Job overview
Male Occupational Therapy Assistant (Band 3)
This is an exciting opportunity to work within a well-established, staffed and resourced and respected Occupational Therapy service (OT) with patients with a primary diagnosis of server mental illness or personality disorder.
The post will be based within the high security, forensic hospital environment & offers a great development opportunity for the OT service to work with patients in assessments & treatment sessions throughout their stay in the hospital.
The hospital has moved to a new bespoke hospital is the most modern high security forensic hospital in the country. The hospital focuses on innovative care to a challenging and interesting patient group. We have a strong commitment to multi-professional working within the clinical team, focussing on reducing risk and offending behaviours.
We are looking to recruit to a resourceful, motivated person who can demonstrate skill in engaging patients and team work. There are opportunities to progress in the service via the professional route and an Occupational Therapy apprenticeship or through the Vocational Services and skill based learning task for patients.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work with the qualified Occupational Therapists in the services delivering assessment and treatment sessions. The Occupational Therapy Assistant see patients on and off the ward. The sessions will generally be group sessions but could at times be one to one sessions.
The hospital offers a variety of services which meet the changing needs of patients at every stage of their recovery and the work undertaken by the post holder will support this process.
Working for our organisation
The post holder will work with the qualified Occupational Therapists in the services delivering assessment and treatment sessions. The Occupational Therapy Assistant see patients on and off the ward. The sessions will generally be group sessions but could at times be one to one sessions.
The hospital offers a variety of services which meet the changing needs of patients at every stage of their recovery and the work undertaken by the post holder will support this process.
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.
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential criteria
1. Good general education with minimum of 2 CSE, GCSE or O’ Levels
2. To have a relevant trade or skill NVQ, City and Guilds, BTEC
Desirable criteria
3. Motivation and Engagement Training
4. Degree in a relevant area
Experience
Essential criteria
5. Experience of working with patients with mental illness and personality disorder.
6. Experience as a band 3 in a relevant patient care NHS post.
7. Good working knowledge environmental risk factors
8. Experience motivating and engaging patients.
Desirable criteria
9. Experience at working with others on implementing a new activity
Knowledge
Essential criteria
10. To have a working knowledge of the importance of grading therapeutic / activities to meet patients’ needs.
11. Evidence in mental health awareness
Desirable criteria
12. To have knowledge of clinical models / treatments used in the hospital.
13. Knowledge of wider NHS papers or policies or CQUIN’s relevant to Mental Health
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
14. Able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels.
15. Ability to work autonomously if directed by band 5.
16. Clear effective session planning
17. Good IT skills
18. Good time management skills.
Desirable criteria
19. Demonstrate a positive attitude to change.
20. To have an enquiring approach to service development.