Job Summary
22.5 hours per week - permanent
The post holder will work as part of the in-patient team on Cotehele. Cotehele provides assessment and treatment for individuals with functional mental health problems who are predominantly over 65. The role involves supporting and assisting patients within the in-patient setting, helping them maintain or develop skills to function at their optimum level. The post holder will work under the direct supervision of qualified staff, supporting and maximising individuals' management of their illness, maximising choice, encouraging decision making and engaging them in a range of social and therapeutic activities as part of their journey through the relevant pathway (Functional or Dementia).
The post holder will assist in facilitating programmes of therapeutic activities for individuals or groups and assist in assessments relevant to the person’s needs.
All Livewell Southwest staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.
Job Share(s) Considered. Please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.
Job Responsibilities
The role of the Occupational Therapy Assistant is to assist the Occupational Therapist (OT), work as part of the MDT and provide 1:1 work with patients both on the ward and in the community. The role includes providing a wide range of therapeutic groups, engaging patients, and assessing ADL skills. It requires working both under your own initiative and under the guidance of the OT and other MDT members. Assessments will include physical, social and psychological care.
The post holder will work within inpatient areas and with clients in the community, involving contact with relatives, carers and other agencies. There may be a requirement to take patients out for road safety and bus assessments and to use the pool car where available.
Communication and Relationship Skills
* Verbal information sharing within the team and the wider MDT, including Social Care colleagues and voluntary organisations.
* Clear, confidential telephone communication.
* Maintain accurate, timely paper and electronic records in line with organisational policies and the Data Protection Act.
* Assist in preparation of standard letters.
* A positive attitude to mental health, attending to patients with respect and courtesy, while maintaining professional boundaries.
* Collaborate in CPA documentation under supervision; liaise with MDT and other agencies on request; attend handover meetings; discuss patient care confidently within the team.
* Instruct and guide individuals/groups in the use of therapeutic activities and tools; share technical skills with students and staff as appropriate.
Knowledge, Training and Experience
* Participation in updating practice under guidance of qualified staff, including mandatory organisational training.
* Experience working with people with mental health problems; awareness of policy and legislation; knowledge of mental health service delivery.
* Adherence to policy and legislation relating to mental health (e.g., Mental Health Act 1983, Equal Opportunity Law, Disability Discrimination Act, Human Rights Act, Care Programme Approach and Clinical Governance).
* Willingness to engage in lifelong learning and to study up to NVQ3 or equivalent; undertake training objectives identified through appraisal.
* Awareness of lone worker policy.
Analytical, Planning and Physical Skills
* Map reading and planning routes for community visits; monitor risk during activities; liaise with care coordinators re discharge planning; organise client activity (venue, duration, staff ratio, risk).
* Drive in urban environments; competent keyboard skills.
Responsibilities
Assist in formulation and planning of care with qualified staff; provide interventions on request; work without direct supervision to facilitate group/individual work; engage patients in therapeutic activities to promote independence; observe and report progress; participate in MDT meetings and reviews; support new staff and volunteers; supervise volunteers on site; contribute to clinical case discussions; countersign written communication as required; observe for medication side effects and report to qualified staff; ensure high standards of patient care; assist with administrative tasks and office duties; share responsibility for security and safety of buildings; maintain stock and manage resources including petty cash; participate in policy and service development; comply with infection control policies and escalation procedures as appropriate.
Infection Control and Compliance
The post holder must comply with all infection control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates, and report concerns to their line manager. Escalation to the Director of Operations/Chief Executive Office if no action or explanation is received.
Additional Information
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required. This post may be subject to sponsorship considerations for Skilled Worker routes. See employer details for Livewell Southwest for further information.
Employer Details
Livewell Southwest, Morlaix Road, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 5AF. Employer website: https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/
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