Occupational Therapy Assistant
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustWant to make a real difference and have a truly rewarding career? Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of ‘making a positive difference in people's lives’.
We’ve been rated ‘good’ overall by the CQC, with some outstanding services. The CQC commented at our most recent inspection on how our colleagues “treated patients with compassion and kindness” and “felt positive and proud about working for the trust.
We are passionate about making equality, diversity and inclusion part of our DNA. We take pride in our “People First Culture” which creates a workplace where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging, difference is celebrated, and people are comfortable to bring their whole selves to work. We value the richness that comes from having colleagues that are fully representative of the local community. We welcome people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, protected characteristics, and with all backgrounds and experiences.
Job overview
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our Dementia Rapid Response Team covering Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant in the Dementia Rapid Response Team will deliver evidence-based mental health care and crisis intervention for individuals in acute distress. The team provides intensive home-based support to prevent hospital admission, acts as a gatekeeper for inpatient care, and supports early discharge planning. The role promotes meaningful activity, independence, and social inclusion with patient/carers under supervision. The service focuses on building resilience and supporting recovery in home and community settings.
The Dementia Rapid Response Team operates 7 days a week (8am–8pm weekdays, 9am–5pm weekends and bank holidays). The post holder must be available to work weekends and bank holidays.
The post holder must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle to travel across the large geographical area within our specified 2 - 4 hour response time.
We offer a comprehensive and supportive induction and training programme for all new Occupational Therapy Assistants; plus regular clinical supervision.
Please note: This vacancy may close early if there is a high volume of applications. Candidates must be able to attend a face-to-face interview.
Advert
We are looking for dynamic individuals with good interpersonal skills to enable engagement of service users and their carers.
- Provide timely crisis response, including de-escalation, brief psychological interventions, and support for service users and carers during acute mental health crises under support from the multi-disciplinary team.
- Contribute to person-centred care plans, monitoring changes in occupational functioning, and report findings to the Occupational Therapists and multidisciplinary team.
- Identify and act on safeguarding concerns, following local and national procedures to protect vulnerable adults.
- Offer education, advice, and emotional support to families and carers, acknowledging their role in recovery.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to support the delivery of an effective and safe service.
- Work independently and have the ability to use initiative, seeking support as required from the multidisciplinary team.
- Support the Occupational Therapist with the assessment and treatment process.
- Work as a member of the ward team, supporting shared tasks when this is required to maintain the safety of our patients and families.
Working for our organisation
Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of ‘making a positive difference in people's lives’.
CQC rated us as 'GOOD’ overall, commenting on how our colleagues “treated patients with compassion and kindness” and “felt positive and proud about working for the trust.”
Benefits include:
- Commitment to flexible working where this is possible
- 27 days annual leave/year plus bank holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years & 33 days after 10 years’ service
- Yearly appraisal and commitment to ongoing training
- Generous NHS pension scheme
- Good maternity, paternity and adoption benefits
- Health service discounts and online benefits
- Incremental pay progression
- Free confidential employee assistance programme 24/7
- Access to our LGBT+ network, BAME Network and Christian Network
- Health and wellbeing opportunities
- Structured learning and development opportunities
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please review the Job Description and Person Specification. To apply, please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB - this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.
Please refer to the full job description and person specification.
Additional Information
Flexible Working
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for our service and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that's job share, part time or another flexible pattern.
Disability Confident Employer
The Trust is a Disability Confident Employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in the recruitment process please let us know.
If you require any support in completing the application form please do not hesitate to contact the Recruitment Team, 01332 564856, option 1, option 1 or email [email protected] and we will be happy to provide assistance.
DBS Checks
The cost of undertaking a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) disclosure will be met by the individual. The Trust will meet the initial costs of the disclosure which will be deducted from your first month’s salary.
This job may close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.