Job overview
Do you want to become an occupational therapist? Then this is the opportunity for you!
In recognition of the vital role that occupational therapists play in supporting clients to live healthy and fulfilled lives, we are offering a candidate the opportunity to apply for the occupational therapy apprenticeship.
You will work as an occupational therapy assistant in the Acton Mental Health Integrated Network Team MINT and be a core part of the occupational therapy offer to the clients of those services. You will be fully supported with study leave and off-the-job training to ensure that you are able to meet the necessary requirements of the occupational therapy apprenticeship. The course will also comprise of a range of clinical placements in other settings to ensure that you are able to gain the fullest range of experience possible.
You will need to be self-motivated and able to manage the competing demands of working full time alongside studying for a degree level qualification. It goes without saying that you will also need to be passionate about occupational therapy.
Please answer these following questions in your application:
- What has led you to Occupational Therapy?
- What skills do you have that are relevant to Occupational Therapy?
- What is your preferred post and why?
This is a very exciting opportunity to get paid to train to be an occupational therapist and so if you have been considering a career in healthcare for some time then this could be the right time for you.
The apprenticeship is run in partnership with a number of London based Universities, travel to those campuses will be required as necessary. There is a separate admissions selection process run through the university. This post is dependent on passing the academic entrance requirements and application process for that university. The Trust will support the successful candidate through this process.
Main duties of the job
1. To work under the overall supervision of a qualified occupational therapist to provide a client-centred occupational therapy service to a defined caseload of service users with complex needs.
2. To support the occupational therapist in the implementation of intervention plans aimed at helping clients to maintain and regain independence in functional abilities and promoting clients’ safety through the participation in everyday occupation
3. To complete the occupational therapy degree level 6 apprenticeship and gain full registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) on qualifying.
Working for our organisation
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.
The Trust is rated as ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as ‘Outstanding’.
The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. GCSE or equivalent: Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A*- C including English Language and Mathematics, or specified equivalents. Recent level 3 academic qualification, some examples include; -A-level: BBB - CCC (Excludes General Studies) -BTEC: DDM in a Health & Social Care related diploma. -Access to Health & Social Care (or other related programme) with a minimum of 36 credits at Merit or Distinction -International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 29 points to include 16 points at Higher level.
Desirable criteria
2. Previous degree in a relevant subject. Evidence of recent study.
Experience
Essential criteria
3. Previous experience in a relevant health or social care setting
Knowledge/skilla
Essential criteria
4. -Awareness of the impact of poor health on overall well-being. -Awareness of the positive impact of activity on health and well-being. -A basic understanding of the role of occupational therapy and the core philosophy of the profession -IT literacy.
5. Skills -Able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels. -Able to work effectively within teams. -Able to work with direct supervision. -Good motivational techniques and abilities. -Able to establish good working relationships. -Initiative, innovation and self-motivation. -Able to deal with stress appropriately. -Demonstrates a nonjudgemental and empathetic attitude towards patients. -Physically fit to undertake all duties. -Ability to manage the competing demands of full time work whilst studying for a degree. AF and I
Other requirements
Essential criteria
6. - This post is dependent on passing the academic entrance requirements and application process for the university. -Apprentices will need to have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of their apprenticeship, -Must be able to complete the apprenticeship within the time they have available, including the end-point assessment.