We are currently seeking enthusiastic & proactive Occupational Therapists to join our multidisciplinary team covering Lancashire & South Cumbria.
TheCommunity Forensic Learning Disability Service is a supportive, multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities who have complex needs associated with offending behaviour.
Our service aims to:
Ensure better access to relevant treatment closer to home & within the community.
Reduce contact between people with learning disabilities and the criminal justice system.
Minimise hospital admissions, supporting more individuals to live safely in the community.
Enhance community capacity to provide effective, person-centred support for people with learning disabilities and forensic risks.
This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are motivated, compassionate, and passionate about working within Forensic Learning Disabilities.
We welcome applications from those who may not yet meet all essential criteria but hold the required qualifications. For the right candidate, we offer a transitional Band 5-6 role, supported by a competency-based development plan to help you grow into the position.
Join us and become part of a supportive, forward-thinking team committed to making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be expected to effectively manage a caseload of individuals with learning disabilities and associated forensic needs, working as an autonomous practitioner.
Using evidence-based and person-centred approaches, they will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate occupational therapy interventions that promote engagement, independence, and recovery.
The post holder will provide leadership and supervision to junior staff and students as appropriate.
They will also contribute to the planning, development, and evaluation of occupational therapy services within the service taking responsibility for defined projects that enhance quality and outcomes for service users.
The role requires a holistic and trauma-informed approach to the assessment and treatment of individuals, delivering high-quality, person-centred care, which may present with complex forensic challenges.
The post holder will promote safe and effective community living, supporting individuals to reduce offending behaviours.
The post holder will actively contribute to the development of the occupational therapy profession within the Community Forensic Learning Disability.
The role involves travel across a large geographical area; therefore, the ability to travel independently is essential. A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are required unless reasonable adjustments can be made under the Equality Act 2010.
About us
Mersey Care is one of the largest trusts providing physical health and mental health services in the North West, serving more than 1.4 million people across our region and are also commissioned for services that cover the North West, North Wales and the Midlands.
We offer specialist inpatient and community services that support physical and mental health and specialist inpatient mental health, learning disability, addiction and brain injury services. Mersey Care is one of only three trusts in the UK that offer high secure mental health facilities.
At the heart of all we do is our commitment to 'perfect care' – care that is safe, effective, positively experienced, timely, equitable and efficient. We support our staff to do the best job they can and work alongside service users, their families, and carers to design and develop future services together. We're currently delivering a programme of organisational and service transformation to significantly improve the quality of the services we provide and safely reduce cost as we do so.
Flexible working requests will be considered for all roles.
Job responsibilities
Work in a professional and collaborative manner with the multi-disciplinary team.
Have knowledge of Forensic and Learning Disability Services.
Where required, to be involved in the multidisciplinary team duty system and undertake duty assessments as necessary.
Ensure intervention is provided in a range of settings suitable to meet the needs of clients.
Provide information, education and support for family members, carers and other relevant professionals.
Participate and promote positive intra-agency working.
Participate in case load supervision to monitor the standards of service user care and ensure record keeping is in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.
Participate in regular clinical supervision with Occupational Therapy Team Lead, as per Trust policy.
Contribute to the development and implementation of integrated care pathways, including appropriate service user assessments/referrals and models of care.
Contribute to client related developments and therapeutic interventions carried out by the whole team.
Compile and maintain effective client records and record outcome measures in conjunction with clients and in accordance with Professional and Trust policies, procedures and standards.
Participate in the induction, training or education of a variety of staff, students or volunteers attached to the team/service.
Please refer to attached Job Description for a full list of duties and responsibilities.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Current HCPC registration
* Relevant professional OT qualification
Knowledge
* Previous experience in relevant health settings
* Supervision of staff
* Effective team working within a multi‑agency framework.
* Experience of service development
* Experience using both group and individual treatment skills
* Demonstrate experience of problem solving approaches
* Audit and research practices relevant to clinical area.
* Assisting with effective budgetary management
* Evidence based and experience of reflective practice
* Recovery Model of Care
* Model of Human Occupation
* Safeguarding Children
* Mental Health Act 1983
* Mental Capacity Act
* Effective Care Coordination
* Relevant national policies and guidance
* Up to date clinical knowledge relevant to the care environment
* Audit and research methods
* Awareness of own strengths and limitations
* Post graduate clinical experience, within mental health services.
* Wider range of statutory and non‑statutory services
Values
* Accountability
* Support
* High professional standards
* Responsive to service users
* Engaging leadership style
* Transparency and honesty
* Discreet
* Change oriented
* Ability to network and influence decision making
Skills
* Ability to utilise assessment skills and tools effectively
* Ability to communicate in a variety of settings
* Ability to formulate relevant reports
* Delegation and coordination
* Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines
* Mentorship skills
* Accurate Record keeping
* Flexible approach/ creative thinking
* Able to move and handle clients
* IT skills
Additional desirable criteria
* Effective leadership qualities
* Presentation skills
* Ability to network and influence decision making
* Team Building skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This 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.
Highly Specialist Occupational Therapist
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