Job summary
We are looking for an Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the
Occupational Therapy (OT) team based at Delderfield Ward, The Cedars, in Exeter. The role is
dynamic and challenging. The team aims to provide a recovery focused
Occupational Therapy service to support people to re-engage with their ordinary
lives.
We will support you to learn the skills you need to thrive
in the role. We will offer you the training and development support you need to
begin a fulfilling career. In return, you will need to be motivated, flexible
and eager to learn.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will plan and facilitate therapeutic activities on and off the ward according to patients needs, within the framework laid down by the supervising OT. The post holder may also carry out individual interventions in the community and in peoples homes, as directed by qualified staff. The post holder will contribute towards the development of an innovative and needs led OT service.
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full Job Description and Person specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full Job Description and Person specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Ability and desire to gain more understanding about mental health recovery and OT.
- Evidence of good standard of general education/qualification e.g. CSE, O Level, GCSE.
Desirable
- NVQ Level II/III or equivalent or willingness to work towards this.
Experience
Desirable
- An understanding of the effects of mental illness on a persons well being and ability to carry out activities of daily living
- Proven ability to support patients to engage in a range of therapeutic activities.
- Running activity based groups and individual work.
- Relevant work experience with people with a diagnosis of mental health problems.
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrable understanding of recovery and mental health.
- Understanding of how occupational therapy works for patients in a mental health setting.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to engage and motivate individuals who are experiencing an acute phase of mental illness in activities of daily living.
- The ability to use a varied range of communication styles to engage patients in one to one activities and group activities.
- Basic IT skills.
- Ability to create innovative solutions to help empower service users.
- Assess patients response to activities and decide on appropriate action e.g. advise OT, summon assistance, alter the programme of activities.
- Ability to follow instructions and report back to qualified staff as appropriate.
- Plan and organise one off activity sessions on the ward, responding to the needs of small groups of current patients.
- Requires flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to patient need, change your work pattern and be responsive to the needs of the ward.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Good health record in relation to work.
- Physical fitness to carry out physical interventions when appropriate.
- Willingness to participate/coordinate a variety of sporting activities with reasonable adjustments if required.
- Need to monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others.
- Willingness to work day shifts as required.
- Ability to work flexibly.
- Ability to travel to sites in areas covered by the Trust.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Ability and desire to gain more understanding about mental health recovery and OT.
- Evidence of good standard of general education/qualification e.g. CSE, O Level, GCSE.
Desirable
- NVQ Level II/III or equivalent or willingness to work towards this.
Experience
Desirable
- An understanding of the effects of mental illness on a persons well being and ability to carry out activities of daily living
- Proven ability to support patients to engage in a range of therapeutic activities.
- Running activity based groups and individual work.
- Relevant work experience with people with a diagnosis of mental health problems.
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrable understanding of recovery and mental health.
- Understanding of how occupational therapy works for patients in a mental health setting.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Ability to engage and motivate individuals who are experiencing an acute phase of mental illness in activities of daily living.
- The ability to use a varied range of communication styles to engage patients in one to one activities and group activities.
- Basic IT skills.
- Ability to create innovative solutions to help empower service users.
- Assess patients response to activities and decide on appropriate action e.g. advise OT, summon assistance, alter the programme of activities.
- Ability to follow instructions and report back to qualified staff as appropriate.
- Plan and organise one off activity sessions on the ward, responding to the needs of small groups of current patients.
- Requires flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to patient need, change your work pattern and be responsive to the needs of the ward.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Good health record in relation to work.
- Physical fitness to carry out physical interventions when appropriate.
- Willingness to participate/coordinate a variety of sporting activities with reasonable adjustments if required.
- Need to monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others.
- Willingness to work day shifts as required.
- Ability to work flexibly.
- Ability to travel to sites in areas covered by the Trust.
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.
