Occupational Therapist

Barnet, Enfield & Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join our innovative and dynamic team at the North London Forensic Service (NLFS).

The service provides comprehensive mental health rehabilitation to a mainly male adult population within medium and low security for service users who present with complex mental health needs and a forensic / offending history. The post holder would manage a defined caseload on a forensic ward, working alongside a robust multi-disciplinary team. Team working is an essential part of this role, not only on the wards, but when supporting service users in accessing the community as part of their recovery.

The OT role focusses on functional daily living skills, establishing structured routines and managing specific mental health and risk issues. The OT process includes the assessment, goal and intervention planning and ongoing review of occupational needs. Interventions may include referring to in-house and external vocational and educational services, one to one and ward based interventions, and supporting community integration as part of their recovery journey.

Main duties of the job

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will work as a member of the Occupational Therapy team at the North London Forensic Service (NLFS). The NLFS provides medium and low secure in-patient services for those suffering from mental illness and/or learning disabilities, forensic intensive care unit and forensic outreach services. Inpatient therapists work flexibly across the unit and liaise with borough-based community services in order to provide comprehensive and specialist assessment and treatment, across admission, rehabilitation, pre discharge and outreach services.

The OT will contribute to multidisciplinary team care planning and risk assessment. The patients are people with diverse needs and presentations, often with psychotic symptoms, secondary diagnosis of personality disorder and can exhibit aggressive behaviour and poor insight.

The post holder will work closely with the Multi-Disciplinary Team and relevant outside agencies, as well as with Band 5 OT's and Technical Instructors to provide a quality service, which is responsive to client's needs. The successful candidate will adhere to Trust policies, data protection as well as Health and Safety. They will be assisting the team in ensuring the provision of an exceptional standard of therapeutic care, in conjunction with the multi-professional team, to meet the needs of those using the service.

About us

The occupational therapy team is a large department and has ever expanding opportunities for learning and career development. To support and develop all members of our team, we offer:

In-house OT training
Weekly OT department meetings
Band 6 peer support group monthly
Access learning events such as academic seminars
Fortnightly supervision
External training opportunities available
Educator training and facilitate student placements
Supervising, supporting and developing junior staff
Involvement in recruitment and training
Service development opportunities - including audits, service initiatives and research.

The NLFS is part of a much larger service, which provides staff with career development and learning opportunities. Services include: The Learning Disability Pathway, Women's Services, Forensic CHOICES Community Hub, Eating Disorder Services, Adolescent Inpatient Services and Healthcare provision within prison services.

Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust wishes to encourage people who have experienced mental health problems to apply for any post within the Trust for which they meet the person specification. The Trust is committed to flexible working and wherever possible will endeavour to accommodate requests for specific working patterns taking into account service needs.

Date posted

01 March 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,762 to £45,765 a year Per annum inclusive of Outer London HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

306-BEH-677-A

Job locations

Chase Farm Hospital

The Ridgeway

Enfield

EN2 8JL

Job description

Job responsibilities

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To be responsible for the Occupational Therapy assessment, treatment and evaluation of an allocated clinical caseload, and in compliance with the care programme approach
To undertake the MOHOST and Secure Star assessment with designated caseload as directed by service OT pathway.
To be responsible for planning and providing group and individual assessment and treatment sessions within the service.
To ensure daily feedback is received from nursing staff before starting work on designated ward.
To carry out standardised assessments and provide detailed feedback to the multidisciplinary team about clients abilities and also information about future plans and requirements for progress.
To undertake treatment planning, involving the client in all possible occasions.
To prompt and motivate the clients to attend and participate in Occupational Therapy treatment sessions.
To communicate treatment plans and clinical reasoning for interventions to other members of the multidisciplinary team and to work in collaboration with other disciplines and staff in clinical work.
To plan, run and evaluate treatment sessions on a group or individual basis, using graded activities to achieve treatment aims.
To maintain a flexible approach to sessions, modifying activities according to the fluctuating clinical presentation of individual clients and the needs of the service.
To engage with clients with challenging behaviours, contributing to team discussion regarding the clinical approach to individuals and communicating this clearly to all therapy staff working with the client. This may include aggressive and violent behaviour.
To work in collaboration with other members of the multidisciplinary team to provide a coordinated care package.
To actively contribute to the multidisciplinary teams risk assessment process and obtain agreement from the team before engaging clients in any activity that may require therapeutic risk taking.

To consider all aspects of risk when considering treatments and advise the team accordingly
To complete and maintain risk assessment documentation
To assess the therapy environments in relation to risk when planning and running treatment sessions
To ensure appropriate staffing is available to run treatment sessions safely
To advise other team members on the management of risk
To obtain agreement from the team/Band 7 OT before engaging clients in any activity that may require therapeutic risk taking.

To carry out community visits when appropriate.
To regularly review each clients progress in order to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions and modify treatment plans accordingly.
To ensure OT assessment and treatment is based on best available evidence of effectiveness; using a variety of methods to inform best practice such as: Critical appraisal of literature and research, professional guidelines, outcome measures and clinical audit.
To ensure that the OT package of care is being followed for all clients they are responsible for including those of whom they supervise.
To record assessments, interventions, reports and statistics to a competent standard in line with professional standards, Trust policy and established service systems.
To maintain adequate electronic clinical records and to write specific occupational therapy reports as necessary.

MANAGERIAL AND DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

To manage and lead a small OT team made up of Band 5 OTs and TI staff; including coordinated intervention and therapeutic timetables across a number of wards.
To prioritise service provision across a number of wards, including justifying and changing those treatments which are not a priority with the resources available.
In the absence of the Principal Occupational Therapist, to take responsibility for some day to day management issues such as planning cover for staff leave or cancellation of sessions.
To coordinate the ward based therapy programme for both their own ward and those aligned to it clinically.
To be a self-directed practitioner, with effective time management skills, able to manage a varied caseload and demands around regular duties such as Ward Rounds, attendance to CPA meetings and planned regular sessions.
To be actively involved in service development working closely with the whole team. This will include actively contributing own ideas and assisting in implementing and evaluating developments.
To be involved in service wide initiatives and developments as delegated by the Principal OT.
To directly supervise and appraise Band 5 OTs, TIs and students as delegated by the Principal Occupational Therapist.
To assist in staff induction for new team members as delegated by Principal Occupational Therapist.
To participate in audit as required within the OT Service.
To advise the Principal Occupational Therapist regarding the ordering of stock and equipment and be responsible for the maintenance in the area of work and the raising of requisitions for equipment, led by clinical/service need.
To encourage good staff communication and participation in staff meetings, teaching sessions and multi-disciplinary meetings and take turns in presenting, organising and chairing these.
To implement the operational policy and other relevant procedures and protocols for the department.
Be responsible for following Trust procedure on petty cash.
To have regular meetings with the ward manager and input into developing and maintaining a positive ward culture.
To assist in staff induction for new team members as delegated by the Band 7 OTs.
To maintain regular statistical information for timely submission as required by the Trust.
To manage the duties and responsibilities associated with a clinical caseload within required time constraints.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To act as fieldwork educator, where appropriate, for OT students, taking regular clinical placements under the supervision of the Principal Occupational Therapist. This role includes providing weekly supervision, setting learning objectives, monitoring performance and completing formal placement reports.
To liaise with other OT staff and members of the MDT to negotiate student time tables, explain students learning needs and gain feedback regarding their performance.
To link with OT colleges to arrange tutor visits and raise any performance issues and submit placement reports
To directly provide training sessions for OT students and staff as part of the in-service training programme and make regular clinical presentations to the Therapist Meeting, TI meeting and Business Meeting.
To offer advice and teaching to other staff and students and outside agencies on OT as appropriate to support their clinical development. To present and represent the OT department to the wider service and to raise the profile of OT through formal and informal education.
To attend regular supervision sessions.
To attend mandatory training courses and refreshers as required.
To undertake Personal Safety course, Promoting a Safer & Therapeutic Service Training (PSTS) and Team Approaches to Managing Challenging Behaviour (5 day initial training course).
To attend relevant courses / study days outside the Service and to share information and acquired skills learned with the OT staff / multi-disciplinary team.
To work with sessional teachers in the unit providing support and advice as appropriate.
To assist Occupational Therapy support staff to identify their own training needs.
To participate in formal and informal training programmes.
To assist Occupational Therapy support staff to identify their own training needs.
To regularly record evidence of continued professional development.
Be a reflective practitioner and use this to learn from experiences.
To be aware of limitations of own clinical knowledge and seek advice as necessary.

COMMUNICATION

To professionally manage and communicate sensitive or contentious information adhering to associated policies and protocols
Liaising with appropriate staff and organisations to plan and organise
Using appropriate methods and channels of communication when dealing with complex staff issues or work planning/scheduling

Effective written communication skills to includes reports, assessments, supervision
Effective verbal communication skills to include interactions with patients, MDT, families/carers, supervisees.
To use appropriate language and terminology based on whether communication is routine, complex or sensitive in nature.

Job description

Job responsibilities

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To be responsible for the Occupational Therapy assessment, treatment and evaluation of an allocated clinical caseload, and in compliance with the care programme approach
To undertake the MOHOST and Secure Star assessment with designated caseload as directed by service OT pathway.
To be responsible for planning and providing group and individual assessment and treatment sessions within the service.
To ensure daily feedback is received from nursing staff before starting work on designated ward.
To carry out standardised assessments and provide detailed feedback to the multidisciplinary team about clients abilities and also information about future plans and requirements for progress.
To undertake treatment planning, involving the client in all possible occasions.
To prompt and motivate the clients to attend and participate in Occupational Therapy treatment sessions.
To communicate treatment plans and clinical reasoning for interventions to other members of the multidisciplinary team and to work in collaboration with other disciplines and staff in clinical work.
To plan, run and evaluate treatment sessions on a group or individual basis, using graded activities to achieve treatment aims.
To maintain a flexible approach to sessions, modifying activities according to the fluctuating clinical presentation of individual clients and the needs of the service.
To engage with clients with challenging behaviours, contributing to team discussion regarding the clinical approach to individuals and communicating this clearly to all therapy staff working with the client. This may include aggressive and violent behaviour.
To work in collaboration with other members of the multidisciplinary team to provide a coordinated care package.
To actively contribute to the multidisciplinary teams risk assessment process and obtain agreement from the team before engaging clients in any activity that may require therapeutic risk taking.

To consider all aspects of risk when considering treatments and advise the team accordingly
To complete and maintain risk assessment documentation
To assess the therapy environments in relation to risk when planning and running treatment sessions
To ensure appropriate staffing is available to run treatment sessions safely
To advise other team members on the management of risk
To obtain agreement from the team/Band 7 OT before engaging clients in any activity that may require therapeutic risk taking.

To carry out community visits when appropriate.
To regularly review each clients progress in order to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions and modify treatment plans accordingly.
To ensure OT assessment and treatment is based on best available evidence of effectiveness; using a variety of methods to inform best practice such as: Critical appraisal of literature and research, professional guidelines, outcome measures and clinical audit.
To ensure that the OT package of care is being followed for all clients they are responsible for including those of whom they supervise.
To record assessments, interventions, reports and statistics to a competent standard in line with professional standards, Trust policy and established service systems.
To maintain adequate electronic clinical records and to write specific occupational therapy reports as necessary.

MANAGERIAL AND DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

To manage and lead a small OT team made up of Band 5 OTs and TI staff; including coordinated intervention and therapeutic timetables across a number of wards.
To prioritise service provision across a number of wards, including justifying and changing those treatments which are not a priority with the resources available.
In the absence of the Principal Occupational Therapist, to take responsibility for some day to day management issues such as planning cover for staff leave or cancellation of sessions.
To coordinate the ward based therapy programme for both their own ward and those aligned to it clinically.
To be a self-directed practitioner, with effective time management skills, able to manage a varied caseload and demands around regular duties such as Ward Rounds, attendance to CPA meetings and planned regular sessions.
To be actively involved in service development working closely with the whole team. This will include actively contributing own ideas and assisting in implementing and evaluating developments.
To be involved in service wide initiatives and developments as delegated by the Principal OT.
To directly supervise and appraise Band 5 OTs, TIs and students as delegated by the Principal Occupational Therapist.
To assist in staff induction for new team members as delegated by Principal Occupational Therapist.
To participate in audit as required within the OT Service.
To advise the Principal Occupational Therapist regarding the ordering of stock and equipment and be responsible for the maintenance in the area of work and the raising of requisitions for equipment, led by clinical/service need.
To encourage good staff communication and participation in staff meetings, teaching sessions and multi-disciplinary meetings and take turns in presenting, organising and chairing these.
To implement the operational policy and other relevant procedures and protocols for the department.
Be responsible for following Trust procedure on petty cash.
To have regular meetings with the ward manager and input into developing and maintaining a positive ward culture.
To assist in staff induction for new team members as delegated by the Band 7 OTs.
To maintain regular statistical information for timely submission as required by the Trust.
To manage the duties and responsibilities associated with a clinical caseload within required time constraints.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To act as fieldwork educator, where appropriate, for OT students, taking regular clinical placements under the supervision of the Principal Occupational Therapist. This role includes providing weekly supervision, setting learning objectives, monitoring performance and completing formal placement reports.
To liaise with other OT staff and members of the MDT to negotiate student time tables, explain students learning needs and gain feedback regarding their performance.
To link with OT colleges to arrange tutor visits and raise any performance issues and submit placement reports
To directly provide training sessions for OT students and staff as part of the in-service training programme and make regular clinical presentations to the Therapist Meeting, TI meeting and Business Meeting.
To offer advice and teaching to other staff and students and outside agencies on OT as appropriate to support their clinical development. To present and represent the OT department to the wider service and to raise the profile of OT through formal and informal education.
To attend regular supervision sessions.
To attend mandatory training courses and refreshers as required.
To undertake Personal Safety course, Promoting a Safer & Therapeutic Service Training (PSTS) and Team Approaches to Managing Challenging Behaviour (5 day initial training course).
To attend relevant courses / study days outside the Service and to share information and acquired skills learned with the OT staff / multi-disciplinary team.
To work with sessional teachers in the unit providing support and advice as appropriate.
To assist Occupational Therapy support staff to identify their own training needs.
To participate in formal and informal training programmes.
To assist Occupational Therapy support staff to identify their own training needs.
To regularly record evidence of continued professional development.
Be a reflective practitioner and use this to learn from experiences.
To be aware of limitations of own clinical knowledge and seek advice as necessary.

COMMUNICATION

To professionally manage and communicate sensitive or contentious information adhering to associated policies and protocols
Liaising with appropriate staff and organisations to plan and organise
Using appropriate methods and channels of communication when dealing with complex staff issues or work planning/scheduling

Effective written communication skills to includes reports, assessments, supervision
Effective verbal communication skills to include interactions with patients, MDT, families/carers, supervisees.
To use appropriate language and terminology based on whether communication is routine, complex or sensitive in nature.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Occupational Therapy Degree
Evidence of CPD / reflective practice
HCPC registered

Desirable

Master or post graduate papers in relevant areas
Further relevant training or study
AMPS
Sensory training
Qualification in specific activities, e.g. craft / gym etc
Registered with RCOT
Mandatory training PMCB training

Skills

Essential

Experience of carrying out functional assessments.
Experience in managing a small OT team made up of Band 5 OT's and TI's.

Desirable

Experience in supervising and appraising junior staff and students

Experience

Essential

Post graduate experience of working with people with mental health conditions
Effective verbal communication skills to include presentation of O.T. information to MD team
Effective written communication skills to include assessment and treatment documentation and formal O.T. reports for MD team and outside agencies
Ability to determine and record clear and relevant O.T. treatment plans.
Ability to demonstrate sound clinical judgement and clear clinical reasoning for O.T. interventions
Experience of working autonomously, being responsible for own practice and managing a varied workload including the ability to prioritise and problem solve.
Experience of being part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

Experience in promoting and/or contributing to formal education of OT students e.g. workshops, presenting at open days etc.
Experience of planning, monitoring and evaluating therapy programmes to ensure the most effective use of clinical priorities, within own and team practices.
Ability to instruct others on professional standards of communication
Experience of implementing service improvements
Knowledge and experience of working within the conditions set out in the Mental Health Act (1983)
An understanding of forensic issues
Experience in working with clients with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorders
Experience in working with clients with personality disorders

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Occupational Therapy Degree
Evidence of CPD / reflective practice
HCPC registered

Desirable

Master or post graduate papers in relevant areas
Further relevant training or study
AMPS
Sensory training
Qualification in specific activities, e.g. craft / gym etc
Registered with RCOT
Mandatory training PMCB training

Skills

Essential

Experience of carrying out functional assessments.
Experience in managing a small OT team made up of Band 5 OT's and TI's.

Desirable

Experience in supervising and appraising junior staff and students

Experience

Essential

Post graduate experience of working with people with mental health conditions
Effective verbal communication skills to include presentation of O.T. information to MD team
Effective written communication skills to include assessment and treatment documentation and formal O.T. reports for MD team and outside agencies
Ability to determine and record clear and relevant O.T. treatment plans.
Ability to demonstrate sound clinical judgement and clear clinical reasoning for O.T. interventions
Experience of working autonomously, being responsible for own practice and managing a varied workload including the ability to prioritise and problem solve.
Experience of being part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

Experience in promoting and/or contributing to formal education of OT students e.g. workshops, presenting at open days etc.
Experience of planning, monitoring and evaluating therapy programmes to ensure the most effective use of clinical priorities, within own and team practices.
Ability to instruct others on professional standards of communication
Experience of implementing service improvements
Knowledge and experience of working within the conditions set out in the Mental Health Act (1983)
An understanding of forensic issues
Experience in working with clients with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorders
Experience in working with clients with personality disorders

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).