Perinatal Occupational Therapy Assistant/Asst Therapy Practitioner Watford, East of England
Job description
Under the direction of the lead Occupational therapist, the post holder will be expected to:
Work as part of the Specialist Community Perinatal Mental Health Service, covering the whole of Hertfordshire, to manage an agreed and negotiated caseload of individuals and support the administrative responsbilities of the OT team.
Facilitate assessment and therapeutic interventions as defined by the Lead Perinatal Occupational Therapist and Multi-disciplinary team. Support the mother to nurture the mother baby relationship (dyad) through the medium of meaningful occupations. Undertake simple client assessment as agreed with the Perinatal Occupational Therapist, following agreed guidelines, protocols and care pathways. Demonstrate significant knowledge of Occupational Therapy and the impact that mental health and emotional wellbeing can have on roles, routine and function during perinatal and postnatal time. To adapt to guidance given and use initiative based on client presentation. Adjust and modify the treatment plan in consultation with the Lead Occupational Therapist or Multi-disciplinary team. Work as a member of the team to support the principles of the Perinatal Service, in client’s homes or community settings as appropriate. Deliver specialist interventions to individuals and groups of clients to facilitate the recovery principles. Carry out routine administrative duties as per Specialist Community Perinatal Team protocols. Utilise co-production working with other healthcare teams, social care, housing, private and voluntary services as appropriate.
We provide mental health and social care services - including Adults of Working Age, Older Adults, Children and Adolescents and Specialist Learning Disabilities services.
The Trust works in close partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and also with other NHS organisations to promote and support mental health in the community. We also provide specialist learning disability services in Norfolk and North Essex.
The Trust provides:
- Community Services including local teams for mental health
- Acute and Rehabilitation Services including inpatient services and crisis team
- Specialist Services such as mental health services for older people, eating disorders, and our mother and baby unit
- Learning Disability and Forensic Services
We help people of all ages live their lives to their full potential by supporting them to keep mentally and physically well.
Everything we do is aimed at providing consistently high quality, joined up care, support and treatment that:
- Empowers individuals to manage their mental and physical wellbeing
- Keeps people safe from avoidable harm
- Is effective and ensures the very best clinical and individual recovery outcomes
- Provides the best possible experience
- To plan and co-facilitate occupationally based groups guided by an Occupational Therapist.
- To work individually with service users on specific tasks and therapeutic activity guided by an Occupational Therapist.
- To carry out specific Occupational Therapy assessments as guided by an Occupational Therapist.
- Refer on to other services where indicated with guidance from lead Occupational Therapist or multi-disciplinary team.
- Signpost to appropriate information resources or services and assist mothers and families to develop networks and access services and resources that will aid health and well-being.
- To promote a culture of engagement in meaningful occupation within the service in order to enhance quality of life.
- To provide interventions in the manner that is consistent with Trust standards and values.
- To assist the multi-disciplinary team in supporting the individual with voluntary or vocational related opportunities or further training/education to support the clients rehabilitation and recovery. This may include making referrals under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist/other MDT members.
- To provide feedback to the team regarding observed occupational performance during a session which will contribute to assessment and therapeutic interventions.
- To maintain clinical records using the electronic patient record system.
- To liaise with carers and other professionals as relevant.
- To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
- To attend mandatory training.
- To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor.
- To keep a record of your training and development activities.
