Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job overview

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated full time Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the established Occupational Therapy Team on Cubley Ward.

Cubley Court is an assessment and treatment unit for people with dementia/organic illnesses based on the Kingsway Hospital site. The ward aims are: to promote holistic person centred care utilising life story work; to ensure respect and dignity for the people we care for; to promote physical and mental well-being; to maintain a good quality of life.

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will work closely with the ward  Occupational Therapists, alongside the multi-disciplinary team, to create opportunities for individuals with dementia to engage in meaningful activity.

By facilitating practical activity groups and individual sessions, you will contribute towards a balanced therapeutic programme, providing service-users with appropriate challenges while maintaining a safe environment.

Due to the challenges of working in an older adult acute inpatient environment, there will be periods during your working week, whereby, you will be supporting shared tasks alongside nursing colleagues and contribute towards the overall functioning of the ward.

We offer a comprehensive and supportive induction and training programme for all new Occupational Therapy Assistants, plus regular clinical supervision.

Advert

We are seeking to recruit individuals who can work flexibly around the needs of our service and is able to work unsociable hours which will include weekends and shift work.

• We are looking for dynamic individuals with good interpersonal skills to enable engagement of service users. 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support the delivery of an Occupational Therapy service on the ward for patients who are acutely unwell.
• Facilitating individual and group sessions, where appropriate.
• Providing service-users with appropriate challenges.
• Working independently and ability to use initiative, seeking support as required from Occupational Therapists.
• Plan and carry out individual and group interventions as guided by the individuals' service user needs.
• Support the Occupational Therapist with the assessment and treatment process
• Work as a member team, supporting shared tasks when this is required to maintain the service functions.
• Participate in MDT discussions, and document decision made.

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 LGBTI+ network, BAME Network and Christian Network
• Health and wellbeing opportunities

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please view the attached 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.

Team Derbyshire is a great employer, with a set of values which reflect their commitment to staff and patients.

• The post holder will contribute towards the delivery of a quality occupational therapy service, working as a member of the multi-disciplinary team with the support and supervision of occupational therapists.
• Develop a working knowledge of the occupational therapy process.
• Build awareness of the recovery philosophy and the social inclusion agenda, promoting autonomy and enabling choice.
• Plan and carry out individual and group interventions within a specific remit (e.g., sporting, creative, domestic or technical activities).
• Undertake a range of activities, working flexibly in accordance with the needs of service-users and the service as a whole.
• Maintain dedicated time for practical activities and demonstrate effective time management when preparing sessions and writing notes.
• Accept referrals from the occupational therapy team according to agreed referral systems and care pathway.
• Assist in facilitating service user responsibility and choices for occupational participation, and the ability to determine their own lifestyle.
• Contribute to occupational and clinical risk assessments, reporting findings to the occupational therapy team.
• Report any changes in occupational functioning that may indicate either positive or negative effects of treatment.
• Assist in the co-ordination of care by communicating effectively and ensuring that Trust professional guidelines for record-keeping are followed.
• Ensure that assessment and treatment is delivered in a person-centred manner ensuring the gender, sexual orientation, ethnic, cultural and spiritual needs of service users are adhered to.
• Participate in a multi-professional/agency approach to care, valuing the interface of professional roles and responsibilities.
• Use effective interpersonal skills that relate to service users, carers and team members on an equal and respectful basis.
• Participate in the development of the occupational therapy structure, attending appropriate staff meeting.
• Demonstrate awareness of the Trust Policy for Clinical Supervision; receiving regular clinical supervision.
• With the support of the occupational therapy team, ensure good practice is maintained by identifying practice that requires change or development or that does not meet required standards.
• Be aware of and work within all legislative requirements relevant to occupational therapy (Mental Health Act, Code of Practice, Human Rights Act, Disability Discrimination Act etc), and ensure that Child and Adult protection procedures are followed.
• Maintain safety standards and take responsibility for organising and maintaining a specific work environment, (e.g. kitchen, craft area, activity rooms and garden).
• Advise the Ward Manager and Lead Nurses of materials and equipment required for a designated area of work and assist in ordering resources within a specified budget

• We are a dynamic multi- disciplinary team and as an integral part of our team you will receive:

  • Regular supervision and appraisal
  • Continuing Professional Development
  • A supportive network of professionals

• As an employer and sponsor licence holder, to be able to provide sponsorship to overseas nationals via the Skilled Worker route we must ensure that we adhere to the sponsorship requirements set by UK Visa’s and Immigration. Please note that as the current salary threshold is £25,000 it is unlikely we will be able to offer sponsorship for this post as without 2 years previous NHS Service at Band 3 you will commence at the bottom of the pay band which currently does not meet the minimum salary requirement for sponsorship (bank and agency service is excluded). This would apply to anyone who has current time limited right to work in the UK and would require sponsorship in the near future commencing at the bottom of the band. For details on eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link to the gov.uk website Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

   

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.