Job description
Under the daily supervision of the relevant ward managers/ nurse in charge the post holder will provide social and recreational activities for individuals and groups of service users on Stanage ward and Dovedale 2 ward. This provision will support and extend the therapy program provided by occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and other AHPs. Supervision about the planning and implementation of activities will be provided by occupational therapists, who the post holder will liaise with closely on a frequent basis.
- To provide a meaningful and varied activity timetable on the adult acute wards (Stanage and Dovedale 2) to compliment the provision from other disciplines.
- To manage their time and responsibilities autonomously to ensure priorities are met and the delivery of an equal service/ activity provision across the wards.
- To undertake any other duties which may be allocated by the ward managers/ clinical lead OT within the general scope of the post and appropriate to the grade.
- To maintain existing skills and develop/receive training in new skills as required to carry out the work of the Trust.
- It is the responsibility of all Trust employees to ensure that all duties are carried out in accordance with ‘best practice’ risk management.
- All employees are expected to observe the Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy in their behaviour to service users, patients, the public and colleagues.
- Working together for service users
- Respect and kindness
- Everyone counts
- Commitment to quality
- Improving lives
Duties/Responsibilities
Clinical
- To work effectively as a key member of the ward multi-disciplinary team in providing appropriate activities on the adult acute wards.
- To work autonomously to facilitate planned group-work/ activities, ongoing continuous assessment and adjustment of own clinical interventions based on the fluctuating needs of the service users.
- Provide feedback on service users’ involvement in activity and occupational functioning
- Assist in the implementation, evaluation and modification of MDT interventions and care plans.
- Work alongside, guide and support service users in achieving identified leisure and socially inclusive goals.
- Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service
- To form professional relationships with service users and communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy, and culture.
- To report effectively to the team on service users engagement and progress. In the activities they participate in.
- To write clear and concise notes on the electronic patient record system.
- To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust Standards
- To produce a weekly timetable of activities for the service users/ wards and to plan themed events throughout the year for the whole ward to participate in.
- To adhere to the Trust’s Code of Conduct for non-registered staff and all other relevant policies and procedures
- In line with Trust guidelines, review and reflect on your own practice and performance through regular participation in professional supervision and appraisal/ Performance and Development Review (PDR).
- To participate in the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting
- To support team members to understand the value of activity and share ideas for others in the provision and promotion of activity.
- To ensure that areas are well maintained, comply with health and safety guidelines, ensuring the safe use of equipment and storage of materials
- To participate in the development and delivery of the service and team developments.
- To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor
- To keep a record of training and development activities
- Participate in clinical governance and quality improvement projects as allocated by the ward manager/ clinical lead OT.
- To exercise good personal time management, punctuality, and constant reliable attendance
- To be responsible for maintaining stock, advising on resources to carry out the job.
- As part of the ward (and OT) team, incorporate up-to-date techniques and ideas of positive practice into your work programme
- To participate in audit and evaluation activities as agreed.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential:
An understanding of the needs and experiences of people with mental health
Experience of work with people with challenging behaviour and / or people with complex needs.
Good communication skills, both written and verbal
An ability to interact effectively with staff from all disciplines.
An ability to interact with clients who have mental health difficulties, challenging behaviour and/or complex needs.
Ability to work independently, reliably, and consistently with work agreed and managed at regular intervals.
Ability to develop effective partnership working with families and carers.
Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively.
Desirable:
An understanding of therapeutic approaches applied to health care.
Understanding of risk and ways to adapt activity based on risk.
An ability to apply existing clinical knowledge to the setting.
Training & Qualifications
Essential:
Educated to diploma level, NVQ level 3 or equivalent knowledge/training/experience in an appropriate role.
Willingness to participate in training and undertake all mandatory training
Desirable:
Diploma in relevant area for example, social care, nursing.
Current UK driving licence.
Experience
Essential:
Experience of working with people with mental health.
Experience of planning and running groups.
Experience of work in direct care provision.
Experience with IT
Other
Essential:
Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning.
Willingness to work flexibly including evenings and weekends.
Self-awareness.
High standard of literacy skills.
High standard of organisational skills.