Job summary
The Intensive Dementia Support Service (IDSS) East would like to invite an Occupational Therapist to join our innovative team in Yeovil.
Are you looking to work for a team that supports your development / career progression?
We have a band 5 and 6 post available dependant on experience we could offer you straight into a Band 6 role, or the opportunity to develop from a 5 into a 6.
IDSS service is a countywide crisis service for people with dementia, cognitive impairment who are exhibiting a significant level of behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with dementia. This is a countywide service with 2 team bases, one in Yeovil (East) and one in Taunton( West).
Within this service, IDSS managers are supporting their current Band 5 registered practitioners to develop into a Band 6, by offering a clear pathway including a supportive and tailored development plan. IDSS can offer a preceptorship programme and/or a developmental framework to new colleagues depending on level of experience.
The team in the East covers Yeovil, Chard, Crewkerne, Glastonbury, Street , Wells, Frome and surrounding villages.
The aim of the team is to be reactive and responsive to treat individuals at times of crisis working closely with our Community Mental Health Teams aiming to prevent hospital admission and facilitate timely supported discharges from the ward.
Main duties of the job
To undertake the assessment of patients referred to the Intensive Dementia Support Service . Undertake the assessment of risk and Occupational therapy assessments and contribute to the multi-disciplinary team care plan. Under the development and implementation of individual care plans for the client.
To provide high quality patient care, working in a flexible way across the community, inpatient boundaries, as required, focusing on the need to support patients and their families/careers.
The service provides:
- Behavioural support planning, including role modelling of care delivery.
- Review of medication and monitoring of medication changes made by the team's consultant.
- Interventions to reduce challenging behaviours (distraction techniques, assessment for pain, physical ill health)
- Referrals and liaison with physical health services both primary and intermediate care
- Educating and supporting services with individualised activity programmes, and the promotion of personalised care.
- Signposting to other services.
- Referral to Local Authority for Social Care assessment
To be able to conduct such an assessment taking into account the complexities associated with care of the Older Person, considering both mental health, capacity, physical health and social care needs
To complete functional OT assessments and to add the OT aspect in to the weekly MDT.
About us
As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, fantastic pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.
The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stones throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.
There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will to experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan there is truly something for everyone!
Job description
Job responsibilities
Triaging of referrals The post holder will be aware of the eligibility criteria for the team and will make decisions based on this knowledge as to whether referrals should be accepted for assessment by the Team. Where referrals are inappropriate, the post holder will give advice to assist the referrer in decision making. The post holder will gather as much information from the referrer as possible about the client and in particular past and present risk history. The post will work with band 6 member of the team to complete this.
Assessment The post holder will provide holistic psycho-social assessment to clients who present in a mental health crisis. The post holder will be expected to be competent and participate in both joint and lone working assessments. They will access all available sources of information including the views of family, carers and relatives.
To carry out Occupational therapy assessments on functional skills. To help create and plan behavioral support plans for patients using Occupational assessments to build on individualized meaningful activities.
Risk Assessment The post holder will carry out a comprehensive risk assessment during each new assessment and at subsequent meetings with the client. This will involve exploring clients risk and may involve exposure to challenging, hostile and distressing behaviour. The post holder will use this assessment to inform risk management plans, which may include arranging an admission to a hospital setting when community alternatives are unsuitable. The post holder will communicate this assessment to others involved in a clients care and will ensure effective management of these risks.
Care Planning The post holder will design and implement comprehensive, safe, creative and effective care plans in conjunction with clients, carers, medical and other professionals including the on going assessment and review of the client. Interventions will be evidence-based and will be designed to reduce distress, manage risk and aid recovery through assisting clients in the management of their daily living skills, problem behaviours and communication with others.
The band 5 OT will be offered clinical supervision and support from the band 6 OT and be supported in attending Training.
We are currently in the process of developing the OT pathway within both the teams which the band 5 OT will be an active part in helping to create this pathway.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Triaging of referrals The post holder will be aware of the eligibility criteria for the team and will make decisions based on this knowledge as to whether referrals should be accepted for assessment by the Team. Where referrals are inappropriate, the post holder will give advice to assist the referrer in decision making. The post holder will gather as much information from the referrer as possible about the client and in particular past and present risk history. The post will work with band 6 member of the team to complete this.
Assessment The post holder will provide holistic psycho-social assessment to clients who present in a mental health crisis. The post holder will be expected to be competent and participate in both joint and lone working assessments. They will access all available sources of information including the views of family, carers and relatives.
To carry out Occupational therapy assessments on functional skills. To help create and plan behavioral support plans for patients using Occupational assessments to build on individualized meaningful activities.
Risk Assessment The post holder will carry out a comprehensive risk assessment during each new assessment and at subsequent meetings with the client. This will involve exploring clients risk and may involve exposure to challenging, hostile and distressing behaviour. The post holder will use this assessment to inform risk management plans, which may include arranging an admission to a hospital setting when community alternatives are unsuitable. The post holder will communicate this assessment to others involved in a clients care and will ensure effective management of these risks.
Care Planning The post holder will design and implement comprehensive, safe, creative and effective care plans in conjunction with clients, carers, medical and other professionals including the on going assessment and review of the client. Interventions will be evidence-based and will be designed to reduce distress, manage risk and aid recovery through assisting clients in the management of their daily living skills, problem behaviours and communication with others.
The band 5 OT will be offered clinical supervision and support from the band 6 OT and be supported in attending Training.
We are currently in the process of developing the OT pathway within both the teams which the band 5 OT will be an active part in helping to create this pathway.
Person Specification
Esssential
Essential
- Current Professional Registration
- Experience as a Band 5 or equivalent Mental Health Practitioner
- Computer literate in use of Word, Excel, Email and PowerPoint
- Evidence of good standard of literacy/English language skills
- able to drive
- Knowledge of the legislative framework within which OTs work, including HCPC and COT standards
- Demonstrate experience of effective team working
Desirable
- Experience of working with patients with complex needs
Person Specification
Esssential
Essential
- Current Professional Registration
- Experience as a Band 5 or equivalent Mental Health Practitioner
- Computer literate in use of Word, Excel, Email and PowerPoint
- Evidence of good standard of literacy/English language skills
- able to drive
- Knowledge of the legislative framework within which OTs work, including HCPC and COT standards
- Demonstrate experience of effective team working
Desirable
- Experience of working with patients with complex needs
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
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).
