Occupational Therapy Assistant Exeter, England
Job description
Job Purpose The team aims to provide a strengths-based, person-centred Occupational Therapy service that supports people to recover a better quality of life based on their past and current roles, interests and skills. Working as part of the Belvedere Team to support people with Organic Mental Illness who require an acute inpatient admission, the post holder will support and assist the OT Technicians /qualified OTs. The post holder will plan and facilitate therapeutic activities on and off the ward according to patients needs, within the framework laid down by the supervising OT. The post holder may also carry out individual interventions in the community and occasionally in peoples homes, as directed by qualified staff.
The post holder will contribute towards the development of an innovative and needs led OT service as part of the team at Franklyn Hospital. The post holder may be required to work across the Franklyn site when clinical need arises to support service delivery Communication & Working Relationships Communicate effectively with other members of the Occupational Therapy team and other health professionals to ensure clinically-relevant information is received accurately and in a timely manner. Ensure records/documentation are maintained to required standard and report accurately when providing feedback to others Understanding of barriers to communication and ways to communicate effectively with service users Develop therapeutic rapport with service users to maximise therapeutic potential. Provide and receive complex or sensitive information using tact, reassurance and motivational skills.
Give consideration to, and have an understanding of, barriers to understanding, for example, a persons cognition, mental state or learning disability. Develop positive working relationships with Rougemont Team and site-wide members of multi-disciplinary teams (MDT). Support and facilitate OT sessions, under the direction of qualified staff. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community-based providers Positively promote OT to clients, professional colleagues, visitors and members of the community.
Ensure that commitments made are achieved in the agreed timescale or that issues and obstacles are clearly communicated as soon as possible. Work individually or in groups with clients and fellow professionals. Engage fully in the supervision process with line manager. Keep team manager aware of all clinical, risk and service issues as they arise.
Planning & Organisation Assist the qualified Occupational Therapist in planning and organisation within designated area of work Plan, organise and deliver activities and groups to engage service users on the ward and in the community where appropriate Attend staff meetings Keep stores/materials organised and stocked on the ward. Demonstrate the ability to work within own capability and seek support if situation exceeds capability Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment & Therapy The post holder is expected to work the majority of their time (80%) in direct client contact. Required to work a flexible work pattern, over 7 days a week, working alternate weekends. With supervision, enable service user engagement and achievement of therapeutic goals according to agreed care plan.
Assist the O.T. to provide effective interventions, including group work, individual work, home visits etc Positively encourage individuals to maintain their independent living skills within the hospital setting, using a strengths-based approach. Promote safe moving and handling practices according to service users needs and within Trust Manual Handling Policy Ensure all service users are treated with respect, paying attention to their health, well being and safety. To deal sensitively with patients who are anxious or aggressive Ensure service user record confidentiality at all times in accordance with COT and Trust policies To undertake other duties as may be determined from time to time within the general scope of the post to maintain a safe working environment and report any problems to line manager Policy, Service, Research & Development Responsibility Observe Trust and team policies, protocols and standards at all times Responsible for continually updating compulsory and essential training Comply with the Trust Manual Handling Policy and local therapeutic handling guidance at all times Attend team meetings as required Contribute to the development of the occupational therapy service Participate in the education of visitors, students, volunteers etc Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources Exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance Responsible for ensuring any faulty equipment is reported to line manager as per Trust and O.
T. service policy Assist with the ordering and maintaining of any stock requirements in liaison with Occupational Therapist Claim back monies spent via petty cash claim forms Responsible for operating within the financial envelope of each activity. Responsible for safe use of equipment by patients, for example, when using catering equipment. Assist with health and safety risk assessments related to your activities.
Handle small amounts of cash Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management Participate in regular clinical and managerial supervision with qualified O.T. Use own initiative to plan individual activities and groups both on/off the ward. Occasional lone working in the community under the direction/supervision of trained staff Contribute to the induction of new staff and student placements as appropriate. Act as a positive role model to colleagues, students and the people who use our service Information Resources & Administrative Duties Responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient treatment records Assist with all administrative duties in relation to the service eg photocopying, basic poster design, maintaining notice boards etc Ability to use email, internet, word processing and other software to fulfil role requirements.
Responsible for keeping up to date with core training requirements. Any Other Specific Tasks Required Lone working with clients on site and within the community when appropriate Ability to respond to assistance alarms and deliver safe-holding skills if required Ability to alter timetable at short notice as other priorities occur Adhere to COT code of Ethics & Professional Conduct for Non-Qualified Staff and all other relevant policies and procedures Ability to work a flexible shift pattern, over a seven day week, working every other weekend. Review of this Job Description This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended in the light of changing service needs. This job description is to be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder on an annual basis.
Confidentiality The post holder will maintain appropriate confidentiality of information relating to the Trust, individuals and Patient information. The post holder will be expected to comply with all aspects of the Data Protection Act. Equality & Diversity Devon Partnership NHS Trust is committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all staff and for those who access services. You must work in accordance with equal opportunity policies/procedures and promote the equality and diversity agenda of the Trust.
Recovery It is a requirement of all employees to have an understanding of the broad principals of the Recovery Approach and to incorporate them into every aspect of their work in support of the Trusts aim to provide services that support peoples recovery through being holistic and promoting social inclusion, self management, personal autonomy and independence. Risk Management / Health and Safety Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, ensure that agreed safety procedures are carried out and maintain a safe environment for employees, patients and visitors. Records Management The post holder has responsibility for the timely and accurate creation, maintenance and storage of records in accordance with Trust policy, including email documents and with regard to the Data Protection Act, The Freedom of Information Act and any other relevant statutory requirements. Clinical Governance The post holder will be expected to participate in clinical governance activities to assist the Trust to provide high quality services.
Prevention and Control of healthcare Associated Infection The post holder is expected to comply with Trust Infection Control Policies and conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as to minimise the risk of healthcare associated infection. Policies & Procedures Trust employees are expected to follow Trust policies, procedures and guidance as well as professional standards and guidelines. Copies of Trust policies can be accessed via the staff intranet or external website or via your manager.
