Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

To work as part of a team providing intensive outreach for the patients and carers referred to the designated area of work. This will involve implementing and modifying programmes which encompass areas which will include self-help, supported eating, communication, independent living and psychoeducation. The Occupational Therapy Assistant will also observe and feedback any relevant information concerning patients and carers to the allocated nurse therapist. To use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills and observation and evaluation of the patients progress.

To be part of a patient centered service where the needs of the individual will determine the types of intervention. This will mean that the post holder will work across a variety of therapeutic activities, supported eating; food preparation; shopping, snacks out, psychoeducation (this is not an exclusive list) to determine appropriate treatment pathways for the patient under the supervision of the Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist.

To ensure that materials / stocks are ordered in line with plans for future / new group needs and developments.

To support patients to practice their skills / re gain their confidence within the community which may be done in conjunction with other members of the multidisciplinary team. The staff member will not be expected to undertake these duties alone until the competency to do so has been confirmed and an assessment of risk has been completed by the qualified staff / team.

To implement treatment programmes according to individual needs and in conjunction with qualified staff. This will entail the use of encouragement, motivation, negotiation reassurance and training skills as well as discussing with patients / carers their progress, as appropriate.

To work as part of a team and in conjunction with other professionals, statutory agencies and any associated service provision for the patient or carer.

To develop a professional relationship that is conducive to the patient reaching their full potential, within stated goals.

Where applicable to engage with families, carers and advocates with a view to supporting them in maintaining consistency with the work undertaken by the patient.

To be involved in relevant meetings / reviews related to patients treatments and service.

To work within multidisciplinary team / multi-agency in conjunction with the Nurse Therapist and Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist.

To receive clinical and managerial supervision to maintain best practice. This will include discussion of caseload, reflective practice, and the ability to receive and act on constructive feedback.

To ensure effective and appropriate face to face, telephone, electronic and written methods of communication are maintained at all times. Clinical excellence can only be achieved through good communication channels with all involved in the patients care.

To develop and implement skills pertinent to the area of work, for example manual handling, equipment management and installation, keyboard skills and driving.

There may be requirement to work with patients and carers who may display challenging and aggressive behaviour or to work in adverse environmental conditions.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

• English language, literacy and numeracy skills to the standard necessary to provide clear, understandable records on computerised system (RiO) and fulfill job description.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with people with mental health needs as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

Desirable

• Experience of Eating Disorders.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Essential

• Knowledge and awareness of issues relating to mental health, access to mental health services, and mental health promotion.
• Skills in managing situations of high expressed emotions.
• Ability to work independently, being self-motivated and to be able to prioritise and effectively manage a range of competing needs and pressures.
• The ability to recognise own limitations and to effectively utilise supervision and support systems to ensure safe and effective delivery of services.

Desirable

• Relevant and recent experience of working in the community / wards.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Imagination, determination and receptive to working with and under supervision.
• Willing to accommodate flexible working, and motivated to be solution focused with regard to meeting the competing needs and demands of the service.
• Demonstrates empathy, compassion and patience.
• Demonstrates an ability to form positive therapeutic relationships with service users and carers.
• Demonstrates an ability to make a positive contribution to improving the quality of life for people with mental health problems.
• Demonstrates an ability to act calmly in emergencies and to respond in a professional manner in occasionally stressful and challenging situations.
• Demonstrates ability to work under own initiative and as part of a team.
• Ability to constructively challenge the 'norm' to bring about positive changes to improve the service user 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.

Employer details

Employer name

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Redwoods Centre

Somerby Drive, Bicton Heath

Shrewsbury

SY3 8DS

Employer's website

https://www.mpft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)