Job overview
We are looking to recruit Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) for both the General Adolescent Unit and the CAMHS PICU.
In order to deliver the high quality of care we believe our young people deserve. We have a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) which comprises a nursing team as well as Doctors, Clinical Psychologists, Systemic Family Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and education staff, to engage with young people and their families and provide the range of interventions they need in a full and diverse daily programme, which caters to their individual needs. To achieve this, we need OTAs able to communicate and engage with young people in a variety of ways, to occupy them with meaningful activity at all stages of their illness. We are looking for OTAs to work closely with the OT team to devise, plan and facilitate patient centred therapeutic groups and 1:1 sessions. The focus is on recovery and reduction of risk, to enable the young person to develop independent living skills in order to return to the community.
You must have experience of either working in an acute mental health setting or in a youth setting with young people where you have delivered a range of activities individually or as a group. In return you will be supported by an experienced nursing team and senior Occupational Therapist and Lead Occupational Therapist. The Trust offers a number of great opportunities and there may also be support for further development and training.
Main duties of the job
To be able to use highly specialised technical and/or creative skills to co-ordinate, develop and facilitate a flexible, client centred programme of therapeutic activities for individuals and groups of young people who experience mental health difficulties. This will encompass the unit therapeutic programme and will be developed under supervision of the ward manager and OT with input from other multi-disciplinary staff. The post involves shift work including weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and bank holidays, please make sure that you are able to work these hours when applying.
Working for our organisation
SLaM has the largest and most specialised CAMHS services in the country and is on the forefront of personalised support for young people and children. Our general adolescent inpatient services, Bethlem Adolescent Unit and Tyson East 2, which are currently both based in the beautiful grounds of the Bethlem Royal Hospital in Beckenham. We also have the CAMHS PICU which has capacity for 7 beds, and treats are most vulnerable young people, supporting them in their recovery. We are looking to recruit staff who have a real understanding of the needs of the young people, who can bring innovation and change to our growing services. We invite you to join our dynamic, supportive and highly skilled team.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1) CLINICAL (a) To work autonomously in the delivery of clinical interventions using highly skilled technical / creative and specialised skills to engage young people in therapeutic activities. (b) To provide a range of activities to create a flexible inclusive therapeutic programme which covers days, evenings and weekends (Saturday and Sunday) as well as school holidays. (c) Provide a range of activities, instructing and guiding young people to support them in achieving identified goals. (d) Facilitate and manage planned group-work and individual activities, ongoing continuous assessment and adjustment of own clinical interventions based on the changing needs of the client group. (e) To deliver and report on delegated OT assessments. (f) Design relevant therapeutic programmes using highly developed skills in designated areas of expertise. (g) Participate in the Care Programme Approach (CPA), assisting in the development of care plans where appropriate. (h) To be responsible for, and work autonomously with, an agreed caseload. (i) Assist in the design, implementation, evaluation and modification of OT and team interventions. (j) To demonstrate an understanding of occupational therapy and apply this to the implementation of individual and group sessions. (k) To assess risk and manage it effectively within clinical and community settings. (l) Under supervision use specialised technical/ creative/physical exercise skills and specialised interventions to plan and provide therapeutic activities which promote and maintain independence and wellbeing. (m) To use a variety of teaching techniques in working with individuals and groups. (n) Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service. (o) Be aware of, and apply, the principle of risk assessment and management to all aspects of clinical work, alongside the MDT.
2) COMMUNICATION: (a) To form professional relationships with young people and carers, team members, colleagues and external agencies. (b) To communicate effectively and appropriately with team members on clinical matters and communicate outcomes of interventions. (c) Use a variety of communication skills and techniques to instruct and guide individuals / groups of young people in the use of therapeutic activities. To keep the ward and young people updated on what is available locally for a diverse group of young people and to provide the necessary information. (d) Engage and motivate young people from a variety of backgrounds. (e) To participate in, and work as a member of the MDT, contributing to decisions
3) DOCUMENTATION: (a) Maintain appropriate, up-to-date, written and electronic records and activity data in accordance with Professional and Trust standards. (b) To correspond with external agencies on clinical matters, as agreed with senior staff. (c) To write OT assessments and reports, in consultation with staff, according to local standards. (d) Produce and implement relevant policies and procedures relating to the area of responsibility. e.g. safe practice guidelines in relation to clinical areas.
4) LEADERSHIP, SUPERVISION AND APPRAISAL: (a) In line with Trust guidelines, review and reflect on your own practice and performance through regular participation in clinical / professional supervision and appraisal. (b) To provide day-to-day support and guidance to staff to ensure the effective delivery of the service. (c) Provide leadership and support to other junior Staff.
5) PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND DEVELOPMENT: (a) To comply with national and local procedures and guidelines and relevant professional code of conduct. (b) To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of clients and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to those needs. (c) Demonstrate ongoing personal development through undertaking relevant training / activities identified in clinical / professional supervision and appraisal.
6) SERVICE DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY: (a) To participate in the planning, reviewing and development of services within clinical area. (b) To be responsible for the preparation, maintenance and care of tools, materials and equipment, ensuring a safe environment for clients and staff as appropriate. (c) Keep up-to-date with issues within the OT Strategy and Business Plan and other local service reviews.
7) CLINICAL GOVERNANCE AND QUALITY STANDARDS: (a) Participate in Clinical Governance and quality improvement projects within service area as appropriate.
8) LINE MANAGEMENT, STAFF AND BUDGETS: (a) To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance. (b) To handle petty cash and be responsible for stock control and use of equipment, where appropriate. (c) To assist the Senior OT in taking a lead in the ward group therapeutic programme.
9) RESEARCH AND PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT: (a) Keep up-to-date with relevant techniques and methods of practice and apply it on a day-to-day basis. (b) To participate in OT / Team audit and evaluation activities and projects as agreed with supervisor. (c) Undertake small audit or research projects as appropriate.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Specific qualification or technical skill to a degree level or equivalent (e.g. appropriate level NVQ, City & Guilds in technical area), or willingness to undertake. (A) A-C Grade GCSE's in Maths and English (A)
2. Grade GCSE's in Maths and English
Desirable criteria
3. Further education qualification in health / mental health related subject.
Experience
Essential criteria
4. Experience working in mental health.
5. Experience of providing teaching / therapeutic interventions on an individual and group basis
6. Experience of planning and running groups within a health or social care setting
Desirable criteria
7. Experience of working with young people with Mental Health problems.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria
8. Knowledge of child and adolescent development
9. Detailed knowledge and skills in planning and implementing a variety of leisure / creative/ technical /physical exercise activities
Desirable criteria
10. Demonstrate an understanding of mental health issues