Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our experienced, friendly and highly professional team.
The post is based within the In-Patient Therapy Department, which comprises of registered Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Health & Exercise Practitioners, together with their associated support staff and administrators. The post holder will support the team in delivering intervention plans incorporating the principles of recovery and social inclusion.
The main focus of the OT Team is to promote safe discharge from hospital and enhance the quality of service user experience. This post will demand a high level of clinical contact in order to support the occupational needs of in-patients, as directed by registered Occupational Therapists. The post involves organising and leading both individual and group interventions using a variety of activity media. The ability to enable service users to acquire, utilise and adapt their skills in a range of practical activities is essential.
This post requires the post holder to be able to undertake all Mandatory Training, including Control & Restraint/Breakaway (subject to Occupational Health clearance).
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who has a real interest in the field of Occupational Therapy, in the mental health setting, and with a desire to develop their skills within this area.
Main duties of the job
- To assist in the provision of specialist Occupational Therapy to service users with severe and complex mental health needs and/or learning disabilities
- Contribute to the provision of occupational therapy assessment and intervention to engage service users' within their environment in line with the principles of social inclusion and recovery
- Contribute to the training and support of primary and secondary health care professionals, social care providers, and families to assist them to better meet the health needs of service users
The qualification, training & experience requirements for the role are underlined in the Job Description/Person Specification.
About us
We have in excess of 5000 staff working over 50 sites, providing a diverse range of services. We strive to support an organisational culture that is welcoming, builds and celebrates inclusivity and diversity and provides a sense of belonging and trust.
The annual NHS Staff Surveygives our people the opportunity to tell us about their experience working at the Trust. For the 2023 survey just over 2800 colleagues gave us their views (58.5%). It was great to see from the results that colleagues are saying that:
- 89.7% believe they are making a positive difference to patients/service users;
- 73.3% would recommend the organisation as a place to work;
- 82.4% agree that care of patients and service users is the organisations priority;
- 76.7% would be happy with the standard of care for a friend or relative
Our results put us as 5th nationally as a Community, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities NHS Employer of Choice and 1st equal amongst all NHS Provider Trusts in the South West. However, we know we have more to do and will continue to drive forward our commitment to making GHC a Great Place to Work.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Contribute to Occupational Therapy assessment and treatment, for people who face significant Occupational Performance and environmental challenges, as detailed in relevant Integrated Care Pathway (ICP)
Carry own caseload as delegated by Occupational Therapist
Contribute to specialist assessment utilising MOHO tools, and other standardised assessments, as relevant to client needs following appropriate training
To provide regular individual and group therapeutic activities, that support and promote recovery and social inclusion, within a climate of safe practice
Ensure that the service user is at the centre of Occupational Therapy provision, in consultation with significant others as appropriate for each individual
Contribute to the evaluation of assessment and treatment outcomes with Occupational Therapists, through skilled observation of service users performance, ability and behaviour
Gain valid consent to assessment and treatment in line with Trust policy and legislation, and contribute to assessment of capacity
Ensure risks associated with interventions and environment are assessed and managed in collaboration with multi-disciplinary team
Communicate effectively, and maintain productive working relationships with service users, carers, multi-disciplinary team and facilitate community links.
Apply a range of alternative individualised communication strategies with service users experiencing significant communication difficulties following appropriate training, with support from Occupational Therapists
Ensure Occupational Therapy is delivered with sensitivity and responsiveness to the cultural, racial and social backgrounds and expectations of service users and carers
To order and review adaptive equipment prescribed by a registered Occupational Therapist, in line with Trust policies
Job description
Job responsibilities
Contribute to Occupational Therapy assessment and treatment, for people who face significant Occupational Performance and environmental challenges, as detailed in relevant Integrated Care Pathway (ICP)
Carry own caseload as delegated by Occupational Therapist
Contribute to specialist assessment utilising MOHO tools, and other standardised assessments, as relevant to client needs following appropriate training
To provide regular individual and group therapeutic activities, that support and promote recovery and social inclusion, within a climate of safe practice
Ensure that the service user is at the centre of Occupational Therapy provision, in consultation with significant others as appropriate for each individual
Contribute to the evaluation of assessment and treatment outcomes with Occupational Therapists, through skilled observation of service users performance, ability and behaviour
Gain valid consent to assessment and treatment in line with Trust policy and legislation, and contribute to assessment of capacity
Ensure risks associated with interventions and environment are assessed and managed in collaboration with multi-disciplinary team
Communicate effectively, and maintain productive working relationships with service users, carers, multi-disciplinary team and facilitate community links.
Apply a range of alternative individualised communication strategies with service users experiencing significant communication difficulties following appropriate training, with support from Occupational Therapists
Ensure Occupational Therapy is delivered with sensitivity and responsiveness to the cultural, racial and social backgrounds and expectations of service users and carers
To order and review adaptive equipment prescribed by a registered Occupational Therapist, in line with Trust policies
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- NVQ level 3 or equivalent level of competency based training in a relevant health or social care area. OR successful completion of approved associate practitioner training or relevant foundation degree or commitment to obtain within 2 years. OR theoretical and practical knowledge to City & Guilds/diploma level equivalent, obtained through formal competency training, short courses and experience.
- Teaching qualification
Desirable
- GCSE in Psychology/Human Biology.
- Documented evidence of reflection on personal knowledge and skill development.
LENGTH AND / OR NATURE OF EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Minimum on commencing role, undergraduate placement experience working with service users with severe & complex mental health needs and / or learning disabilities
- Knowledge and awareness of the needs of people with Mental Health and / or Learning Disabilities, and a commitment to client centred working practices
- Able to work independently
- Experience of working in Multi-Disciplinary teams
Desirable
- Experience in a range of Mental Health and / or Learning disability settings
PROFESSIONAL / MANAGERIAL / SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of role and contribution Occupational Therapy.
- Knowledge and understanding of care planning and assessment process.
- Able to communicate sensitively and effectively with service users and carers including awareness of augmented & specialist communication strategies.
- Able to demonstrate identification of own development needs, and the effect on practice of continuous professional development (CPD) activity, through a professional portfolio.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and approaches to mental health e.g. Mental Health Act, Child Protection, recovery, social inclusion
- Awareness of product liability and Health & Safety issues relating to material/equipment during interventions/activity.
Desirable
- Knowledge of relevant Occupational Therapy evidence based approaches
- Range of experience in which risk was assessed including community settings, independent living.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- NVQ level 3 or equivalent level of competency based training in a relevant health or social care area. OR successful completion of approved associate practitioner training or relevant foundation degree or commitment to obtain within 2 years. OR theoretical and practical knowledge to City & Guilds/diploma level equivalent, obtained through formal competency training, short courses and experience.
- Teaching qualification
Desirable
- GCSE in Psychology/Human Biology.
- Documented evidence of reflection on personal knowledge and skill development.
LENGTH AND / OR NATURE OF EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Minimum on commencing role, undergraduate placement experience working with service users with severe & complex mental health needs and / or learning disabilities
- Knowledge and awareness of the needs of people with Mental Health and / or Learning Disabilities, and a commitment to client centred working practices
- Able to work independently
- Experience of working in Multi-Disciplinary teams
Desirable
- Experience in a range of Mental Health and / or Learning disability settings
PROFESSIONAL / MANAGERIAL / SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of role and contribution Occupational Therapy.
- Knowledge and understanding of care planning and assessment process.
- Able to communicate sensitively and effectively with service users and carers including awareness of augmented & specialist communication strategies.
- Able to demonstrate identification of own development needs, and the effect on practice of continuous professional development (CPD) activity, through a professional portfolio.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and approaches to mental health e.g. Mental Health Act, Child Protection, recovery, social inclusion
- Awareness of product liability and Health & Safety issues relating to material/equipment during interventions/activity.
Desirable
- Knowledge of relevant Occupational Therapy evidence based approaches
- Range of experience in which risk was assessed including community settings, independent living.
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).
