Papillon House School

Occupational Therapy Assistant

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our friendly and supportive Occupational Therapy team. Working within a committed and proactive multidisciplinary therapy team alongside education colleagues, you will assist the Therapy staff to support autistic children and young people to develop independence and achieve their potential.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

To apply, please visit the Schools website at www.papillonhouseschool.co.uk to download a copy of the schools application form and submit it to alex.labbett@papillonhouseschool.co.uk

Main duties of the job

The role is varied and will involve being responsible for the administration of the Occupational Therapy team, as well as holding a small caseload (dependant on experience) under the support and guidance of a qualified Occupational Therapist.Work with the students could include one-to-one, small group work and class-based group and individual work.The ideal candidate would be interested in Occupational Therapy as a career and must have excellent computer and ICT skills.

You will need to demonstrate excellent organisational and communication skills and the ability to adapt and be creative in your approach to engaging young people.You will be provided with regular supervision and opportunities for development and training. It is desirable that applicants have previous experience in working with autistic individuals and challenging behaviour, as well as knowledge of the Occupational Therapy Assistant role.

About us

Papillon House School, set in beautiful woodlands in Tadworth, Surrey, is an independent day school for autistic children and young people.Therapy at Papillon aims to provide the scaffolding to support each pupils learning style and the team are dedicated in working alongside the teaching staff to support our pupils to achieve their full potential.

Date posted

14 May 2024

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£20,000 to £24,000 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Term time hours

Reference number

N0014-24-0002

Job locations

Papillon House School

Pebble Close

Tadworth

Surrey

KT20 7PA

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job PurposeTo assist the qualified Occupational Therapy (OT) staff to provide high quality therapy interventions to children attending Papillon House School with a range of physical, sensory and co-ordination difficulties and a diagnosis of profound ASD and associated behavioural difficulties.

In time, to carry a small caseload (as identified by the OT) providing packages designed by the OT's. With support to monitor, review and evaluate progress, making alterations to treatment programmes as required.

To lead group and individual treatment sessions were appropriate.

To help manage the OT resources including assessment and treatment resources, equipment ordering and equipment monitoring and to help with the setting up of equipment for sessions.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. To contribute towards the assessment process and provide feedback to the therapist

To undertake observations with and without the therapist

To feedback assessment information to the OT and with the guidance from the OT, jointly plan aims for therapy programmes.

2. To implement therapy programmes/approaches, both on an individual basis and for groups and provide feedback to therapist

To carry out programmes of intervention devised by the therapist using a range of specialist OT resources.

To plan a programme from agreed goals with the therapist, to monitor childrens progress and to recommend possible changes to the therapist

To plan and organise tasks, activities and programmes for total delegated caseload

To be responsible for assessing and highlighting clinical risk in relation to own caseload, seeking guidance and help from therapist as appropriate.

To not attempt any procedure without appropriate training and having been deemed competent.

3. To provide support to the Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner

To help prepare resources for OT and OTAP sessions

To help setup and clear away the equipment for OTA and OTAP sessions

To attend OT or OTAP sessions as requested

4. To be able to prioritise workload following clinical supervision

To plan day-to-day workload

To identify factors involved in prioritisation and prioritise workload accordingly.

5. To support clients / carers/ other professionals in dealing with and understanding the aims of therapy and the impact of their impairment on their daily life and education.

To use listening skills, empathy, sensitivity and tact in responding to questions and anxieties of both the children and their carers.

To be able to respond sensitively and appropriately to all confidential issues.

6. To provide training for other staff / carers involving 1:1 demonstration, formal training and problem-solving discussions

To contribute to training sessions devised/validated by the therapist

To provide induction and training sessions to students as requested

7. To participate in writing reports

To participate in the writing of reports including review reports under the guidance of the OT

To write standard reports independently, which are subsequently passed to the therapist for checking and countersignature

8. To be involved in service projects and developments

To contribute to and support project work

To make comment on the development of or proposed changes to policies and procedures

9. To maintain up-to-date client records and complete all client documentation to department standards

To keep children's files up-to-date recording relevant information on specific record sheets

10. To organise administrative tasks efficiently

To maintain accurate and legible clinical records of all client related interventions and provide feedback to teaching staff

To become familiar with a wide range of therapy materials.

To produce therapy materials for use with individual clients.

To advise the senior therapist of any therapeutic equipment/materials needed for the service

To be responsible for equipment used in carrying out OT duties and to ensure safe use of equipment by self and others. To report any defects or difficulties to Lead Therapist

Be responsible for therapy equipment used in the school.

11. To keep clinical skills updated and maintain personal / professional development

To participate in appraisal scheme and formulate a personal development plan

To attend and participate in internal and external courses to meet the annual personal development plan, and/or to implement evidence based practice

To continue to expand and further own knowledge and skills by participation in the supervision process as a supervisee, maintaining a programme of Continuing Professional Development

12. General Responsibilities

To ensure that any necessary assessments and interventions are carried out within your competence and in accordance to those laid down by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists

To fulfil any specific tasks as requested by the supervising OT / Head of Therapy.

To maintain complete confidentiality of all reports and any other information concerning clients that may be known or acquired in the course of work

This is not intended to be a comprehensive description of the duties of this post. The post holder may be required to undertake other related duties in the line with the nature and duties of this post which are not specifically mentioned above.