Job summary
We are looking to recruit an Occupational Therapy Assistant to work on our inpatient eating disorder ward for young people at Springfield Hospital. This is an exciting time to join the team, we've just received our results from the 2023 staff survey and 83% of eating disorder staff said they would recommend our organisation as a place to work, 95% of our staff feel their role makes a difference to patients and service users and finally we are proud that 85% of eating disorder staff said we are committed to providing opportunities to improve your knowledge and skills.
The post will enhance your skills in supporting interventions for young people working alongside a Band 6 Occupational Therapist and the wider multi-disciplinary as well as families and joint working with multiple agencies/services.
You will be part of a wider occupational therapy team within the eating disorder service which includes a Lead OT, 4 Band 6 OTs, an occupational therapy assistant and an activity worker. Under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist, you will provide group and individual interventions for young people with severe eating disorders which will include eating with young people in their homes and the community.
Main duties of the job
- To work with other members of the young people inpatient eating disorders service multidisciplinary team, to coordinate and deliver a programme of creative and social activities under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist. Duties will include the direct provision of group and one-to-one activity on a single-handed basis on the ward and with other staff for more than one patient off the ward.
- To provide accessible information to patients about routine ward activities as appropriate.
- To work flexibly to meet service and patient need with the expectation of providing sessional evening work and weekend working when required.
- To plan, provide and evaluate a range of recreational, creative and therapeutic activities for individual/groups of patients based on patient need as guided by the Occupational Therapist in discussion with the multidisciplinary team.
- To provide feedback to the ward manager and team with regard to patient participation and progress. In addition to the group programme the post holder will provide support one to one individual sessions with patients where required under the direction of the Occupational Therapist.
- To contribute in planning meetings and handover of information to ensure that important information is relayed and clinical care is adjusted appropriately.
About us
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
About our locations:
Springfield University Hospital, Tooting
Our largest, 19-ward site is in Springfield Village, created following our £150m investment into two new world class mental health facilities. A 32-acre public park, shops and cafes are coming soon. Close to shops, cafes and Tooting Bec on the Northern Line plus Earlsfield and Tooting rail stations and bus routes.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
- To work effectively as a member of a team in providing a programme of ward activities.
- To undertake skilled technical/creative and specialised support work, engage patients in therapeutic activities to promote independence and well-being as directed by the Occupational Therapist
- To work with members of the team to plan a culturally sensitive programme of activities to encourage engagement, promote enjoyment, alleviate boredom and enhance motivation to engage in treatment.
- To keep updated on the physical & mental health of all patients and all care and crisis plans.
- To engage patients in the design and evaluation of the activity programme.
- To work collaboratively with all patients enabling them to self-manage wherever possible.
- To facilitate groups on the ward as identified in the activity programme of social and creative activities to an identified patient group.
- To work with the Occupational Therapist and ward manager to identify other contributors to the activities programme e.g. services at Springfield Hospital and outside agencies
- To implement and evaluate OT and team interventions as required, providing a range of activities that support the patient to achieve agreed goals.
- To work single handedly, facilitating group or individual work, planned with a registered OT
- To monitor patients progress, taking account of their environment and adjust own clinical interventions accordingly, promoting a recovery approach to interventions.
- Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
- To provide disability equality support activities as directed by the Occupational Therapist
Communication
- To form professional relationships with patients communicating with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.
- To instruct and guide individuals/groups of patients in the use of therapeutic activities.
- To report effectively to the team on patients performance/progress in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure.
- To provide relevant information, written and oral, for documents relating to patients progress.
- To correspond with external agencies on clinical matters, under direction of registered staff.
- To develop a wide knowledge base of local leisure, social and support opportunities and encourage patients to participate.
- To provide accessible information to patients about the ward activity programme and routine.
- To provide practical assistance and develop therapeutic trusting relationships with patients.
- To develop good working relationships with ward staff and the multidisciplinary team liaising with other agencies as appropriate.
- To report concerns regarding patients or others, clearly to the nurse in charge for the appropriate action to be taken.
Documentation
- To ensure that up to date electronic and written records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust Standards.
- To keep accurate and contemporaneous records of groups, activity and feedback from patients.
Training staff and students
- To participate in the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting.
- To participate in the dissemination and sharing of information and skills with staff, students and volunteers.
- To participate in relevant training opportunities.
Service development and delivery
- To ensure that areas are well maintained, kept and comply with health and safety guidelines, ensuring the safe use of equipment and storage of materials.
- To participate in the delivery of the service development plan.
- To provide treatment in an environment where the minimum secure services security and safety procedures must be strictly adhered to, as well as ensuring that legal restrictions required of the mental health act are incorporated within activity provision.
Other
- To participate in clinical governance and quality improvement projects as allocated by the Occupational Therapist, Service or Ward Manager.
- To observe strict confidentiality and maintain high professional standards at all times.
- To treat patients in a dignified and respectful way and endeavor to develop and understanding of their problems and needs and perspective on life.
- To demonstrate an ability to work independently of direct supervision as appropriate.
- To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
- To maintain stock and equipment, advising on resources to carry out the job, including the response management and petty cash.
- To adhere to the Trusts Schedule of Professional Behaviours.
- To receive monthly managerial supervision from the Ward Manager.
- To participate in regular clinical supervision from an Occupational Therapist.
Training and Development
- To undertake mandatory and statutory training as required by Trust policy including computing skills, group skills, food handling and physical exercise skills within 12 months of appointment.
- To contribute and commit to undertaking an annual Personal Appraisal and Development Review (PADR).
- To undertake personal development as identified in the Personal Development Plan (PDP).
- To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor
- To keep a record of your training and development activities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
- To work effectively as a member of a team in providing a programme of ward activities.
- To undertake skilled technical/creative and specialised support work, engage patients in therapeutic activities to promote independence and well-being as directed by the Occupational Therapist
- To work with members of the team to plan a culturally sensitive programme of activities to encourage engagement, promote enjoyment, alleviate boredom and enhance motivation to engage in treatment.
- To keep updated on the physical & mental health of all patients and all care and crisis plans.
- To engage patients in the design and evaluation of the activity programme.
- To work collaboratively with all patients enabling them to self-manage wherever possible.
- To facilitate groups on the ward as identified in the activity programme of social and creative activities to an identified patient group.
- To work with the Occupational Therapist and ward manager to identify other contributors to the activities programme e.g. services at Springfield Hospital and outside agencies
- To implement and evaluate OT and team interventions as required, providing a range of activities that support the patient to achieve agreed goals.
- To work single handedly, facilitating group or individual work, planned with a registered OT
- To monitor patients progress, taking account of their environment and adjust own clinical interventions accordingly, promoting a recovery approach to interventions.
- Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
- To provide disability equality support activities as directed by the Occupational Therapist
Communication
- To form professional relationships with patients communicating with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.
- To instruct and guide individuals/groups of patients in the use of therapeutic activities.
- To report effectively to the team on patients performance/progress in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure.
- To provide relevant information, written and oral, for documents relating to patients progress.
- To correspond with external agencies on clinical matters, under direction of registered staff.
- To develop a wide knowledge base of local leisure, social and support opportunities and encourage patients to participate.
- To provide accessible information to patients about the ward activity programme and routine.
- To provide practical assistance and develop therapeutic trusting relationships with patients.
- To develop good working relationships with ward staff and the multidisciplinary team liaising with other agencies as appropriate.
- To report concerns regarding patients or others, clearly to the nurse in charge for the appropriate action to be taken.
Documentation
- To ensure that up to date electronic and written records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust Standards.
- To keep accurate and contemporaneous records of groups, activity and feedback from patients.
Training staff and students
- To participate in the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting.
- To participate in the dissemination and sharing of information and skills with staff, students and volunteers.
- To participate in relevant training opportunities.
Service development and delivery
- To ensure that areas are well maintained, kept and comply with health and safety guidelines, ensuring the safe use of equipment and storage of materials.
- To participate in the delivery of the service development plan.
- To provide treatment in an environment where the minimum secure services security and safety procedures must be strictly adhered to, as well as ensuring that legal restrictions required of the mental health act are incorporated within activity provision.
Other
- To participate in clinical governance and quality improvement projects as allocated by the Occupational Therapist, Service or Ward Manager.
- To observe strict confidentiality and maintain high professional standards at all times.
- To treat patients in a dignified and respectful way and endeavor to develop and understanding of their problems and needs and perspective on life.
- To demonstrate an ability to work independently of direct supervision as appropriate.
- To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
- To maintain stock and equipment, advising on resources to carry out the job, including the response management and petty cash.
- To adhere to the Trusts Schedule of Professional Behaviours.
- To receive monthly managerial supervision from the Ward Manager.
- To participate in regular clinical supervision from an Occupational Therapist.
Training and Development
- To undertake mandatory and statutory training as required by Trust policy including computing skills, group skills, food handling and physical exercise skills within 12 months of appointment.
- To contribute and commit to undertaking an annual Personal Appraisal and Development Review (PADR).
- To undertake personal development as identified in the Personal Development Plan (PDP).
- To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor
- To keep a record of your training and development activities.
Person Specification
Training & Qualification
Essential
- oQualification that demonstrates interest and ability linked to health and social care, i.e. City & Guilds or Health & Social Care NVQ Level 2 or equivalent skills acquired through in-service development or experience, Psychology or other degree or diploma etc
- oWillingness to undertake training in group works skills within 6 months of appointment
- oEvidence of continuing professional and personal development
Desirable
- oTraining or qualification in a discipline directly relevant to mental health work
- oUndertaken accredited peer support worker training
- oNVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care
Experience
Essential
- oDemonstrable experience of working in health/social care/teaching setting
- oExperience of training others in technical/ leisure skills
- oExperience of working both independently as well as providing group and 1:1 activities
- oExperience of report/letter writing and form filling
Desirable
- oExperience of working with people with mental health problems
- oPrevious experience of working in mental health or similar caring organization
- oReflective practice skills and experience
Person Specification
Training & Qualification
Essential
- oQualification that demonstrates interest and ability linked to health and social care, i.e. City & Guilds or Health & Social Care NVQ Level 2 or equivalent skills acquired through in-service development or experience, Psychology or other degree or diploma etc
- oWillingness to undertake training in group works skills within 6 months of appointment
- oEvidence of continuing professional and personal development
Desirable
- oTraining or qualification in a discipline directly relevant to mental health work
- oUndertaken accredited peer support worker training
- oNVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care
Experience
Essential
- oDemonstrable experience of working in health/social care/teaching setting
- oExperience of training others in technical/ leisure skills
- oExperience of working both independently as well as providing group and 1:1 activities
- oExperience of report/letter writing and form filling
Desirable
- oExperience of working with people with mental health problems
- oPrevious experience of working in mental health or similar caring organization
- oReflective practice skills and experience
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).
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).
