Job Title

We are searching for a 37.5 (full time) hours per week Band 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant to join us on Beech Wardbased in Torquay, Torbay Hospital. Beech ward is a 16 bedded inpatient MentalHealth Ward that supports primarily older adults with functional mental healthdifficulties. At Beech Ward, we pride ourselves on being a dedicated,passionate and skilled team, driven by the motivation to improve the lives andmental health of older adults. "Team support is outstanding." - Ruth, Staff Nurseon Beech "We are a caring and compassionate team." -Hannah, Discharge Facilitator "Staff go beyond the call of duty." - A serviceuser. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to work within adynamic team in a service that has been rated as Outstanding by the CQC.Working alongside a Band 5 and Band 6 Senior OT, and within the MDT, you will ensure thatservice users receive a high standard of person-centred care which enables themto recover in a timely way. Main duties of the jobThe team aimsto provide a recovery focused Occupational Therapy service to support people tore-engage with their lives. Working as partof the Beech Team for older adults who have a mental healthillness who require an acute andinpatient admission, the post holder will support and assist the qualified OT.The post holder will plan and facilitate therapeutic activities on and off theward according to patients needs, within the framework laid down by thesupervising OT. The post holder may also carry out individual interventions inthe community and in peoples homes, as directed by qualified staff. The post holderwill contribute towards thedevelopment of an innovative and needs led OT service as part of the Beech Team. The post holder may berequired to work across sites on our sister units when clinical need arises tosupport the fellow teams in service delivery. About usWe provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery. We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do Our values We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas. We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader. Job responsibilitiesPlease see the attachedJob Description and Person Specification which will provide further informationon this role. Person SpecificationSkills and AbilitiesAbility to engage and motivate individuals who are experiencing an acute phase of mental illness in activities of daily living The ability to use a varied range of communication styles to engage patients in one to one activities and group activities. Basic IT skills Ability to create innovative solutions to help empower service users. Assess patients response to activities and decide on appropriate action e.g. advise OT, summon assistance, alter the programme of activities. Ability to follow instructions and report back to qualified staff as appropriate. Plan and organise one off activity sessions on the ward, responding to the needs of small groups of current patients. Requires flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to patient need, change your work pattern and be responsive to the needs of the ward. Ability to work as part of a team Good health record in relation to work Physical fitness to carry out physical interventions when appropriate Willingness to participate/coordinate a variety of sporting activities with reasonable adjustments if required. Need to monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others Willingness to work day shifts as required Ability to work flexibly Ability to travel to sites in areas covered by the Trust. ExperienceAn understanding of the effects of mental illness on a persons well being and ability to carry out activities of daily living Proven ability to support patients to engage in a range of therapeutic activities. Running activity based groups and individual work. Relevant work experience with people with a diagnosis of mental health problems. KnowledgeDemonstrable understanding of recovery and mental health. Understanding of how occupational therapy works for patients in a mental health setting. QualificationsAbility and desire to gain more understanding about mental health recovery and OT Evidence of good standard of general education/qualification e.g. CSE, O Level, GCSE NVQ Level II/III or equivalent or willingness to work towards this Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr