Overview
Job summary: We are recruiting to a full time Paediatric Occupational Therapy Technician, Band 4 position based in Bury St Edmunds.
Occupational Therapists work with children and young people who have difficulties or a disability, providing assessment, advice and intervention to enable children from birth to 19 years to participate safely and as fully as possible in activities and education as part of their daily life. We work closely with other NHS therapy services, education, social care and a wide range of other care providers to ensure that children receive the support they need.
As a technician with the Paediatric OT Team the role will focus on undertaking specific skilled support work directed by the therapists to aid the management of complex children with a wide range of physical, long term and deteriorating disabilities. All necessary training will be offered to the new post holder. The role is based in the community working within homes, clinics, special and mainstream schools and nurseries with children aged 0-19 years. Frequent travel is an essential part of this role. You will need to travel across a wide area of rural Suffolk, so you must either hold a full, current driving licence or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable and suitable means.
Responsibilities
* Part of the Paediatric Occupational Therapy Team, working independently under the supervision of qualified therapists, supporting clinicians to provide occupational therapy to children and families.
* Maintain close patient contact and communication within the Occupational Therapy and wider multi-disciplinary team. Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a positive attitude to self-directed learning.
* Some experience in a health, care or educational environment is advantageous. The role requires empathy, sensitivity and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Set up and adjust specialist equipment used by children and young people as part of a programme of 24 hour postural management, and keep accurate records using the online electronic record keeping system.
* Travel to child settings to review and set up equipment for postural management and moving and handling; adjust equipment and instruct carers on safe use (e.g., seating, hoists, slings).
* Review progress, adapt programmes, order equipment, and report back to the Occupational Therapist; organise and liaise with suppliers and representatives as needed.
* Resource play and therapeutic activities, plan programmes, and modify as necessary; report back to the Occupational Therapist.
* Assist children, carers and education staff with therapy interventions and activities; adapt to environmental factors; assist with postural management programmes.
* Set up equipment in settings such as special schools and homes; maintain physical ability to move equipment and support positions.
* Report changes in condition and any variations of expected treatment outcomes to the appropriate therapist.
* Participate in regular supervision and manage own workload and time effectively.
Planning and organisational Skills
* Prioritise own workload and organise work to meet priorities and reduce risk.
* Participate in own development and training needs planning; monitor and develop own performance.
* Engage in regular supervision and manage time and tasks effectively.
Qualifications and Experience
Education and qualifications
* Essential: good general education to GCSE level or equivalent (English & Maths); computer literate with basic IT skills.
* Desirable: NVQ level 3 or equivalent in a care/health related subject; knowledge of child development and safeguarding.
Experience and knowledge
* Essential: experience of working with children and families; ability to communicate with children with impaired social communication skills; good communication skills with children and adults.
* Desirable: understanding Health & Safety legislation including manual handling; awareness of local services and voluntary organisations.
Personal Qualities
* Essential: travel ability or access to personal transport, or mobility meeting role requirements.
Skills and abilities
* Essential: ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team; ability to work under pressure; flexible approach; able to use own initiative and work alone.
Disclosure and Sponsorship
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require an assessment by the Disclosure and Barring Service. Applications from job seekers requiring skilled worker sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications. For more information see the employer section.
Employer details
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Child Development Centre, Hospital Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3ND
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