Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job summary Are you someone looking to start a career in one of the UK's most respected mental health trusts?
Would you like to be part of a dedicated team committed to those with mental health problems enjoy a better future?
Would you like to do a job that makes a difference every day?
We are looking for Occupational Therapy Assistants (full time and part time roles available) to join the Occupational Therapy Team based at Langdon Hospital, in Dawlish.The role is dynamic and challenging but provides an opportunity to apply an occupational perspective when meeting individuals goals and to provide meaningful recovery focused activities/interventions.We are seeking a motivated and innovative individual who wishes to contribute to the mental health care of people with Secure Services.
We welcome applications from both experienced and new individuals.Langdon Hospital provides specialist forensic mental health services for up to 75 men in the South West of England, there are exciting plans to develop the service further, for which you could be part of.The roles may be allocated to a medium or low secure unit and required to be rotational across all wards on the Langdon site.
Candidates will be required to work a flexible work pattern to support the service needs which will include weekend working.Langdon Hospital in Dawlish is set in beautiful Devon countryside across a 111-acre site which Dewnans Centre, a £27 million state-of-the-art medium secure unit as well as low secure ward.
Main duties of the job The successful candidate will support and assist the qualified Occupational Therapists and the wider ClinicalTeam.You will have the exciting opportunity to plan and facilitatetherapeutic activities on and off the ward according to patients needs.
You may also, at times, carry out individualinterventions on site and in the community as directed by qualified staff.Aqualification in Health & Social Care Level 3 QCF or equivalent experienceis desirable and you will need to demonstrate that you are able to use a variedrange of communication styles to engage patients in one to one and groupactivities.Due to the nature of the role the successful candidate will need to haveproficient IT skills as they will be required on a regular basis to facilitateonline sessions with patients and maintain accurate records.You will also need to adapt to the service needs as required whilst meetingindividuals goals and supporting the patients recovery.Join us at Devon Partnership NHS Trust and you'll become part of an award-winning organisation that is passionate about mental health and learning disability.
One that cares about the people it supports and one that also cares about its staff.
About us About Devon Partnership TrustWe 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 doOur valuesWe 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 description Job responsibilities Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further information regarding this role.
Person Specification Planning and Organising Skills Essential 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.
Qualifications Essential NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
If equivalent qualification is not already obtained, to complete QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care within 18 months of commencing employment.
Ability and desire to gain more understanding about mental health recovery and OT.
Evidence of good standard of general education/qualification CSE, O Level, and GCSE.
Knowledge and Skills Essential Demonstrable understanding of recovery and mental health.
Understanding of how occupational therapy works for patients in a mental health setting.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills Essential Ability to create innovative solutions to help empower service users.
Assess patients responses to activities and decide on appropriate action advise occupational therapists, summon assistance, and adapt the programme of activities.
Ability to follow instructions and report back to qualified staff as appropriate.
Physical Skills Essential 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.
Experience Essential An understanding of the effects of mental illness on a persons wellbeing 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.
Communication and Working Relationship Skills Essential Ability to engage and motivate individuals who are experiencing an acute phase of mental illness in activities of daily living.