Children's Occupational Therapy Assistant Stafford, England
Job description
To work effectively as a member of the team in providing a range of treatment programmes with clients, devised by the Occupational Therapist, designed to improve / maintain the clients independence in daily activities. To observe functional ability, general behaviour and response of clients. Record the information and report to the appropriate Occupational Therapist as and when required. To maintain joint working practices with health, education and other agencies.
To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust Standards. To carry out administrative and computer based tasks to support the Occupational Therapist. The use of video technology to provide Occupational Therapy support with families, children and education staff. To ensure that areas are well maintained, and comply with health and safety guidelines, ensuring the safe use of equipment and storage of materials.
To adhere to the College of Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and all other national and local policies and procedures. To undertake relevant activities and training to enable you to carry out your job role. To review and reflect on your own practice and performance as laid down in Trust guidelines, through regular participation in professional supervision and appraisal. To participate in the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting.
To contribute to the Directorate's and team's clinical governance arrangements, quality and service development agenda. To ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times in conjunction with Trust Confidentiality Policy. Undertake any other duties as required within the sphere of competence and at the request of the Childrens Occupational Therapy Team Leader Systems and equipment To input into RIO electronic records in a timely manner. To monitor supplies of equipment within the department and identify low stock levels.
To contribute to audit at team level. Assist the Childrens OT team lead in the identification and planning of new developments. As directed by an Occupational Therapist demonstrate the use of a range of equipment to help achieve the childs Occupational Therapy goals. Decisions and judgment To be able to problem solve and contribute to the evaluation and modification of client's Occupational Therapy programmes.
With the support of an Occupational Therapist you will plan and implement treatment programs based on the child goals and physical skills. Maintain appropriate standards of Health and Safety as per Trust Policies and Procedures. Communication and relationships To share the OT findings with the education staff, parents and the Occupational Therapist. To form professional relationships with clients, their families and carers in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture To liaise effectively and to work collaboratively with other professionals at all levels.
To verbally share outcome of OT assessment and provide written reports as appropriate under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist. To delegate OT treatment programs to assistant staff and/or teaching staff. Physical demands of the job To be able to administer a range of motor activities which require fine manipulation, balance, coordination and basic ball skills from the OT. To demonstrate gross and fine motor activities in a group for children with motor coordination difficulties.
Frequent use of VDU Most challenging/difficult parts of the job Daily periods of concentration required for completing treatment programs and supporting in assessments up to 90 minutes Working in the office environment frequent disruptions will occur, the ability to change from one activity to the next is required on a daily basis. On occasions there may be exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances such as discussing unwelcome news/diagnosis with children and families. Occasional exposure to unpleasant working conditions such as when completing home visits such as dirt, smells or parent/ carers who may be upset.
