learning Disability service in Portsmouth as an Occupational Therapy (OT) assistant with the future option of undertaking an apprenticeship in order to train to become an occupational therapist.
You'll work as an active member of the Integrated Learning Disability team and provide high quality, efficient and effective specialist occupational therapy assessment and intervention to adults with a learning disability. The OT assistant assumes responsibility for delegated aspects of occupational therapy delivery, working within a scope of practice under the direction and supervision of a registered practitioner, and is actively involved in all aspects of the occupational therapy assessment and delivery process.
We're a supportive and integrated health & social care service, you will receive relevant training, support and supervision.
An NVQ 3 in care (or equivalent) is essential, alongside good literacy, numeracy and IT skills. You will have experience of working with people with a learning disability, and have a passion to strive to support them and enhance their skills to the best of their abilities.
Main duties of the job
You will work as an active member of the Integrated Learning Disability team and will provide high quality, efficient and effective specialist occupational therapy assessments and interventions to adults with a learning disability under the supervision of a qualified member of the team. This is achieved through a process of person-centred care, which is comprehensive and responsive to the needs of the individual and their family/carers.
You will assume responsibility for delegated aspects of occupational therapy delivery, working within a scope of practice under the direction and supervision of a registered practitioner. You will work within relevant legal and ethical frameworks and in accordance with organisational protocols and policies.
About us
At Solent, our teams mirror the communities we serve. The Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging plan fosters authenticity, ensuring every Solent NHS Trust member feels visible, validated, and valued.
The Annual Staff survey positions us among top-performing Community and Mental Health trusts in 3 of 9 themes:
- Compassion and inclusivity
- Each voice matters
- Staff Engagement
Our commitment to enhancing diversity, inclusion, and belonging fosters a strong sense of uniqueness, celebrated among colleagues, contributing to excellent patient outcomes.
We welcome applications from underrepresented communities, offering an informal chat for those uncertain about job fit. Our revamped recruitment process prioritizes inclusivity, aligned with Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant guaranteed interviews.
Join our 7 staff networks:
DisAbility
LGBTQ+Allies
Carers
50+
Multi Faith
Black, Asian, and minority ethnic
Veterans
Solent supports flexible working, providing a carer's passport. Our award-winning Health and Wellbeing service, including Employment Disability, Neurodivergent, and Menopause support, makes Solent NHS an inclusive workplace.
We promote staff vaccination as the primary defense against Flu and Covid-19. Join us in contributing to outstanding patient outcomes in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Job description
Job responsibilities
*Please Note : For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description*
Job description
Job responsibilities
*Please Note : For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description*
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ 3 in care essential.
- Foundation degree or a willingness to undertake one, or an equivalent appropriate qualification.
Desirable
- A relevant accredited qualification in related clinical subject.
Experience
Essential
- Experience is required working with people with a learning disability, which must include roles within a range of learning disability service settings and in response to a variety of needs.
- Experience of a different range of service provisions.
- An ability to work according to a person-centre approach based on empathy, understanding and respect is essential.
- Experience of working within an MDT and have a multi-disciplinary team approach.
- An ability to undertake direct and indirect observational skills.
- Experience of role modelling to others and/or implement strategies/guidelines.
- Experience of teaching individuals new coping strategies or skills.
- Experience of implementing activities of daily living skills.
- Experienced of working with, & providing training to, staff teams.
- Experienced in supporting the development of care packages.
- Experience of teaching, training and / or supervision.
- Experience of delivering a range of clinical interventions
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
- Ability to work as part of a close knit team
- Self motivated, self starter, able to organise a large and varied work programme
- Numerate and Literate in English
- Being flexible and adaptable at work in order to meet competing priorities
- Effective Communication skills are essential.
- Well developed communication skills
- Problem solving
- Understanding of the health and behavioural needs of people with learning disabilities
- Understanding of a range of clinical approaches as appropriate, or the ability to seek this support.
- An understanding of the principles of equal opportunities as it relates to staff and patients and able to demonstrate personal commitment to challenging discrimination and promoting equalities An understanding of equality within the workforce and how it can impact on this post.
- The role requires Enhanced DBS
- The role requires the post holder to sign up to the Automatic Renewal DBS service
- Is able to work legally in the UK
- Is able to work with children and vulnerable adults
- Ability to travel daily for meetings across a range of sites in Southampton/Portsmouth/Hampshire.
- For posts which require a professional registration, postholders hold a valid up to date registration with their professional body.
- For posts where postholders are required to drive as part of their role they hold a valid full driving licence which enables them to drive in the UK
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ 3 in care essential.
- Foundation degree or a willingness to undertake one, or an equivalent appropriate qualification.
Desirable
- A relevant accredited qualification in related clinical subject.
Experience
Essential
- Experience is required working with people with a learning disability, which must include roles within a range of learning disability service settings and in response to a variety of needs.
- Experience of a different range of service provisions.
- An ability to work according to a person-centre approach based on empathy, understanding and respect is essential.
- Experience of working within an MDT and have a multi-disciplinary team approach.
- An ability to undertake direct and indirect observational skills.
- Experience of role modelling to others and/or implement strategies/guidelines.
- Experience of teaching individuals new coping strategies or skills.
- Experience of implementing activities of daily living skills.
- Experienced of working with, & providing training to, staff teams.
- Experienced in supporting the development of care packages.
- Experience of teaching, training and / or supervision.
- Experience of delivering a range of clinical interventions
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
- Ability to work as part of a close knit team
- Self motivated, self starter, able to organise a large and varied work programme
- Numerate and Literate in English
- Being flexible and adaptable at work in order to meet competing priorities
- Effective Communication skills are essential.
- Well developed communication skills
- Problem solving
- Understanding of the health and behavioural needs of people with learning disabilities
- Understanding of a range of clinical approaches as appropriate, or the ability to seek this support.
- An understanding of the principles of equal opportunities as it relates to staff and patients and able to demonstrate personal commitment to challenging discrimination and promoting equalities An understanding of equality within the workforce and how it can impact on this post.
- The role requires Enhanced DBS
- The role requires the post holder to sign up to the Automatic Renewal DBS service
- Is able to work legally in the UK
- Is able to work with children and vulnerable adults
- Ability to travel daily for meetings across a range of sites in Southampton/Portsmouth/Hampshire.
- For posts which require a professional registration, postholders hold a valid up to date registration with their professional body.
- For posts where postholders are required to drive as part of their role they hold a valid full driving licence which enables them to drive in the UK
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
