We’re looking for people who share our values of compassion, accountability and optimism to help us provide high quality care for the patients, carers, families and communities we serve. We specialise in NHS mental health and learning disability services and we’re proud to make a difference every day.
At SPFT we put people first. We’ll do everything possible to help you feel respected, valued and included. You’ll have opportunities to learn, grow and gain new experiences to support your career, with access to lifelong learning and professional development.
We actively promote flexible working and understand how important work life balance is, especially in healthcare. Whether it’s part time hours, hybrid working or flexible start and finish times, we’ll explore what works for you and the role.
We recognise that AI is becoming part of daily life and you may choose to use it to help prepare your application. We welcome innovation but ask that anything you submit reflects your own abilities, experience and voice. AI can support how you describe your skills and experience, but it should never replace your own words as we want to get to know you.
We’re shaping a workplace where ideas are encouraged, technology supports you and everyone has a voice in how we improve. If that sounds like the kind of organisation you want to be part of, we’d love to hear from you.
Job overview
Are youkeen to worka fascinating and ever-changing environment?
Are you curious, creative and always looking for new learning opportunities and ways to implement this into practice?
We have a Band 4 Allied Health Profession Therapy Assistant vacancy in our central therapies team at the Hellingly Centre, a medium and low secure inpatient service for male and female service users.
Forensic mental healthcare is a unique and fascinating field which provides both challenge and opportunity in abundance.
At the Hellingly Centre, we specialise in the assessment and treatment of people with complex and enduring mental health needs, who have had contact with the criminal justice system.
You will be working with service users who have committed criminal offences, but have also often been victims themselves. Service users regularly experience stigma for both mental health and offending history, so our role is to develop trusting and safe relationships which balance being compassionate, collaborative and supportive with sound risk assessment and management skills.
Main duties of the job
As an AHP therapy assistant, you will play a pivotal role in supporting service users to enhance their health and wellbeing.
You will:
* Work together with allied health professions, service users' and their care teams to support effective communication and the engagement in a range of meaningful activities.
* Provide feedback and contribute to holistic care plans, aiding service users' recovery and journey through secure services.
* Have the opportunity to assist with planning and delivering individual and group sessions, across various domains, including: nature-based - at the on-site allotment, ward gardens and in the community, the Recovery Through Activity programme, education, other vocational roles, e.g. the on-site shop, cooking and baking, music, sensory exploration and modulation, physical activity, art and creativity and participation opportunities.
Working for our organisation
The Hellingly Centre is a modern purpose built medium secure unit specialising in the assessment and treatment of people with complex and enduring mental health needs, who have had contact with the criminal justice system.
There are 4 specialist wards (2 male medium secure wards – Oak and Ash, 1 female medium secure ward – Blossom and 1 male low secure ward – Elm), each with a strong multi-disciplinary team.
We have a range of therapy facilities within the centre including: a gym, shop, music, woodwork and art rooms and Badger’s Café and allotment space on-site.
The centre is situated within the beautiful Hellingly Country Park and the Cuckoo Trail is also very close by. The local town, Hailsham is under 10 minutes away by car. There is a direct bus link to Eastbourne.
There is a small gym on-site which is available for staff to use. Badger's Cafe is on site and sells a good selection of hot drinks, meals and snacks. There is a large car park and parking is free.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Previous experience of working with people with mental health difficulties is essential. Any relevant qualifications that may support with the delivery of therapeutic interventions is desirable.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details of the role and requirements.
There will be access to regular supervision, reflective practice and training and development opportunities, including attendance to communities of practice.
This role is part time (30 hours), across Monday - Friday. Flexible working requests will be considered.
Please apply using the link in this advert. For any further information or if you have any questions regarding the role, please contact:
For further information, please contact Amy Boot (amy.boot@nhs.net) or Emily Barnard (emily.barnard15@nhs.net)
Person specification
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 Health care or equivalent in subject relevant to service area (B3)
* NVQ Level 4 Healthcare or equivalent in subject relevant to service area (B4)
– Knowledge/Experience
* Experience of working with people with mental health difficulties
* Experience working as part of a team
* Experience of facilitating individual and group activities
* Experience of being supervised
* Experience of training others in technical/leisure/creative skills
* Experience of supervising others
SPFT is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from disabled candidates, as these groups are currently underrepresented.
Successful candidates are normally appointed to the bottom of the pay scale unless previous NHS experience in a similar role can be evidenced.
SPFT takes its responsibilities for safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk very seriously. We expect all staff and bank workers to share this commitment and complete the relevant safeguarding training for their role.
If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. However, we’ll always do our best to keep you informed as we know how much time and care goes into applying for a role.
In the event of a high number of applications, we may close this vacancy early.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Name Amy Boot Job title Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist Email address amy.boot@nhs.net Telephone number 07471034261
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