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Job description

Join us at Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (NHFT) as an apprentice and train to become a qualified Occupational Therapist, gaining a BSc Hons Degree in Occupational Therapy whilst you work.

The post is a blend of learning between the workplace (4 days per week) and the University (1 day per week). Three full time practice placements will also be completed over the course of the degree to provide required experience in other clinical settings or organisations.

The occupational therapy apprenticeship with NHFT is an attractive package - it is fully salaried with training costs covered throughout the 3-year university programme meaning a comparable saving of approximately £29,000 against full time entry route students.

This post is suitable for:

• School leavers 18 and over who wish to complete a degree
• People working in a caring role, looking for their next career step
• People looking for a complete career change (mature students welcome)

Applicants must ensure they understand the content and entry requirements for undertaking the University of Northampton’s degree programme (found in the application guidance document).

ALL APPLICANTS must send copies of all relevant qualification certificates, stating they are applying for an NHFT apprentice position to [email protected] by 21stMay 2023 (latest) to confirm they meet the qualification entry criteria - applications cannot progress without this.

You will work alongside a qualified occupational therapist and be supported by a work-based mentor who will provide a ‘bridge’ between work and university-based learning. You will be patient-facing from the very start, so that you can develop your clinical competencies and knowledge related to the role of an occupational therapist with increasing confidence.

For the duration of the apprenticeship, you will be working in the older people’s in-patient mental health service, however your three full time university practice placements will provide an opportunity to experience how the profession works in different settings such acute general hospitals, community services, with children, adults, and older people.

WHEN APPLYING FOR THE POST PLEASE ENSURE:
1. Your application form clearly identifies how you meet the ESSENTIAL CRITERIA as set out in the Job Description.
2. You have sent your qualifications for checking to the University of Northampton - these must be the original certificates or replacement certificates issued by the educational body.

You have a passion to become an occupational therapist and are realistic about your capacity to manage a demanding work role plus university study in your own time. Emotional resilience, ability to manage pressure and deadlines, and availability to study evenings and weekends are essential.

As an occupational therapy apprentice you will work in our in-patient acute mental health service for older people at the Forest Centre, which is on the St Mary’s Hospital site, Kettering.

Candidates will undertake a two-fold selection process: meeting the skills and values required by NHFT as the employer, as well as the entry requirements of the University of Northampton Occupational Therapy Degree programme.

THERE ARE TIGHT DEADLINES FOR THIS POST - the key dates for all applicants are: Sunday 21stMay – deadline for providing evidence of qualifications. Wednesday 24thMay – deadline for submitting written task to the University of Northampton. Thursday 25thMay (afternoon) – University of Northampton interviews (online). Wednesday 31stMay (afternoon) – NHFT interviews at the Forest Centre. Please refer to the Application Guidance document for more details

Successful candidates will ideally start working with NHFT July/August 2023, commencing the degree programme 15thSeptember 2023.

Northamptonshire Healthcare Trust is an organisation committed to supporting all staff meet their development potential. The in-patient mental health therapy teams already have existing apprentices undertaking occupational therapy and physiotherapy training and are looking forward to welcoming new starters to join their diverse and expanding teams.

The mental health in-patient therapy team comprises of registered occupational therapists, a physiotherapist and physio apprentice, therapy assistants, volunteers, sessional workers, and students. The therapy team work closely alongside nursing staff and the wider multi-disciplinary team to provide quality and effective care for our patients with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and dementia.

Under the direction and support of the registered occupational therapists you will be undertaking assessments and providing individual and group treatments enabling individuals to undertake day to day tasks which may be compromised by their mental and physical health. The aim of treatment is to enable each individual to re-build daily living and coping skills in order leave hospital as soon as possible to continue working on their recovery in the community.

Although challenging and requiring a high level of personal resilience, the role is hugely rewarding, no two days are the same, and you will make a real difference to peoples’ lives. This could be the start of an amazing and varied career - are you up for the challenge?