Job Title

Job OverviewWe are recruiting for a full time, Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant, to be part of a multi-disciplinary team delivering a range of occupational therapy interventions and rehabilitation activities for this patient group.The postholder will deliver therapeutic, social support activities, psycho educational groups, food related rehabilitation tasks, relapse prevention and physical health monitoring.This post will be based at the Specialist Kinver Centre at St George's Hospital, Stafford.Main duties of the jobThe post will provide the opportunity to engage in individual and group work carried out in appropriate community / in-patient setting under the direction of the qualified Occupational Therapist. The post holder will be part of a multidisciplinary team on the unit.The post holder will carry out occupational therapy programmes set up by the Occupational Therapists and will be expected to implement and evaluate, prioritise and contribute to these programmes under supervision and will be expected to liaise closely with the qualified therapists.Working for our organisationBy joining Team MPFT, you will be helping your communities and in return for this, we will support you by;Supporting your career development and progression Excellent NHS Pension scheme Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave Options for flexible working Up to 27 days annual leave (increasing with service up to 33 days) Extensive Health and Wellbeing support and resources If you work in our community teams, we pay for your time travelling between patients Lease car if you complete more than 500 business miles per annum, fully insured and maintained (including tyres), mileage paid at lease car rate Salary sacrifice car - fully insured and maintained (including tyres), your gross pay is reduced by the cost of the vehicle before tax, NI and pension deductions are calculated, mileage paid at business rates Salary sacrifice bikes up to £2k Free car parking at all trust sites Free flu vaccinations every year Citizens Advice support linked with a Hardship Fund for one off additional support up to £250 (if the criteria is met)We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and there is a choice of staff networks that help you meet like-minded people.Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applicationsDetailed Job Description And Main ResponsibilitiesClinical RoleTo work as part of a team providing an Occupational Therapy service for the clients and carers referred to the designated area of work. This will involve implementing and modifying programmes which encompass areas which will include self-help, leisure, communication, independent living, educational and work skills. The Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant will also observe and feedback any relevant information concerning clients and carers to the Supervisory Occupational Therapist or team. These interventions may be carried out through group or individual sessions. To use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills and observation of the client and their environment. To be part of a client centered service where the needs of the individual will determine the types of intervention. This will mean that the post holder will work across a variety of therapeutic activities, eg cooking, shopping, snacks out, relaxation technique (this is not an exclusive list). To ensure that materials / stocks are ordered in line with plans for future / new group needs and developments. To support service users to practice their skills / re gain their confidence within the community which may be done in conjunction with other members of the multidisciplinary team. The staff member will not be expected to undertake these duties alone until the competency to do so has been confirmed and an assessment of risk has been completed by the qualified staff / team. To implement treatment programmes according to individual needs and in conjunction with qualified staff implement the discharge process. This will entail the use of encouragement, motivation, negotiation reassurance and training skills as well as discussing with clients / carers their progress, as appropriate. To work as part of a team and in conjunction with other professionals, statutory agencies and any associated service provision for the client or carer. To develop a professional relationship that is conducive to the client reaching their full potential, within stated goals. Where applicable to engage with families, carers and advocates with a view to supporting them in maintaining consistency with the work undertaken by the service user. To be involved in relevant meetings / reviews related to client’s treatments and service. To work within multidisciplinary team / multi-agency in conjunction with the qualified Occupational Therapist. To receive clinical and managerial supervision to maintain best practice. This will include discussion of caseload, reflective practice, and the ability to receive and act on constructive feedback. To ensure effective and appropriate face to face, telephone, electronic and written methods of communication are maintained at all times. Clinical excellence can only be achieved through good communication channels with all involved in the client’s care. To develop and implement skills pertinent to the area of work, for example manual handling, equipment management and installation, keyboard skills and driving. There may be requirement to work with clients and carers who may display challenging and aggressive behaviour or to work in adverse environmental conditions. Please see the attached Job Description & Person Specification for further details.*Person specificationQualifications & TrainingEssential criteriaEnglish language, literacy and numeracy skills to the standard necessary to provide clear, understandable records on computerised system (RiO) and fulfill job description.ExperienceEssential criteriaExperience of working with people with mental health needs as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.Desirable criteriaExperience of Eating Disorders.Skills, Knowledge & AbilitiesEssential criteriaKnowledge and awareness of issues relating to mental health, access to mental health services, and mental health promotion. Skills in managing situations of high expressed emotions. Ability to work independently, being self-motivated and to be able to prioritise and effectively manage a range of competing needs and pressures. The ability to recognise own limitations and to effectively utilise supervision and support systems to ensure safe and effective delivery of services.Desirable criteriaRelevant and recent experience of working in the community / wards.Personal AttributesEssential criteriaImagination, determination and receptive to working with and under supervision. Willing to accommodate flexible working, and motivated to be solution focused with regard to meeting the competing needs and demands of the service. Demonstrates empathy, compassion and patience. Demonstrates an ability to form positive therapeutic relationships with service users and carers. Demonstrates an ability to make a positive contribution to improving the quality of life for people with mental health problems. Demonstrates an ability to act calmly in emergencies and to respond in a professional manner in occasionally stressful and challenging situations. Demonstrates ability to work under own initiative and as part of a team. Ability to constructively challenge the ‘norm’ to bring about positive changes to improve the service user experience.#J-18808-Ljbffr