Job summary
This is an excellent opportunity to practice Occupational Therapy within the challenging and rewarding field of forensic mental health. If you are passionate about working in Forensic mental health and supporting individuals to achieve their goals and live more fulfilling lives, this could be the perfect role for you.
We are currently recruiting a senior occupational therapist to join the Dorset Forensic Service, working autonomously across the community and low secure inpatient setting. We are a proactive and progressive team; we value our staff and want to create an environment of service and staff development. The includes further developing our Bright Bean caf strategy which is part of the vocational pathway to increase social inclusion and paid employment opportunities to our patients. This post will require working within Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and Dorset areas.
Main duties of the job
Providing appropriate vocational opportunities for patients in a secure environment and in the community through individual activity programme, group treatment programme and worksite visits.
Providing leadership for staff and students, to line manage staff and carry out supervision and appraisal.
Build high quality relationships with voluntary and statutory agencies to support patient vocational opportunities.
Participating in the planning, development, and evaluation of vocational services within Dorset Forensic Service, holding responsibility for defined projects.
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
Dorset HealthCare is in partnership with The Princes Trust to support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we offer an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. Please contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net to access the support.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
Dorset HealthCare is in partnership with The Princes Trust to support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we offer an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. Please contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net to access the support.
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- OT qualification at degree level or equivalent
- State Registration with HPC
- Membership of professional body
Desirable
- Qualification in therapy intervention CBT, motivational training
Job specific experience
Essential
- Developed & proven experience in MH, Forensic and or PICU
- Understanding of therapy outcome measures
- Comprehensive knowledge & application of therapy assessments
- Ability to demonstrate the ability to clarify the therapist role in the team
- Previous experience of vocational rehabilitation
Desirable
- Experience of working with clients with complex needs
Managerial/supervisory
Essential
Desirable
- Leadership or management experience
- Supervisory Skills
Personal qualities
Essential
- Empathetic and flexible approach to demanding, sometimes physical and/or verbal abuse from patients
- Ability to work autonomously and within a team
Additional requirement
Essential
- A level of fitness and ability to participate and complete Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- OT qualification at degree level or equivalent
- State Registration with HPC
- Membership of professional body
Desirable
- Qualification in therapy intervention CBT, motivational training
Job specific experience
Essential
- Developed & proven experience in MH, Forensic and or PICU
- Understanding of therapy outcome measures
- Comprehensive knowledge & application of therapy assessments
- Ability to demonstrate the ability to clarify the therapist role in the team
- Previous experience of vocational rehabilitation
Desirable
- Experience of working with clients with complex needs
Managerial/supervisory
Essential
Desirable
- Leadership or management experience
- Supervisory Skills
Personal qualities
Essential
- Empathetic and flexible approach to demanding, sometimes physical and/or verbal abuse from patients
- Ability to work autonomously and within a team
Additional requirement
Essential
- A level of fitness and ability to participate and complete Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
