Occupational Therapy Apprentice

Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

Join us at Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (NHFT) as an apprentice and train to become a qualified Occupational Therapist, studying for a BSc Hons Degree in Occupational Therapy whilst you work.

The post is a blend of learning between the workplace (4 days per week) and the University (1 day per week). Three full time practice placements will also be completed over the course of the degree to provide required experience in other clinical settings or organisations.

The occupational therapy apprenticeship with NHFT is an attractive package - it is fully salaried with training costs covered throughout the 3-year university programme meaning a comparable saving ofapproximately £29,000 against full time entry route students.This post is suitable for people working in a caring role, looking for their next career step or looking for a complete career change (mature students welcome).

Applicants must ensure they understand the content and entry requirements for undertaking the University of Northampton's degree programme (found in the application guidance document).

ALL APPLICANTS must send copies of all relevant qualification certificates relating to the entry requirements, stating they are applying for an NHFT apprentice position to OTAdmissions@northampton.ac.uk by 21.01.2024 to confirm they meet the qualification entry criteria - applications cannot progress without this.

Main duties of the job

The occupational therapy apprentice position is within our in-patient mental health therapy team based in Northampton where you will work alongside a qualified occupational therapist and be supported by a work-based mentor who will provide a 'bridge' between work and university-based learning. You will be patient-facing from the very start, so that you can develop your clinical competencies and knowledge related to the role of an occupational therapist with increasing confidence.

For the duration of the apprenticeship, you will be working in the in-patient mental health service, however your three full time university practice placements will provide an opportunity to experience how the profession works in different settings such acute general hospitals, communityservices, with children, adults, and older people.

WHEN APPLYING FOR THE POST PLEASE ENSURE:a) Your application form clearly identifies how you meet the ESSENTIAL CRITERIA as set out in the Job Description.

b) You have sent your qualifications for checking to the University of Northampton - these must be the original certificates or replacement certificates issued by the educational body.

c) You have a passion to become an occupational therapist and are realistic about your capacity to manage a demanding work role plus studying and completing degree assignments in your own time. Emotional resilience, ability to manage pressure and deadlines, and availability to study evenings and weekends are essential.

About us

Candidates will undertake a two-fold selection process: meeting the skills and values required by NHFT as the employer, as well as the entry requirements of the University of Northampton Occupational Therapy Degree programme.

KEY DATES FOR APPLICANTS (please refer to the Application Guidance document for more details):Sunday 21st January - deadline for sending evidence of qualificationsTuesday 30th January - Evening information event (online)Saturday 3rd or 10th February - Interviews assessment daySuccessful candidates will be expected to start working with NHFT as soon as recruitment clearances are completed to settle into their role before commencing the degree programme September 2024.

Northamptonshire Healthcare Trust is an organisation committed to supporting all staff meet their development potential. The in-patient mental health therapy teams already have existing apprentices undertaking occupational therapy and physiotherapy training and are looking forward towelcoming you to join them.

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists has a designated website to attract people into Occupational Therapy Home - Royal College of Occupational Therapists (chooseot.co.uk)

Date posted

15 December 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£22,816 to £24,336 a year The final year of academic study salary will upgrade to Band 4

Contract

Apprenticeship

Duration

42 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

270-TE651-MH

Job locations

Berrywood Hospital

Northampton

NN5 6UD

Job description

Job responsibilities

The mental health in-patient therapy teams are a supportive and dynamic staff group comprising of registered occupational therapists, physiotherapists, degree level OT/physio apprentices, therapy assistants, a sports and exercise instructor, volunteers, sessional workers, and students. The therapy team works alongside nursing staff and the wider multi-disciplinary team to provide quality and effective care for our patients with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and dementia.

Depending on your base (Berrywood Hospital, The Welland Centre or The Forest Centre) you will be working across the adult or older adult wards under the direction and support of the registered occupational therapists. You will be undertaking assessments and providing individual and group treatments enabling individuals to undertake day to day tasks which may be compromised by their mental and physical health. The aim of treatment is to enable each individual to re-build daily living and coping skills in order leave hospital as soon as possible to continue working on their recovery in the community.

Although challenging and requiring a high level of personal resilience, the role is hugely rewarding, no two days are the same, and you will make a real difference to peoples lives. This could be the start of an amazing and varied career - are you ready for the challenge?

Job description

Job responsibilities

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Qualifications meet UoN entry criteria

Desirable

Training relevant to mental health

Experience and Skills

Essential

Personal organisation skills and ability to work under pressure
Ability to communicate information clearly
Practical / creative / life experience and skills that meet specific aspects of the Job Description

Desirable

Experience of a health or social care setting (paid, voluntary, work experience) and/or working alongside occupational therapists
Experience of supporting others with mental health difficulties
Experience of planning and delivering an activity / exercise with a group of people or with an individual

Knowledge and committment

Essential

Knowledge and understanding of the role of occupational therapists in healthcare
Understanding of mental health problems and impact on daily functioning
Clear desire and commitment towards the role, setting and study

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Qualifications meet UoN entry criteria

Desirable

Training relevant to mental health

Experience and Skills

Essential

Personal organisation skills and ability to work under pressure
Ability to communicate information clearly
Practical / creative / life experience and skills that meet specific aspects of the Job Description

Desirable

Experience of a health or social care setting (paid, voluntary, work experience) and/or working alongside occupational therapists
Experience of supporting others with mental health difficulties
Experience of planning and delivering an activity / exercise with a group of people or with an individual

Knowledge and committment

Essential

Knowledge and understanding of the role of occupational therapists in healthcare
Understanding of mental health problems and impact on daily functioning
Clear desire and commitment towards the role, setting and study

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.