Assistant Therapy Practitioner
Job Description
Job summary
Band 4 OT Assistant Therapy Practitioner Post - ***NEW post***
Are you interested in being part of a Crisis Home Treatment Team? Do you have a passion for providing client-centred intervention whilst supporting service users in their recovery journey?
The post is for an Assistant Therapy Practitioner who enjoys the challenge of a fast-paced setting where positive Occupational Therapy outcomes are quickly seen. Occupational Therapy is an essential part of the treatment options in the Crisis Service, which supports individuals during the acute phase of mental ill health. The successful post holder would be working alongside the teams Band 6 Occupational Therapist
The role involves individual sessions, and there is scope for group work. Settings include the Crisis Team base in Saffron Ground, the local crisis therapy unit, service users' homes and their local community. Therefore, access to a vehicle is essential
You will receive regular support and individual supervision. There are formal and informal opportunities for peer support within the organisation, including Special Interest Groups where attendance of staff from all bands is encouraged
We welcome applications from existing or aspiring Band 4 Assistant Therapy Practitioners and those looking for progression, or the next challenge. We welcome those who wish to work flexibly
This is a part time role, 22.5 hours a week
***Interviews will be held on 30th September***
Main duties of the job
To work with service users who are experiencing the acute phase of mental illness and need intensive support. To work effectively as a member of a team in providing therapeutic activities using a person centered and occupationally based approach.
- To provide core Occupational Therapy advice, intervention and support given to service users and carers under guidance of an Occupational Therapist
- To provide feedback to the MDT regarding service users wellbeing and performance
- To use technical / creative skills to engage service users in meaningful and appropriate activities to promote independence, recovery and wellbeing
- Potential for facilitating planned group-work, under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist
- Under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist provide ongoing assessment and adjustment of clinical interventions based on the fluctuating needs of service users
- Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service
- Maintain up to date written and electronic records and activity data are in accordance with Professional and Trust standards
- To contribute to risk assessments with regards to service users and clinical environment
- To report incidents, safeguarding concerns, complaints and compliments
- To actively participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal
- To actively participate in safety huddles and de-brief sessions as appropriate
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from theCare Quality Commission.
Our family of over 4,000 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:
Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.
Job responsibilities
- To plan and facilitate occupational sessions guided by an Occupational Therapist
- To work individually with service users on specific tasks and therapeutic activity guided by an Occupational Therapist
- To carry our specific Occupational Therapy assessments as guided by an Occupational Therapist
- To promote a culture of engagement in meaningful occupation within the service in order to enhance quality of life
- To provide interventions in the manner that is consistent with Trust standards and values
- To adhere to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, the Trusts Code of Conduct for Non-qualified Staff and all other relevant policies and procedure
For full details of the main duties and responsibilities of the role please refer to the job description and person specification documents attached.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Knowledge of Occupational Therapy role within setting
- Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office and associated packages
- A Levels and/or Health and Social Care NVQ level 3 or equivalent
Desirable
- Degree in relevant subject
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems
- Experience of leading groups and 1:1 interventions
- Ability to work autonomously
Desirable
- Experience of working in a OT related setting
- Experience of service user and carer involvement in the development of services
- Knowledge of Recovery principles
- Functional Assessment Training
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.
Employer details
Employer name
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Saffron Ground
Ditchmore Lane
Stevenage
SG1 3LJ
United Kingdom
